The best things to do in Charlottesville

17 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of Charlottesville’s best · Restaurants · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Beauty · Nightlife · Home & Garden · Bakeries & Sweets · Sporting Goods · Shopping · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Arts & Culture

Pinned in Charlottesville today

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Two pinned places a day in Charlottesville — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →

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Entertainment · 17 places · showing the latest additions first

Waynesboro Golf and Games LLC. has a classic 18-hole mini golf course and the only public par 3 in Waynesboro, plus footgolf and summer…

2296 Jefferson Hwy (Waynesboro)

Waynesboro Golf and Games LLC. has a classic 18-hole mini golf course and the only public par 3 in Waynesboro, plus footgolf and summer Night Golf for when the heat finally breaks. Rally a crew, sharpen the short game, and accidentally get some cardio.

From the Augusta County newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Virginia Film Festival keeps cinephiles happy year round with curated series and themes, guest conversations, and panels that make you…

617 W Main St

Virginia Film Festival keeps cinephiles happy year round with curated series and themes, guest conversations, and panels that make you think, then argue lovingly on the walk home. Check in this week for fresh screenings and award-winner spotlights, and let your movie brain hang with the Cville crowd.

From the Charlottesville newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Ready to swap scrolling for strikes? Bowlero Charlottesville keeps it fun with cosmic bowling, lively vibes, and lane-side eats that make…

335 Rivanna Plaza Dr

Ready to swap scrolling for strikes? Bowlero Charlottesville keeps it fun with cosmic bowling, lively vibes, and lane-side eats that make it easy to rally your crew for a weeknight escape or low-stress hang, whether you're practicing for league bragging rights or just chasing that satisfying clatter.

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Membership-only golf course with mountain views, challenging elevation changes, and narrow fairways.

183 Clubhouse Dr (Wintergreen Resort)

Membership-only golf course with mountain views, challenging elevation changes, and narrow fairways.

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Run a Charlottesville business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

Decades Arcade

Entertainment

Arcade with a collection of over 120 games from the '50s to the present, including pinball.

418 E Main St

Arcade with a collection of over 120 games from the '50s to the present, including pinball.

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Upscale country club offering an 18-hole golf course, 12+ tennis courts, a pool and a clubhouse.

1750 Piper Way (Keswick)

Upscale country club offering an 18-hole golf course, 12+ tennis courts, a pool and a clubhouse.

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Old Trail Golf Club

Entertainment

Championship golf club featuring scenic greens, zoysia fairways and Bent grass on the tee boxes.

5494 Golf Dr (Crozet)

Championship golf club featuring scenic greens, zoysia fairways and Bent grass on the tee boxes.

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Classic, independent & Hollywood films are screened at this cozy cinema serving cocktails & bites.

200 W Main St

Classic, independent & Hollywood films are screened at this cozy cinema serving cocktails & bites.

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Country club featuring a golf course, facilities for dining, and events.

1625 Country Club Cir

Country club featuring a golf course, facilities for dining, and events.

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Fastrax

Entertainment

Fun go-kart venue for parties and family activities.

1110 Red Top Orchard Rd (Waynesboro)

Fun go-kart venue for parties and family activities.

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Long-running chain of recreation centers for mini-golf; some feature arcades & other attractions.

1515 Putt Putt Pl

Long-running chain of recreation centers for mini-golf; some feature arcades & other attractions.

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Golf course featuring 27 holes with mountain views, as well as a clubhouse.

1354 Stoney Creek W (Nellysford)

Golf course featuring 27 holes with mountain views, as well as a clubhouse.

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Cville Escape Room

Entertainment

Fun escape room spot themed with stories, featuring puzzles, games, and clues.

414 E Main St

Fun escape room spot themed with stories, featuring puzzles, games, and clues.

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McGuffey Art Center

Entertainment

Historic school housing studios for artists & craftspeople open to the public plus exhibits & talks.

201 2nd St NW

Historic school housing studios for artists & craftspeople open to the public plus exhibits & talks.

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Set on 155 acres, this city golf course features challenges and scenic views.

1400 Pen Park Rd

Set on 155 acres, this city golf course features challenges and scenic views.

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Nationally recognized golf club featuring bent grass fairways and beautifully contoured greens.

109 Clubhouse Way (Zion Crossroads)

Nationally recognized golf club featuring bent grass fairways and beautifully contoured greens.

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Escape room center featuring puzzles based on historical figures and events, from Edgar Allan Poe to WWII.

1717 Allied Ln

Escape room center featuring puzzles based on historical figures and events, from Edgar Allan Poe to WWII.

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