There’s always something exciting happening in Charlottesville, Virginia! From outdoor concerts and food festivals to art walks and kid-friendly celebrations, Central Virginia offers events for every interest and age. Our editors at CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine update this guide daily to help locals and visitors discover the region’s best happenings—whether you’re a parent looking for weekend fun with the kids or simply exploring what’s going on around town. Bookmark this page and check back often for the latest family events, festivals, and community gatherings throughout Charlottesville and Albemarle County.
Does being slow, small or sleepy have advantages? Sometimes, yes! Survival of the Slowest takes its time and proves just that. Featuring a variety of live animals, this touring exhibition explores overlooked species that have used perceived disadvantages that help them not only survive, but thrive in a world full of fast animals at the [...]
From air to sea to land, discover ways first responders help those in distress. Do you have what it takes to be a hero? Dive into a high-intensity experience where science meets real-life heroics. Rescueputs you at the center of daring land, sea and air missions. This hands-on exhibition lets guests of all ages step [...]
Join every Friday for freshly-baked cake scraps and fillings paired with a flight of premium ice cream from our friends at Sugar Bear Ice Cream! Our Ice Cream and Cake [...]
For over a century, the week-long Shenandoah County Fair, held at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds, has brought people together for summer fun. Expect agricultural exhibitions, thrilling amusement rides, live entertainment, [...]
Join Hannah Barnaby, local author and bookseller, every Friday for an engaging storytime featuring the reading of 2–3 delightful books. CharlottesvilleFamily connects you with what matters most! From education [...]
Solar Observing sessions are scheduled for every fourth Friday of every month in 2026. The Charlottesville Astronomical Society will present and bring their special Solar telescope(s), which will allow us to safely see sunspots, solar flares [...]
Meet The Team will be held at the Welsh Indoor Practice Facility (IPF) Sunday (Aug. 9) at 4 p.m., while Paint The Town Orange will commence Friday, Aug. 28 at [...]
Join for Cville Bricks: A LEGO Showcase, a hands-on LEGO experience for builders of all ages! Compete in timed building challenges, create your own masterpiece on our LEGO art wall, [...]
Join the Frontier Culture Museum this January, February, and March for Toddler Time! Each Toddler Time at the Frontier Culture Museum will include a story time. Then, there will also [...]
Best of C-VILLE is hitting the bricks. C-VILLE Weekly is expanding Best of C-VILLE with the launch of the Bestival—a brand-new (free!) community celebration of everything that makes Charlottesville the best. Spend the afternoon exploring local businesses—live fitness demos, free mini portrait sessions, AMAs with local experts, music, merch, and more—to celebrate this year's winners before the invite-only Best of C-VILLE party next door at The Bradbury.
The Greenwood Community Center offers public roller-skating on Saturday Nights 6pm-8pm. Admission is $3 to rent skates and $2 if you have your own skates. Roller blades are allowed. No [...]
BGP is excited to announce our annual Botanical Art Festival will be taking place September 2026. This Festival will celebrate art in our community by offering free art programing for [...]
Little Nature Explorers is a weekly outdoor program created for young children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers. This free event takes place every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to [...]
Join for an open studio-style cake decorating session with all the tools and materials to make your own mini wedding cake. The perfect midweek treat, our self-guided sessions include piping [...]
Program Type: Drop-In Ages: Ages 2-5, with Adult Access: Included with Admission Toddler Yoga & Movement explores and encourages physical wellness and emotional regulation in early childhood development through mindfulness, [...]
The First Saturday of Each Month – 8 AM to 10 AMJoin for Special Needs Jump Time, where everyone can enjoy jumping fun! This time is designed to ensure everyone [...]
Boar's Head Resort is excited to bring you an activity-filled Labor Day weekend in VA during our Summer Celebration Series. Bring the entire family to our event on The Green [...]
Our handy calendar is a great way to find fun things for Cville kids to do in Charlottesville and Albemarle County all month long. It’s also a great way to plan for seasonal family activities like hikes near Charlottesville, apple picking, Halloween events, berry picking, pumpkin patches, Charlottesville Christmas events, seasonal festivals, fairs, storytimes, art-making events, and more.
Please note that although all posted Charlottesville events are reviewed by our staff for correct content, event details may change after they are posted. Be sure to check any event’s website or social media to confirm locations, times, and costs before traveling.
Hosting a local event or kids’ activity in Charlottesville, VA? We invite you to submit your listing to our CharlottesvilleFamily events calendar — the go-to resource for parents seeking local events, seasonal activities, and free things to do in Charlottesville with kids. From community festivals and holiday celebrations to educational workshops and outdoor adventures, we highlight what makes Central Virginia such a vibrant place for families. Please submit your event using this form.
We hope you will also enjoy our stories on raising healthy kids, schools & learning, home & garden and family fun.
From festive Charlottesville events to everyday fun, these guides help you find engaging things to do in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Keep your busy Cville kids entertained and create fun family memories and traditions year-round!
Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or searching for seasonal events in Charlottesville, VA, this curated list highlights the best local activities, destinations, and experiences for kids and parents alike. These year-round attractions are perfect for families who want to make the most of life in Central Virginia.
To keep up with all the fun events for Cville kids and families, sign up for our free CharlottesvilleFamily e-Mag. You’ll receive weekly or monthly (you choose!) family news and events right in your inbox.
And don’t forget to check out the amazing local businesses and partners who help families thrive in our community.
