crozet arts and crafts festival in crozet, virginia

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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  • Garden Glow at Maymont

    The Robins Nature Center at Maymont 2201 Shields Lake Drive, Richmond, VA
    All Ages

    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 [...]

  • Preschool Prep

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

    Ready for your little one’s big step into preschool? Prepare them with the Virginia Discovery Museum’s six-week preschool readiness program for children ages 2 to 4 and an adult caregiver. [...]

  • Little Nature Explorers

    Little Nature Explorers
    Botanical Garden of the Piedmont 950 Melbourne Rd, Charlottesville, VA, United States
    Preschoolers

    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 [...]

  • 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 [...]

  • Alice By Heart

    DMR Adventures 221 Carlton Rd, Suites 3 &, 4, Charlottesville, Virginia
    Elementary School Age

    Alice by Heart explores the poignancy of first love, coming to terms with loss, and finding the courage to move forward. This world premiere musical encourages us all to celebrate [...]

  • Bow-Wow-Walk

    Boar's Head Resort Charlottesville, Virginia
    All Ages

    Where Charlottesville comes together for a joy-filled morning of movement, connection, and compassion, all in support of the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA. Featuring a 5K trail run, a community dog walk, and [...]

  • A Mother’s Day Wine + Bouquet Workshop

    Chestnut Oak Vineyard Barboursville
    Arts & Crafts

    Join for a fun Mother's Day event where you can sip on wine and create beautiful bouquets together! 🌸 Sip & Bloom: A Mother’s Day Wine + Bouquet Workshop 🌸 [...]

  • Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival

    Claudius Crozet Park 1075 Claudius Crozet Pk, Crozet, VA
    Arts & Crafts

    With over 120 Fine Artists and Contemporary Craft Artisans exhibiting from around the country,  the Crozet Arts and Crafts Festivals are Central Virginia's premier juried Arts and Crafts event. The [...]

  • Ben Hair Pickleball Classic

    Fry's Spring Beach Club Charlottesville
    Elementary School Age

    All proceeds benefit the Benjamin Hair Just Swim for Life Foundation, supporting its mission to provide water safety education and affordable swim instruction in our community. Each bracket will be [...]

  • Shelter Smashtastic Pickleball Tournament

    All Ages

    Join the Shelter for Help in Emergency at our inaugural pickleball tournament at The Greencroft Club! Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or picking up a paddle for the first time, [...]

    $40
  • Teen Creative Writing Workshop

    Jefferson-Madison Regional Library - Crozet 2020 Library Avenue, Crozet, Virginia
    Learning Fun

    Ages 12-18. Registration is required. Erin James & Writer House can help get your ideas on the page! Write what you want! Bring a new idea or a work in [...]

  • 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 [...]

  • Family Studio Day: May

    Second Street Gallery 115 2nd St. SE, Charlottesville, VA
    Arts & Crafts

    Everyone is welcome to join for the next Family Studio Day on May 9, 10AM–2PM, as we celebrate the spring season through the art of flowers. Exhibiting artist Priscilla Whitlock [...]

    Free
  • 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. [...]

  • Goat’s Milk Soap-Making

    Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyards Keswick, Virginia
    Arts & Crafts

    🌼 What You’ll Make During the workshop, you’ll create a custom nourishing goat’s milk soaps, choosing from soft florals, calming lavender, fresh citrus, and botanical-inspired fragrance blends. Personalize your soaps [...]

  • Shenandoah Valley Baby Expo

    Rockingham County Fairgrounds
    Especially for Parents

    Celebrating Parenthood and Baby Milestones FREE EVENT The Shenandoah Valley Baby Expo is a celebration of parenthood and your baby’s most precious milestones! Join us for an unforgettable experience filled [...]

  • Mother’s Day Cupcake Bouquet

    Foster Art 1770 Timberwood Blvd, Suite 106, Charlottesville, VA
    All Ages

    Create, decorate, and celebrate love — one swirl at a time! This Mother’s Day, skip the ordinary and share an unforgettable experience that’s as sweet as Mom herself. Our Cupcake [...]

  • Mother’s Day Paint & Sip

    Jefferson-Madison Regional Library - Central 201 E. Market Street, Charlottesville, Virginia
    Arts & Crafts

    Teens 11-18 and their moms/important maternal figures are invited to enjoy a relaxed pre-Mother’s Day paint & sip together. Follow along an acrylic painting tutorial (or paint your own masterpiece) [...]

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.