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.
Step into a glowing world of color at Garden Glow presented by Kroger — where light and a bit of magic take over Maymont after dark. Wander through mesmerizing light [...]
Great Scott! Back to the Future, the beloved, cinematic classic is now a Broadway musical with its destination set for Richmond in 2026. Winner of the 2022 Olivier Award 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 11:15 a.m. in the beautiful setting of the Garden. It combines early childhood learning with the magic of nature, offering a fresh experience each week. [...]
For all ages. No registration required, drop in anytime between 4 to 6pm. Celebrate Dolly Parton's birthday (1/19) at the Greene County Library! Stop by between 4 and 6pm on 1/20 to have some awesome Dolly (Parton) Day fun! Enjoy coloring, making your own birthday hat, and of course listening to Dolly Parton's music! Learn [...]
UVA Division for Community Engagement and Equal Opportunity Presents: Community MLK Celebration Keynote Event at the Paramount Theater Born just nine years after the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama, MacArthur “Genius Grant” Fellow Imani Perry was instilled from an early age with a strong instinct for justice and progressive change. The rich interplay between history, [...]
Yo ho, yo ho a pirate’s life for me! And you too! ☠🏴 Get ready for swashbuckling science at this family-friendly adventure on the high seas. ⛏ Dig for buried treasure and discover how X marks the spot for exploring geology. ⚓ Is your ship seaworthy once it’s full of loot? Build a mini-seacraft and [...]
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 be a hands-on historical activity and a craft to keep. January 10, 2026: Our first Toddler Time will be focused on historical music, instruments, and [...]
Join for Storytime! New Dominion’s weekly Storytime, held at 11 AM on Saturdays, features both recent storybooks and the classics kids know and love. Rain or shine. All ages welcome. Bring a friend! Running late? No problem—they’ll be reading from a variety of books during each Storytime hour. Happy Learning! Explore helpful resources in our [...]
Join the Landscape Manager, Bridget Curran, for a community art project that celebrates one of the Garden’s most meaningful symbols: the nest. 🪺 Together, we’ll help create a woven nest made from natural materials—lightly placed on the land, shaped by many hands, and offering winter habitat for small creatures. You can take part [...]
Ages 7-12. Registration required. Calling all Huntrix and Saja Boys fans - join us for an afternoon of fun at our party inspired by the film K-POP Demon Hunters! Sing along to music from the movie and enjoy a variety of themed-crafts and activities. It’s going to be golden! Costumes are welcome!
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 metal wheels! Skating Rink is available for private skating parties! CharlottesvilleFamily connects you with what matters most! From education resources and school guides to [...]
Toddler Time offers the perfect opportunity for your little ones to embark on a journey of exploration, learning, and growth. Specifically designed for children aged 2 to 4 years old, our program provides a safe and enjoyable environment where creativity flourishes, confidence builds, and friendships blossom. Engaging stories, interactive hands-on activities, and social interaction form [...]
Registration is required to obtain the mailed and virtual materials to accompany the class. *** This class will discuss the benefits of breastfeeding for mother and baby and dispel some of the myths associated with breastfeeding. Other tips will include getting started, common problems, pumping, going back to work and the fathers/support person's role. We [...]
Join for Puffling Play Club, a fun and welcoming playgroup for little ones ages 5 and under! Let your kiddos explore and climb through ball pits, soft play cubes, and wooden Pikler triangles, while you enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee and connect with other parents.
“Crack the Code” is an event designed to help parents, guardians, and other caring adults better understand how to read school reports. This event is hosted by First Baptist Church, supported by the Charlottesville City Schools Family and Community Engagement Team and the Community Schools initiative. The gathering will take place on Thursday, January 29 [...]
Fathers and Daughters are invited to experience a fun-filled evening! The annual Father Daughter Dance will be on January 30 and 31 at the Guildford Farm in Ruckersville! Snacks, beverages, pictures, [...]
On the first Saturday in February*, thousands of libraries across the world celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day by offering free, fun, fabulous activities for families. Your local library is an ideal place for children to play, discover, make friends, and have fun. And Take Your Child to the Library Day is the [...]
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 [...]
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.
