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.
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 [...]
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 just $1 per ticket. Every Monday through Thursday at 11:00 AM, participating Regal theatres will feature two PG-rated movies perfect for summer mornings with the [...]
Join Grammy-nominated children’s musician Zak Morgan on an interactive journey through the Animal Kingdom where you’ll experience the majesty of Mother Nature and her silly side, too! Nelson, June 16 at 10am Louisa, June 16 at 2pm Crozet, June 17 at 10am* Gordon Ave, June 17 at 2pm Scottsville, June 18 at 10am Greene, June [...]
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 [...]
Celebrate the flavors of summer with us during a fun-filled weekend of live music, family-friendly activities, delicious seasonal treats, and peachy competition. Bring the family out for a weekend of berry inspired treats and activities like a pie & cobbler eating contest, bobbing for peach cider donuts, a pie walk, and face painting. The Bee [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
A Juneteenth Sneaker, Art & Culture Experience From Sole to Soul is more than a sneaker showcase - it’s a celebration of identity, creativity, and freedom through fashion, art, and [...]
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 [...]
Sherlock Holmes and his trusty sidekick Watson are on the case when an investigation into the Bohemian king’s stolen letters cascades into an international mystery filled with spies, blackmail, 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 [...]
Join this lantern making workshop and create a colorful lantern for the July 3 Downtown Mall 50th-anniversary parade! This all-ages, hands-on craft event is a fun way to celebrate community [...]
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 [...]
Hop aboard the Downtown Express and take a spin around the Mall! Rides will be offered starting in Central Place on Saturdays starting May 2nd. The train is weather dependent and will not run in inclement weather conditions. The Downtown Cville website will be updated as well as @downtowncville on Instagram if such cancellations occur. [...]
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 [...]
On Sunday, June 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., we invite you and your four legged friends out on the Highland Rustic Trails for a day of doggone good [...]
Looking for the perfect way to spend Father’s Day? Join at Eastwood for a festive afternoon filled with local flavor, live music, and fun for the whole family! Maker’s Market [...]
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.
