Summer in Central Virginia is packed with festivals, outdoor concerts, and community events that celebrate local culture, history, music, and food. Whether your family loves music festivals, farm fun, historic tours, or cultural celebrations, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best summer festivals and events for families in Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and beyond!
1. Albemarle County Fair
James Monroe’s Highland | Late July
The Albemarle County Fair is a beloved summer tradition that blends agriculture, history, and family fun. Held at James Monroe’s Highland, the fair features:
- Farm animals and 4-H exhibits
- Carnival-style games and activities
- Local craft vendors and food trucks
- Live music and entertainment
This event is a great way to introduce kids to Virginia’s rural heritage, with plenty of hands-on activities and fun experiences. Check out the CharlottesvilleFamily County Fair Roundup for more local fairs across Central Virginia!
2. Charlottesville Pride Festival
Charlottesville’s annual Pride Festival is a joyful, family-friendly celebration of LGBTQ+ inclusion, love, and community. Held at Ix Art Park, the event features:
- Live music and performances
- Drag storytime for kids
- Interactive art activities
- Food vendors and local businesses
With a welcoming atmosphere, this festival is a great opportunity to teach kids about diversity and acceptance in a fun and engaging way.
3. Cville Band Family Pops Concert
Ting Pavilion | June
The Charlottesville Band Family Pops Concert is a must-attend summer festival for families who love music. This free concert features:
- Kid-friendly orchestral music
- Familiar movie scores and upbeat tunes
- A casual, picnic-friendly setting
Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of music under the stars at the Ting Pavilion on the Downtown Mall.
4. Fridays After Five
Ting Pavilion | April–September
Fridays After Five is a free weekly concert series that runs throughout the summer. Held at Ting Pavilion, these concerts are perfect for families who want to:
- Listen to live music from local and regional bands
- Let kids dance and play in an open, relaxed environment
- Enjoy food vendors and downtown dining options
Concerts start in the evening, so it’s a great way to kick off the weekend with family-friendly entertainment.
5. Grace Church Historic Farm Tour & Country Fair
Keswick | June
The Grace Church Historic Farm Tour is a unique, hands-on experience that allows families to explore working farms and historic estates in Albemarle County’s scenic horse country. Highlights include:
- Up-close animal encounters (horses, sheep, goats, and more!)
- Tractor rides and hayrides
- Equestrian demonstrations
- Local craft and artisan market
This event is great for kids who love animals and farm life, offering an interactive and educational way to experience Virginia’s rural heritage.
6. July 4th Celebrations
Various Locations | July 4th
Charlottesville and surrounding counties offer multiple Independence Day celebrations, from fireworks displays to patriotic parades. These will be some of the biggest and most festive summer festivals! Families can enjoy:
- Fireworks at Carter Mountain Orchard
- Monticello’s Naturalization Ceremony
- Small-town parades and festivals
For a full list of Fourth of July events, check out the CharlottesvilleFamily July 4th Guide!
7. Roseland Polo at King Family Vineyards
Crozet | Sundays, June–October
One of the most unique family outings in the area is Roseland Polo at King Family Vineyards. Every Sunday in summer, families can watch a live polo match for free while enjoying:
- A picnic-friendly setting
- Space for kids to run and play
- Scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains
This laid-back, elegant event is great for families looking to experience something new and exciting.
8. Soul of Cville Festival
The Soul of Cville Festival is a celebration of Black culture, music, and community in Charlottesville. Hosted at Ix Art Park, the event features:
- Live music and spoken-word performances
- Art displays from local Black artists
- A vibrant marketplace with food, crafts, and fashion
- Family-friendly activities and entertainment
This festival is a fantastic way to celebrate diversity and enjoy great food, music, and culture with the whole family.
9. Farmers Markets & Family-Friendly Food Festivals
Various Locations | May–October
Visiting a farmers market is a fun, free summer activity where kids can learn about local food, sustainability, and farming. Many markets also feature live music, food trucks, and kids’ activities.
Some of the best family-friendly farmers markets in Central Virginia include:
- Charlottesville City Market – Saturdays, April–December
- Crozet Farmers Market – Saturdays, May–October
- Fluvanna Farmers Market – Tuesdays, May–September
Check out CharlottesvilleFamily’s Farmers Market Guide for a full list of local markets and family-friendly food events! You might even want to go berry picking or visit an apple orchard.
10. Summer of Sunflowers at Burnside Farms
Nokesville, VA | July-August
Take a day trip to Burnside Farms in Nokesville, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by 70 acres of sunflowers. Families can enjoy:
- Pick-your-own sunflowers
- Playground and picnic shelter
- Live performances on weekend evenings
- Food trucks and family-friendly activities
The Summer of Sunflowers happens from July to August, with exact dates dependent on the growing season. Check the farm’s website or social media accounts for a concert schedule and updates on the best days for blooms!
From music festivals and farm tours to cultural celebrations and historic fairs, Central Virginia offers endless summer fun for families. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back picnic concert, an action-packed fair, or an inspiring arts event, there’s something for everyone.
Looking for more summer activities? Check out CharlottesvilleFamily’s Full Event Calendar and our Summer Fun Bucket List for even more ways to enjoy summer with your family! Keep yourself active into the cooler months with our Fall Festivals Guide too.
Are you interested in day trips and fun with kids? CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine is your solution! Here you can find our favorite free activities around Charlottesville, Shenandoah Valley day trips, sensory-friendly outings, ideas for visiting Monticello, Bennett’s Village Playground and more!
ELLEN SEWELL is our Associate Editor. With a degree in Communications and Media Studies and a gift for the written word, she especially enjoys interviewing local people making a positive difference and sharing events with other parents. Passionate about hands-on-learning and being active, she loves to explore museums, playgrounds and outdoor attractions of all kinds with her three amazing children.