CharlottesvilleFamily 2025 Family Favorites

Top Events in Charlottesville & Central Virginia

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.

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  • Survival of the Slowest

    Science Museum of Virginia 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA
    Elementary School Age

    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 [...]

  • Summer Movie Express – $1 Movies

    Regal Stonefield
    Elementary School Age

    Looking for an easy, affordable way to keep the kids entertained this summer? Regal’s Summer Movie Express returns June 1 through August 13 with eleven weeks of family-friendly favorites for [...]

  • Virginia Theatre Festival

    UVA Drama
    On Stage & Screen

    SEASON TO KICK OFF WITH KEN LUDWIG’S MORIARTY; FOLLOWED BY TONY AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL DISNEY’S NEWSIES;AND POWERFUL ONE-WOMAN-PLAY FRIDA…A SELF PORTRAIT   CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – February 3, 2026 – The Virginia Theatre Festival’s 2026 season will open on Saturday, June 20 with the melodramatic madcap romp, Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty. VTF’s 52nd season runs through July 26 and will also feature the [...]

  • Wintergreen Music Festival

    Wintergreen Resort Wintergreen, Virginia
    Festivals & Fairs

    Between July 2 and July 26, we have musical inspiration every day. Whether it’s the power of a large orchestra, the excitement of a musician at the top of their [...]

  • Tiny Tiers

    Cake Bloom 705 W Main Street, Charlottesville, Virginia
    Arts & Crafts

    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 [...]

  • Disney’s Newsies

    Culbreth Theatre 109 Culbreth Rd., Charlottesville, Virginia
    Elementary School Age

    Extra! Extra! Read all about it! The Tony Award-winning musical, Disney’s Newsies tells the tale of young Jack Kelly, who rallies his fellow turn-of-the-century New York “newsies” to strike back against the leading [...]

  • Virginia Sunflower Fest

    Chiswell Farm Greenwood, Virginia
    All Ages

    Celebrate summer at the Virginia Sunflower Fest at Chiswell Farm in Greenwood, VA, just outside Charlottesville! Wander through vibrant sunflower fields, capture unforgettable moments with friends & family, and cool [...]

  • Baby Buds

    Baby Buds
    Virginia Discovery Museum 524 E Main Street, Charlottesville, VA
    Learning Fun

    Sensory Exploration for Littles Baby Buds is an open-exploration activity time for newborns, infants, and toddlers and their parents and caregivers that encourages physical growth, social-emotional development, and emerging language [...]

  • Ice Cream Social

    Cake Bloom 705 W Main Street, Charlottesville, Virginia
    All Ages

    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 [...]

  • Storytime With Hannah

    Storytime With Hannah
    Bluebird & Co. 5792 Three Notch'd Rd, Crozet, VA
    Learning Fun

    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 [...]

  • Crozet Summer Concert Series

    Claudius Crozet Park 1075 Claudius Crozet Pk, Crozet, VA
    All Ages

    The FREE Summer Concert Series is returning to Crozet Park, featuring an incredible lineup of live music, local food, and community fun all season long! Starting June 5th, bring your [...]

  • Toddler Time

    Toddler Time
    Frontier Culture Museum Staunton, Virginia
    Learning Fun

    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 [...]

  • Storytime

    Storytime
    New Dominion Bookshop 404 East Main St, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
    All Ages

    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. [...]

  • Declaration of Independence Print Shop

    Monticello 1050 Monticello Loop, Charlottesville, VA
    All Ages

    Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by printing your own Declaration at Monticello. The Declaration of Independence was first printed 250 years ago. Celebrate this historic anniversary [...]

  • Roller Skating Night

    Roller Skating Night
    Greenwood Community Center Crozet, Virginia
    All Ages

    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 [...]

  • Sounds of Summer

    Tonsler Park 500 Cherry Ave., Charlottesville, Virginia
    All Ages

    July 11: Sounds of Summer | Featuring 100 Proof Go Go Band | 6-8pm | Tonsler Park Enjoy live music, yard games, free food and more  

  • Teen Night Out: Tiki Pool Party

    Brooks Family YMCA 151 McIntire Park Drive, Charlottesville, VA
    Tweens & Teens

    Join for a fun summer evening at Teen Night Out. Teens can hang out with friends, enjoy pizza and treats, play games, and spend time at the Y in a [...]

  • Royal Tea

    Jefferson Hotel 101 WEST FRANKLIN ST., Richmond, Virginia
    Elementary School Age

    You are cordially invited to join for a Royal Tea at The Jefferson Hotel. Several well-known princesses will be in attendance for photo opportunities and activities. When: Sunday, July 12, [...]

How to Use the Charlottesville Family Events Calendar

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.

Submit Your Local Charlottesville Events or Cville Kids Activity

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 kidsschools & learninghome & garden and family fun.

Top 15 Year-Round Things To Do with Kids & Families in Charlottesville, VA

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!

  1. Annual Family Events & Festivals in Central Virginia – A roundup of major Charlottesville events families look forward to each season.
  2. Explore Charlottesville’s Children’s Museums – Hands-on learning and play at regional children’s museums.
  3. Visit Pick-Your-Own Berry Farms – A sweet seasonal tradition that makes for a perfect family event.
  4. Top Charlottesville Attractions for Families – A guide to must-see family attractions and local favorites.
  5. Local Art Studios for Kids & Creative Play – Where little artists can express themselves all year.
  6. Charlottesville Pools & Spray Grounds – Cool off with kid-friendly water fun.
  7. Family-Friendly Hikes in Central Virginia – Discover scenic trails perfect for all ages.
  8. Best Flower Farms to Visit Near Charlottesville – A blooming adventure and great photo opportunity.
  9. Lakes & Water Activities for Families – Relax or explore with water-based fun close to home.
  10. Charlottesville’s Best Playgrounds & Parks – Our top picks for outdoor play spaces.
  11. Go Apple Picking in the Fall – Celebrate the season with a favorite fall event in Charlottesville.
  12. Sensory Friendly Play Spaces – A curated guide to accessible and sensory‑aware venues.
  13. Parent Support Groups & Meet-Ups – Connect with other local families throughout the year.
  14. Top Kids’ Party Places in Charlottesville – Venues and ideas for celebrating birthdays and milestones.
  15. Indoor & Active Fun for Rainy Days – Indoor Charlottesville activities for energetic kids when the weather isn’t ideal.

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.