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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  • Rescue

    Science Museum of Virginia 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA
    All Ages

    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 [...]

  • Blue Ridge Mountain Maze

    Blue Toad Cider 462 Winery Ln, Roseland, Virginia
    All Ages

    Open weekend September 19–November 8. Get lost in the fun at the best Virginia corn maze. New this year – Music in the Mountains every Saturday night from 6–9pm.   [...]

  • Patch of Fun

    Chiles Peach Orchard 1351 Greenwood Rd, Crozet, VA
    All Ages

    The Patch of Fun at Chiles Peach Orchard is a brand new festive fall experience for the whole family! Step into the pumpkin patch for pick-your-own and photo ops, take [...]

  • Edgar Allan Poe at UVA: An Exhibition

    UVA Special Collections Library
    Learning Fun

    Celebrating Reading at the University of Virginia through Edgar Allan Poe Edgar Allan Poe at UVA: 1826 | 2026 Exhibition When: 9/23/2026 – 4/9/2027, during library hours Where: Albert and [...]

  • Free Nature Journal Day

    Montfair Resort Farm
    Farms & Orchards

    Bring along your sketchbook, paints, or camera and spend the day nature journaling, drawing, or plein air painting! Stop by the main office anytime between 9 AM and 4 PM [...]

  • Tiny Tiers

    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 [...]

  • Free Fishing Wednesday

    Montfair Resort Farm
    Farms & Orchards

    Fish for large bass, crappie, and sunfish on our peaceful lake-no fishing license required, as the lake is located on private property. Stop by the main office between 9 AM [...]

  • Toddler Yoga & Movement

    Toddler Yoga & Movement
    Virginia Discovery Museum 524 E Main Street, Charlottesville, VA
    Preschoolers

    Toddler Yoga & Movement explores and encourages physical wellness and emotional regulation in early childhood development through mindfulness, stretching, games, and play. This program is led by Programs & Administrative [...]

  • Toddler Time

    Toddler Time
    Kindness Cafe + Play 480 Rugby Rd, Charlottesville, Virginia
    Preschoolers

    Kindness at Rugby has a sweet play space for little ones with games, puzzles, board books, & toys. Join us on Thursday mornings at 9am. Enjoy lattes with other adults [...]

  • 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 [...]

  • Day-Off Camp: Monster Mash

    Virginia Discovery Museum 524 E Main Street, Charlottesville, VA
    Elementary School Age

    Get ready for a monstrously fun day at the museum! Campers will dream up their own silly, spooky creatures while exploring ooey, gooey, and totally unexpected monster-inspired experiments.  School may [...]

  • 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 [...]

  • Wild & Scenic Film Festival

    Vinegar Hill Theater
    Festivals & Fairs

    SYRCL’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival inspires environmental activism and a love for nature–through film. Wild & Scenic shares an urgent call to action, encouraging festival-goers to learn more about [...]

  • Barbie: A Cultural Icon

    Virginia Museum of History & Culture Richmond
    All Ages

    The VMHC is thrilled to host the exclusive Mid-Atlantic engagement of Barbie™: A Cultural Icon, a major exhibition tracing Barbie®’s 65-year history through fashion, media, and cultural evolution. This vibrant, [...]

  • International Archaeology Day

    Frontier Culture Museum Staunton, Virginia
    Learning Fun

    Saturday, October 17th is International Archaeology Day, and the Frontier Culture Museum is offering archaeological activities all day!  But just what is archaeology and why are we talking about it at [...]

  • DIY-U Kids’ Workshops by Lowe’s

    DIY-U Kids’ Workshops by Lowe’s
    Waynesboro Lowe's 801 Lew Dewitt Boulevard, Waynesboro, VA
    All Ages

    Register for and attend the monthly DIY-U Kids’ Workshops by Lowe’s. For each workshop you attend, you’ll receive a limited-edition workshop badge. After collecting six qualifying badges, your mini-builder will [...]

  • NEXTGEN Skilled Trades Day

    Piedmont Virginia Community Center
    Festivals & Fairs

    The future of our community will be built by the people who have the skills, ideas, and imagination to shape it. That’s why Tom Tom is proud to support the [...]

  • Family Studio Day

    Second Street Gallery 115 2nd St. SE, Charlottesville, VA
    All Ages

    Second Street Gallery’s Family Studio Day is a free studio day which invites families with kids of all ages to spend time creating art together in the gallery. All visitors [...]

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 kids, schools & learning, home & 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.