Events in Charlottesville, VA

Part of Fridays After Five, a free summer concert series presented by Bud Light and celebrating its 38th season, this show features The Judy Chops with Loose Champagne. The Judy Chops deliver a high-energy, genre-blending take on Americana, weaving swing, blues, rock, and soul into a sound often described as genre defying. Over the past ten years, this six-piece has grown from a Shenandoah Valley favorite into a standout on Virginia’s music scene. Enjoy complimentary live music alongside food trucks, vendors, beverages, and family-friendly fun at Ting Pavilion.

Savor live music, 100 percent estate wine, and sweeping Blue Ridge Mountain sunset views. SouthRiverStrings, a four-piece string band from the Charlottesville area, blends rock, blues, and bluegrass with rich harmonies for a lively, genre-crossing set. Twisted Provisions will feature scratch-made sandwiches and seasonal plates built with local ingredients, along with favorites like burgers, biscuits, fries, and sweet treats. Outside alcohol is not permitted under Virginia ABC law. Children and dogs are welcome and should remain with their group. For questions, email info@chisholmvineyards.com or text 833-340-0086.

Open to family and professional caregivers and all community members, this monthly program on the second Friday offers an evening devoted to relaxation and renewal. Enjoy a free restorative experience featuring meditation and a calming sound bath, with soothing tones and gentle vibrations that encourage a sense of calm and connection. No registration is required, and participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat or blankets for comfort. The gathering is held in the Kessler Conference Room at Sentara Martha Jefferson Outpatient Care Center. If weather allows, it may move to the hospital’s outdoor amphitheater nearby, and signs will indicate the location. Attendance is free thanks to support from the Martha Jefferson Hospital Foundation. Photos may be taken for promotional use, and anyone who prefers not to be photographed can let the event team know.

Blair’s West brings the full band to Pro Re Nata Brewpub & Music Hall for a free show. The set spans country, pop, and classic rock favorites, with songs by Johnny Cash, Dolly, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Lady A, Little Big Town, The Beatles, Bruno Mars, Eagles, and CCR... plus plenty more. Arriving early is recommended for good seating, and dinner specials will be available from Pro Re Nata’s Taproom Table. Support for live music at Pro Re Nata comes from Rod Phillips Dogwood Realty Group, with PRN Music & Media by Brian Combs and Gaslight BC Media.

A ballroom group lesson led by Charity features a new dance style each week. Afterward, a social dance offers time to practice and mingle with other dancers. Admission is $20 per person or $30 per couple, and food and drinks are included.

Every Friday features a three-hour Latin social dance on a large wooden floor with party lighting. Complimentary food is catered from a local restaurant, and bringing your own food is welcome. Song requests are taken throughout the night. An earlier ballroom lesson and social take place the same evening, making it easy to turn it into a full night of dancing. Admission is $15 for the Latin social or $30 for both the ballroom session and the Latin social, with a $50 option for couples attending both. Payments are accepted by cash, Venmo, and Zelle, and credit cards are accepted with a 3 percent surcharge.

Dads at any stage of parenting can connect at an in person support group guided by fellow fathers. New and experienced parents are welcome, and infants under one may attend. The meeting takes place in a third floor community classroom where mats, balls, pillows, and chairs are available for comfort. Coffee and bagels will be provided to ease the early start. There is no registration, and attendance is free. For questions or to get connected with a facilitator, email lesalvat@sentara.com.

At Ix in Charlottesville, Virginia, this is Charlottesville’s largest independent market where only producers sell, keeping farms and local food at the forefront. A weekly lineup of vendors showcases what local growers and makers bring to the market. SNAP is accepted, and Virginia Fresh Match adds extra dollars for fruits and vegetables for SNAP shoppers. The nonprofit Market Central manages the market.

Explore 5Rhythms, a movement meditation practice created by Gabrielle Roth that encourages deeper connection to self, others, and community. All are welcome. Bring a water bottle and wear comfortable layers. Cost is $7 for students, $15 per class, or $120 for a ten class pass.

A weekly storytime at New Dominion Bookshop features a mix of recent storybooks and timeless favorites for all ages. It happens regardless of the weather. The shop's storytime leader hosts and reads from a rotating selection, so arrivals at any point can still enjoy several tales. Friends are welcome.

At Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, the Norfolk State Spartans visit the Virginia Cavaliers for an early-season matchup. This in-state meeting puts a spotlight on new starters, early-season adjustments, and special teams moments that could shape the result. The game offers an early read on both teams as they begin to define their seasons.

C'Ville Bachata Social partners with Hazy Mountain Vineyards & Brewery for an evening centered on salsa and bachata. Lessons open the program, followed by a social dance held outdoors with DJ Sing spinning salsa, bachata, and more. Food and beverages are available from the venue, sunset views set the scene, and dancers of all experience levels are welcome.

Small Town Rodeo delivers a blend of bluegrass, outlaw country, classic rock, Americana, and newer roots, featuring layered vocals and fresh takes on familiar tunes. Enjoy live music alongside 100% estate wine, available by the glass or bottle, with a Blue Ridge Mountain sunset as the backdrop. There is no admission fee. In accordance with VA ABC law, outside alcohol is not allowed. Dogs on leash are welcome, and children should remain with an adult. For questions, email info@chisholmvineyards.com or text 833-340-0086.

At Pro Re Nata Brewpub & Music Hall, Cumberland Road spotlights signature hits from 1990s country, with selections tied to Brooks & Dunn, Shania Twain, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, and others. Expect close-knit vocals, standout playing, and spirited country energy. The roster includes Grammy and Emmy winners along with nationally recognized musicians with decades of experience, delivering a lively set built around crowd favorites. Tickets are $10 at the door. Early arrival is recommended to find a good seat and enjoy dinner from PRN's Taproom Table. Appreciation is extended to Rod Phillips of Dogwood Realty Group for supporting live music at Pro Re Nata.

Poet and scholar Lucy Alford appears at New Dominion Bookshop to read from her debut collection, Daylight / Savings, followed by a conversation with Lisa Russ Spaar. This in-person event is free and open to the public. Early arrival is recommended for the best seating. Daylight / Savings blends elegy, ode, and homage with elements of record, testimony, and brief glance. Loosely oriented to the cycle of the seasons, the poems ask what can be rescued, mended, or let go from shared and solitary wreckage, bringing bright days and broken things into the same frame. Through close attention to the small and passing, they find both bounty and lack, noticing a leaning tree, shell fragments, flashes of girlhood, and the grief of childlessness. A tightly wound knot of light throws shifting shadows as the collection moves along. Born in Charlottesville, Virginia, Alford is an associate professor of literature at Wake Forest University, specializing in twentieth and twenty-first century poetry and comparative poetics. Her work as both poet and scholar engages embodied life, environmental precarity, and practices of attention in poetry and other arts. Her critical study Forms of Poetic Attention, published by Columbia University Press in 2020, received the Helen Tarter First Book Award from the American Comparative Literature Association. Her essays and articles have appeared in Comparative Literature, Philosophy & Literature, Modern Language Notes, and American Literary History, and her poems have been published in Harpur Palate, Streetlight, Literary Matters, The Warwick Review, Action, Spectacle, Atelier, and Fence. Lisa Russ Spaar, the event’s moderator, is the author or editor of fifteen books, including four poetry anthologies and a collection of essays on poetry, with recent titles Paradise Close, a novel, and Soul Cake, a volume of poems. A finalist for the 2014 National Book Critics Circle Citation for Excellence in Reviewing, she has received a Guggenheim Fellowship, the Library of Virginia Award for Poetry, and a Rona Jaffe Award. She is a professor of English and creative writing at the University of Virginia, where she directed the MFA Program for many years.

This event spotlights Robert Cray, a blues icon, soul man, and rock and roller whose five decade journey has shaped American music. Georgia born and Washington raised, he picked up the guitar after seeing The Beatles on TV, then, after witnessing Jimi Hendrix perform in Seattle, set his path toward a life in music. From a teenage garage band to sharing stages and studios with John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Chuck Berry, Albert Collins, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Tina Turner, Stevie Ray Vaughan, the Memphis Horns, and Hi Rhythm Section, his story is one of determination and craft. Along the way he has sold millions of albums and countless concert tickets, won five Grammy Awards, entered the Blues Hall of Fame, received the Americana Music Lifetime Achievement Award, and designed two signature Fender guitars. On stage his stinging guitar tone, soulful voice, and steady band leadership mark him as a keeper of the flame for American roots music. Across 19 studio albums he has revitalized blues and soul while rocking hard with the very best, delivering performances where every note counts and every song is sung with integrity and intensity. He notes that they have been fortunate to keep playing the music they love and could not ask for anything more.

A vegan festival at IX Park celebrates plant based food with plenty to eat and a variety of vegan vendors.

This event offers a day centered on polo, paired with pizza.

Carrie Hinkley performs live at Eastwood Farm and Winery.

Light House Studio marks the 25th year of its Youth Film Festival with an event devoted to student films, storytelling, and community. The lineup features work created over the past year through school-year workshops, community partnerships, and the Summer Film Academy, which has received awards. It also serves as the organization’s primary fundraiser, contributing 20 percent of the programming budget, and each ticket helps sustain filmmaking education for the Charlottesville community. Attendees will get an early look at these student films before they head to the national festival circuit. For the 2025 to 2026 circuit, Light House Studio has earned 36 festival acceptances and 20 awards.

Parlor Greens appears alongside the Charles Owens Trio for a live performance at The Southern Cafe and Music Hall. This concert brings both acts to the same stage.

A two-day wellness experience brings together creativity, movement, education, connection, and opportunity in one place. The first day focuses on connection, learning, and recharging with activities for the mind, body, and spirit. The second day is designed for high school juniors and seniors to start the school year strong, explore new interests, build confidence, and gain tools that support overall well-being and future goals. Highlights include hands-on boxing sessions, guided meditation and mindfulness, songwriting and other creative outlets, workshops on mental health and wellness, financial literacy education, journaling and reflective writing, and a pitch contest for aspiring entrepreneurs with cash awards. A food truck lunch will be available, along with opportunities to discover resources and encouragement. Admission is free.

Open Artist Night welcomes anyone who wants to make art and connect with others. Bring your own materials and settle in for a creative session focused on the process rather than the finished piece. There is no fee and no RSVP needed. Beverages and snacks, including wine, are available for purchase, and outside alcohol is not permitted under VA ABC law. The gathering is open to the public, not only to artists. Leashed dogs are allowed, and children may attend with adult supervision. Expect a space that encourages slowing down, creating simple rituals, noticing the environment, letting go, and exploring your inner world. Mistakes are part of the journey, and taking chances is welcome. For questions, email info@chisholmvineyards.com or text 833-340-0086.

Enjoy a pleasure trail ride at The Homestead.

This contra dance features long lines of couples and welcomes beginners with a 30 minute introductory lesson at the start. A caller offers prompts for each dance so everyone can follow along. Dancers may choose either role, Lark on the left side or Robin on the right side. Admission is on a sliding scale of 10 to 20 dollars. Face coverings are optional. Parking is available directly in front of the building.

Enjoy a line dancing class at Random Row Brewing Co. All experience levels are welcome, and no partner is required. The session begins with step-by-step instruction, then shifts to open dance time to practice your moves. The cover is $15 and includes a drink along with the lesson. Suitable for solo participants or groups of friends, with a lighthearted vibe that keeps the learning fun.

Explore the shifting energy of the equinox through a 5Rhythms practice with Jeffrey Boynton. Inspired by the move into autumn, this gathering invites you to dance the polarities of each rhythm, meeting both its shadow and its light. The experience centers on movement, connection, ritual, and integration, offering a reflective space that honors harvest, gratitude, and transition. Hosted at Mountain Light Retreat Center. Pricing includes a $99 early bird option and a $135 regular rate.

Discover the sights, sounds, and spirit of Latin America at the city’s largest celebration of Latino and Hispanic culture. Enjoy seven hours of activities for all ages, including live music, high energy dance performances, traditional foods, artisan crafts, and hands-on experiences that showcase the warmth and hospitality of the region. Now in its 14th year, this community festival returns to Ting Pavilion. After welcoming approximately 4,500 to 4,700 attendees last year, organizers are preparing for the biggest and most vibrant installment yet. The event is hosted by Sin Barreras/Without Barriers, a local nonprofit, and all proceeds support the organization’s programs, including this cultural festival. More details will be shared during the summer.

Lean-in folk rock with a fierce kick meets organic, rootsy textures for a sound that is gritty, grounded, and full of drive. High energy and taut rhythms underline a raw feel that keeps the momentum flowing.

Pro Re Nata Brew Pub & Music Hall hosts a free night of high energy rock featuring Let’s Get Rocked, The Def Leppard Experience, alongside 80s XXXESS. Let’s Get Rocked is a tribute created by five seasoned musicians dedicated to capturing the look, sound, and hit-filled excitement of a Def Leppard concert. The lineup features Pete Elliott on vocals, Rob Collen on lead guitar and vocals, Buck Clark on rhythm guitar and vocals, Robert Sav on bass and vocals, and Eddie Allen on drums. 80s XXXESS brings a set packed with hair metal favorites. Arriving early can help with seating, and dinner is available from PRN’s Taproom Table. Support for live music at Pro Re Nata comes from Rod Phillips of Dogwood Realty Group in Cville and Crozet. PRN Music credits Brian Combs and Gaslight BC Media.

Madison Cunningham brings The Ace Tour to The Jefferson Theater, joined by Julia Cumming. Tickets are offered through a public sale, with additional access via artist, local, and Spotify presales.

Willie DE brings a bluesy rock performance to a glass conservatory with a tropical vibe, with the option for music to shift outdoors under the back deck eaves when conditions call for it. The event is open to everyone and there is no cover. Seating is available both inside and outside on a first come basis, and reservations are not taken. Picnics are welcome throughout the property, but outside alcohol is not permitted. There are plenty of places to sit around the winery and brewery grounds, and guests may bring blankets or chairs. Pop up tents and personal grills may be used in the overflow grassy tailgate and picnic areas. Glass House Winery wines are offered by the glass or bottle and Glass House Brewery beers are served by the pint at the Tasting Room Bar and the Glass Theater Brewpub during their regular hours. Children are welcome with close supervision, and bringing games or other quiet activities can help keep them entertained while seated. Well behaved dogs are also welcome and must remain on a leash at all times.

Mumford & Sons bring the Prizefighter Tour to John Paul Jones Arena. Ticket access includes a public onsale plus presales through Live Nation, John Paul Jones Arena, Spotify, and VIP packages, along with a VIP package onsale, a student offer, and a Global Poverty project option. The arena follows a clear bag policy that allows transparent plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches, or a clear one gallon freezer bag such as a Ziploc-style bag. Small clutch bags or wallets up to 4.5 by 6.5 inches are permitted and will be searched. Medically necessary items may be brought in after inspection at a designated gate. Prohibited items include purses larger than a clutch, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, computer bags, camera bags, and any bag exceeding the size limits.

Rainbow Kitten Surprise brings the bones North American Tour to the stage with support from Cigarettes @ Sunset. Presented as part of the 2026 Bud Light Concert Series, this concert will go on regardless of the weather. Ticket access includes presales for Humans of RKS Premium Members as well as local and Spotify presales, followed by a general on sale.

Sam Barber brings The American Route Tour for a live performance that will proceed rain or shine. This event is part of the Bud Light Concert Series. Doors open before the music begins. Ticket access includes Artist, Citi, Live Nation, and local presales, followed by a general on-sale.

Emo Night Karaoke brings a full-band karaoke experience to The Southern Cafe and Music Hall, complete with stage production and visuals. A collective of musicians who have performed at Warped Tour and When We Were Young and toured around the world provides the live backing while attendees take the lead vocals. On-site signups are available.

A pop-up serving vegan comfort food from the barbecue spot recognized as the number one vegan BBQ joint in the country by VegNews and USA TODAY arrives in Charlottesville. Expect a lineup of Southern staples and special sandwiches, including fried chickun, smoked vegan meats, mac and cheeze, Beyond Burgers dipped in beer cheeze batter, jambalaya, po' boys, Cajun corn, totchos, and more. The menu is prepared without nuts, and gluten-free choices are available.

An afternoon at Fallen Tree Vineyards brings together wine and music.

USA Dance Charlottesville presents an evening at The Center at Belvedere that begins with a ballroom lesson led by a professional instructor, followed by social dancing to a varied playlist that spans Ballroom, Standard, Smooth, Rhythm, Latin, West Coast Swing, Nightclub, Hustle, and more. This month features Gia Ray. The event welcomes all, and no partner or prior experience is required. The class is included with admission. Light refreshments are provided, and there is no smoking or alcohol. Suggested attire is smart casual to dressy, with soft-soled shoes. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for USA Dance members with ID, and $5 for students with ID, payable by cash, check, or Venmo. Free parking is available. Sponsored by USA Dance Charlottesville, Chapter 6044.

At Rivanna Trails Foundation, the 2026 Loop de'Ville Trail Fest celebrates National Public Lands Day and the 34th anniversary of the Rivanna Trail with a day of guided hikes, bike rides, and runs around the city. Families will find plenty to enjoy, including kids activities and relaxed family walks, along with food, beer, and music. All offerings are free and open to everyone. Additional information about specific programs and registration will be shared.

Enjoy live music alongside wine made entirely from estate-grown grapes and Blue Ridge Mountain views. The Michael Elswick Gathering performs a mix of jazz, blues, Latin, swing, ballads, and Cambodian surf rock, featuring Michael Elswick on saxes, Royce Campbell on guitar, Tom Harbeck on bass, and David Drubin on drums. Wine is available by the glass and by the bottle, and there is no admission fee. In accordance with VA ABC law, outside alcohol is not permitted. Children and dogs are welcome but must remain with their group. For questions, email info@chisholmvineyards.com or text 833-340-0086.

Ann Wilson, cofounder and lead singer-songwriter of Heart, stands as one of rock’s defining vocalists. Her commanding voice has shaped popular music for more than five decades, a career marked by over 35 million records sold, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. As a pioneering woman fronting a hard rock band on arena stages, she expanded what was possible for female artists while bringing to life staples like “Barracuda,” “Magic Man,” and “Crazy on You.” Her work beyond Heart showcases a creative range that spans rock, folk, and orchestral colors. Solo releases including Hope & Glory, Fierce Bliss, and Another Door combine bold reimaginations with original songs, all anchored by a voice instantly recognized by generations. Wilson also reaches listeners through the podcast After Dinner Thinks, where she reflects on music and culture. In 2026 she introduces In My Voice, a documentary directed by Barbara Hall that uses rare footage, personal journals, and candid storytelling to trace her journey and reveal the artist behind one of rock’s most lasting voices.

Paramount Presents features The New Pornographers on The Former Site Of Tour, shining a light on an inventive indie rock group with more than twenty years of music behind them. The band has released nine studio albums, from the breakout Mass Romantic to the most recent Continue as a Guest, and their next record, The Former Site Of, is set to arrive on Merge Records. A new single, Votive, is already out. Known for fresh twists from album to album while keeping their core spirit intact, they are often mentioned alongside peers like Yo La Tengo and Superchunk. Recent praise has highlighted the hooks and emotional nuance in their work, with New York Magazine celebrating the enduring strengths of their ninth album, Rolling Stone noting the blend of big melodies and layered feeling, NPR pointing to irresistibly tuneful power pop, and Stereogum recognizing their sophisticated, catchy songwriting.

An intimate concert pairs 16-time Grammy winner David Foster with singer and actress Katharine McPhee for an evening that highlights celebrated careers in music, television, and on stage. Foster, a composer and producer honored with an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and three Academy Award nominations for best original song, has discovered and championed talents like Celine Dion, Josh Groban, and Michael Bublé, and has created hits for artists such as Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Andrea Bocelli, Chicago, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Toni Braxton, Natalie Cole, Michael Bolton, Seal, Chaka Khan, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Hall & Oates, Brandy, ’N Sync, Boz Scaggs, and Gloria Estefan. His touring and concert specials have filled venues around the world, and his work includes the score for Boop!, a new Broadway musical about Betty Boop, as well as a holiday album with McPhee titled Christmas Songs. McPhee rose to prominence on Season 5 of American Idol, went on to star in Smash, Scorpion, and Country Comfort, and has appeared on CSI: NY, Community, Family Guy, and Ugly Betty. Her recordings have topped charts across pop, jazz, and adult contemporary, she has been featured on PBS broadcasts, and she made her Broadway debut as Jenna in Waitress before leading the West End production and returning to Broadway for the show’s final weeks. Together they tour a sought-after show that has earned rave reviews and frequent sellouts, and both lend support to the David Foster Foundation, which helps Canadian families with children in need of life-saving organ transplants and promotes organ donor awareness.

Enjoy an evening of live music, food truck fare, and estate-grown wine with sunset views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Wine is available by the glass and by the bottle, and tastings or flights conclude at 4:30 pm. Admission is free and no ticket is required. The music features Scuffletown, a lively acoustic duo with John Whitlow on harmonica, accordion, and vocals, and Marc Carraway on guitar and vocals. Their set blends roots, jazz, world, bluegrass, and original songs, a mix they have performed together for sixteen years. Food will be available from Two Brothers Southwestern Grill. Outside alcohol is not permitted under Virginia ABC law. Leashed dogs are welcome, and children may attend with adult supervision. For questions, email info@chisholmvineyards.com or text 833-340-0086.

The California Honeydrops bring their Sweet Like That 2026 tour to The Jefferson Theater, joined by special guest Jontavious Willis. Ticket access includes artist, Spotify, and local presales, along with a public on-sale.

Experience a producer-only marketplace that puts farms and local food first. Recognized as the largest independent market of its kind in Charlottesville, Virginia, it is managed by the nonprofit Market Central. Shoppers can use SNAP, and those benefits go further with Virginia Fresh Match funds that add purchasing power for fresh fruits and vegetables.

HenleyFest brings fall fun to every October weekend with seasonal flavors and activities. Enjoy apples and pumpkins, wine, cider or beer, live music, hay rides and pony rides, and donuts made with apple cider, plus other attractions.

At the Martin Luther King Jr. Performing Arts Center, the Charlottesville Filipino Cultural Association presents its inaugural fundraising celebration in collaboration with Sayaw! Diversity, a volunteer performing arts organization recognized throughout Virginia for bringing Filipino culture to life through vibrant dance, music, and storytelling. The event honors tradition and identity, showing how creative expression keeps heritage alive. Performances share stories through movement and rhythm, building meaningful connections that reflect the beauty and strength of Filipino heritage. More than a show, Pamana | Experience the Beauty of Philippine Heritage highlights resilience and community. Support for the event helps preserve Filipino culture, strengthen a growing community, and extend hope to families locally and in the Philippines.

An evening by the river at Rivanna River Company brings Chamomile & Whiskey to the Rivanna Roots stage with support from Sweet Afton and Leah Grams Johnson. Expect live music, food, beverages, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Chamomile & Whiskey began when Nelson County musicians Marie Borgman and Koda Kerl blended chamomile tea with Evan Williams whiskey and found a flavor that mirrored their musical spirit. Since forming in 2011, the group has grown from roots in Americana, blues, Celtic, old-time, and Southern songwriter traditions, now adding a more electric edge with guitarist Drew Kimball and drummer Stuart Gunter. Their most recent studio release was recorded in Nashville in 2019 with Ken Coomer of Wilco and Uncle Tupelo. Sweet Afton delivers a dream pop sound rooted in Appalachia, built on two fiddles and rich three-part female harmonies. The lineup features Marina Madden on vocals and guitar, Marie Borgman and Hannah Pocock on fiddle and vocals, and Phillip St. Ours on guitar, songwriting, and vocals, with Cierra Mills on drums and Brian Gregory on bass for this occasion. Leah Grams Johnson, a songwriter from the northern California coast, brings a voice shaped by the wide-open West and a love of folk and country. Inspired by artists such as Emmylou Harris and Joni Mitchell, she has studied at Berklee College of Music and the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation, has been a finalist in songwriting competitions including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, and is preparing to release a debut full-length in spring 2026. She splits her time between writing in Nashville, where she has lived for more than a decade, and working with horses in the West. Food will be available from Twisted Provisions and Arepas on Wheels. Beverage partners include Random Row Brewing Company, Potter’s Craft Cider, and Eastwood Farm and Winery. Sponsors include Sun Tribe, Martin Horn, The Nature Conservancy of Virginia, Piedmont Paint & Finish, NOLA Builds, Alloy Architecture & Construction, Bottle House, Woodard Properties, Mountaintop Montessori, WNRN, and C-ville Weekly, with Hogwaller Brewing supporting artist hospitality.

Chiles Peach Orchard hosts a complimentary live acoustic show featuring an easygoing mix of classics from the 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond across rock, pop, and country, with favorites by Journey, Guns N’ Roses, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Janis Joplin, Dolly Parton, Jewel, Heart, Alanis Morissette, 4 Non Blondes, the Cranberries, and more. Admission is free with no cover. Choose what you want to hear through a phone-friendly request system offering hundreds of songs, then dance and sing along or relax and enjoy the laid-back vibe. The family-owned orchard in Crozet, Virginia is open April through December and offers seasonal pick-your-own fruits and vegetables, wine, and sweet treats from the Farm Market and Bakery, along with family-oriented events. Trained service dogs are welcome. For food safety reasons, other pets and emotional support animals are not permitted.

Whiskey Myers headlines a live music bill with The Ransom Brothers joining the lineup. The concert is part of the 2026 Bud Light Concert Series and will take place rain or shine. Ticket access includes a fan club presale, a local presale, and a general on-sale.

After a successful run last year, the online raffle supporting Toy Lift returns. The effort begins with a local raffle night and includes special incentives for taking part in the online raffle. More announcements will be shared in the coming months.

"Weird Al" Yankovic brings the Bigger & Weirder 2026 Tour to John Paul Jones Arena. The venue enforces a clear bag policy. Allowed bags include transparent plastic, vinyl, or PVC styles up to 12 x 6 x 12 inches, or a clear one-gallon freezer bag. Small clutch bags or wallets up to 4.5 x 6.5 inches, with or without a strap, are permitted and will be subject to search. Medically necessary items may be brought in after inspection at a designated gate. Prohibited items include purses larger than a clutch, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage, computer bags, camera bags, and any bag that exceeds the permitted size. Ticket access includes a public onsale as well as presales through the artist, Live Nation, Ticketmaster, the venue, Spotify, and a Summer of "Weird Al" presale.

Author Carolyn Schuyler visits New Dominion Bookshop to discuss her new book Everyday Ecotherapy: Nature Connection Practices for Where We Live, Learn, Work, and Play, followed by a conversation with Dorothe Bach. This is an in-person program that is free and open to everyone, and arriving early is advised for the best chance at preferred seating. Everyday Ecotherapy offers nature-based tools for personal growth and community building, encouraging a stronger relationship with the natural world that supports well-being and a caring, conservation-focused mindset. It reimagines familiar settings such as schoolyards, campuses, parks, gardens, and neighborhoods as places that can nurture mental health, community connection, and environmental engagement. Readers will find insights from practitioners, reflective prompts, and clear instructions for group activities that work across ages, along with step-by-step guidance to help both new and experienced facilitators lead ecotherapy experiences. The book serves mental health practitioners, educators, community organizers, and anyone seeking practical ways to unplug from screens and reconnect with nature in everyday life. Schuyler is a University of Virginia Visiting Scholar and Morven Sustainability Lab Community Scholar, and she founded Wildrock and Nature Connection Lab. Her background includes work as a psychotherapist and as the founding program director of The Women’s Initiative, and her ongoing collaborations with teachers, mental health professionals, youth service workers, community organizers, and environmental activists focus on expanding equitable access to nature. Her aim with this book is to make ecotherapy approachable for a wide and diverse readership. Dorothe Bach, associate director at UVA’s Center for Teaching Excellence, first connected with Schuyler while seeking expertise to introduce students to the practice and science of nature connection. Together they created Nature Connectedness: Pathways for Health, Hope and Community Action, an experiential seminar that has become a staple in UVA’s Environmental Thought and Practice Program, and they later co-founded Nature Connection Lab to extend this work into the broader community.

The Crozet Fall Arts and Crafts Festival brings a weekend of art, music, food, and family fun to Claudius Crozet Park. Explore one-of-a-kind handmade work from more than 130 artists and artisans, with offerings that include pottery, jewelry, painting, photography, woodcraft, fiber art, personal care products, and more. It is a festive way to mark Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day weekend while getting a head start on holiday shopping.

Now in its sixth year, this car show supports the effort to end Alzheimer’s. Early donations to the Alzheimer’s Association can be made through the event’s QR code.

A returning musical act will perform at the Crozet Fall Arts & Crafts Fair at Claudius Crozet Park, pairing live music with a showcase of arts and crafts.

Duston Spear presents readings from her debut novel, Bird Girl, followed by a conversation with author Liza Nash Taylor. This in-person program is cosponsored by WriterHouse and is free and open to the public. Early arrival is recommended for the best seating. Bird Girl follows Rebekah Hunnicutt, a reclusive painter whose seven monumental canvases come to light after a popular podcast revisits the story of her notorious boyfriend, a celebrated figure from New York’s Soho art scene of the 1970s. As listeners become absorbed, the spotlight shifts from the man who captured headlines to the woman who faded from view. Moving between past and present, the novel explores ambition, friendship, betrayal, and the difficult choices women artists navigate while seeking recognition in a male-dominated culture, blending art history, feminism, and mystery informed by Spear’s own time in Soho. Spear was born in Richmond and moved to New York to attend Parsons School of Design. A painter, writer, and interdisciplinary artist, she has received awards from Creative Time and Art Matters, and for over two decades taught art and writing in a college program inside a maximum-security prison. The Bird Girl tour concludes with Artist Interrupted, a site-specific installation at Red Giant Gallery in Baltimore. Liza Nash Taylor, who will moderate the discussion, is the author of Etiquette for Runaways and In All Good Faith, a Hawthornden International Fellow with an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her work has appeared in Gargoyle Magazine, Deep South, and other publications, and she lives in an old farmhouse in Keswick that appears in her novels.

A performance by the Little Birdies will take place at Glass House Winery & Brewery, an Albemarle County destination that combines a winery and a brewery in one setting. Enjoy artisan wines and craft beers in a tropical-inspired glass conservatory surrounded by lush greenery and scenic vineyard vistas. As part of the Monticello Wine Trail, the venue offers tastings and house-made chocolates in a distinctive atmosphere. Picnics are welcome, and a bed and breakfast on the property allows for an overnight stay.

A Taste of Ireland brings the pulse of modern Ireland to the stage in a high-energy blend of music, dance, and storytelling. Fresh from runs Off-Broadway and in London’s West End, the acclaimed company arrives in the USA with a production led by former World Irish dance champions and cast members from Lord of the Dance, Riverdance, and the recent West End cast of Éireann. Expect folk melodies remixed with contemporary flair, dazzling live a cappella tap battles, and heartfelt tales woven throughout. Beloved tunes like Danny Boy, Tell Me Ma, and Wild Rover are reimagined, set to a new score that pairs musical freshness with the unmistakable charm of a live dance ensemble. Audiences around the world have been jumping to their feet for years, and this limited US engagement continues that momentum. Whether Irish by birth, by heritage, or simply in spirit by the end of the night, many find a connection that lingers. With a social following of more than 400,000 and growing, the show offers two hours of spirited entertainment that captures the humor, heart, and heartbeat of Ireland.

C'Ville Bachata Social partners with Hazy Mountain Vineyards & Brewery for an open air salsa and bachata celebration. Lessons get things started, then DJ Sing keeps the floor moving with a mix of salsa and bachata during an outdoor social. Enjoy food and drinks from the venue, with sunset views over the vineyard. All experience levels are welcome.

Enjoy social folk dancing in long lines of partners with live music from Foot Traffic, featuring Rya Martin and Mike Dunn. A short beginner lesson opens the event, then a caller guides each dance so newcomers and experienced dancers can participate comfortably. Dancers may choose either role, Lark on the left or Robin on the right. Admission is on a sliding scale of $10 to $20. Masks are optional. Please park directly in front of the building.

Gabriel Iglesias brings The 1976 Tour to John Paul Jones Arena. The venue enforces a clear bag policy, allowing transparent plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags up to 12 x 6 x 12 inches, or a clear one-gallon freezer bag. Small clutch bags or wallets no larger than 4.5 x 6.5 inches are permitted and will be subject to search. Items required for medical reasons are allowed after inspection at a designated gate. Prohibited bags include purses larger than a clutch, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage, computer bags, and camera bags. Ticket access includes a public onsale along with artist and arena presales, plus consignment.

Celebrate a love of reading at a single day festival featuring author events and plenty of book-themed fun for readers.

HenleyFest celebrates the season with fresh apples and pumpkins, live music, and drinks like wine, cider, and beer. Take a hayride, enjoy pony rides, and treat yourself to apple cider donuts, with more to explore.

A Halloween-themed gathering centered on a hard-driving take on folk rock with an organic, gritty edge. Expect a bold, earthy sound and an edgy energy that fits the spirit of the holiday.

An evening of live music pairs with food from the Sweet Jane's Kitchen food truck and estate-grown wines, all set against Blue Ridge Mountain sunset views. Vocalist, actress, and poet Richelle Claiborne, a Charlottesville native with 25 years of collaboration and performance along the East Coast, leads the music with an eclectic blend that ranges from jazz to metal to original songs and spoken word she calls The Richelle Show. Her creative work includes two albums, several chapbooks, and a one-woman production. Wine will be available by the glass and bottle. Outside alcohol is not permitted under Virginia ABC law. Children and dogs are welcome as long as they remain with their group. Questions can be directed to info@chisholmvineyards.com or by text at 833-340-0086.

Big City Band brings its country-meets-rock energy to Pro Re Nata Brewpub & Music Hall for a free show. Formed in 2017, this six piece outfit blends gritty lead vocals with smooth family harmonies, drawing inspiration from Merle Haggard and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Rooted in Grottoes in the Blue Ridge foothills, the group has cultivated a devoted fan community known as the BCB Strangers and is recognized across Virginia as a go-to party band. Expect a high-energy set that spans genres along with original songs built for dancing. Consider arriving early to secure a seat and grab dinner from PRN’s Taproom Table. Support for live music at Pro Re Nata is provided by Rod Phillips of Dogwood Realty Group, with PRN Music & Media by Brian Combs and Gaslight BC Media.

The Inclinators bring live music to King Family Vineyards, setting a relaxed tone as the seasons change. Settle in with a glass of wine and enjoy the performance.

Enjoy an evening of dancing at Ivy Creek United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall with an intermediate pre-dance lesson taught by Adela Su, possibly joined by Eddie. The lesson is geared toward dancers who are comfortable with foundational patterns such as pushes, passes, and whip. Social dancing follows, and the DJ will be announced. About the instructor: Adela is an All Star level dancer and competitor who has taught in Charlottesville and Central Virginia for more than three decades, with a focus on technique and drills. She and her husband, Eddie K, offer private lessons, lead group classes, and occasionally host dances. At The Open Swing Dance Championships in 2022, they received the first Masters Community Inspiration Award. Adela is a GPDIA certified instructor and judge, a long-time volunteer and former president and board member with the Charlottesville Swing Dance Society (CSDS), and a volunteer with the World Swing Dance Council on the Ombudsman, Events, and Hall of Fame committees. Adela and Eddie continue to study with top professionals to refine their dancing and teacher training, and they share what they learn with their community.

Enjoy a free acoustic performance at Chiles Peach Orchard featuring an easy-listening mix of rock, pop, and country favorites from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and beyond. Look forward to familiar songs by Journey, Guns N’ Roses, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Janis Joplin, Dolly Parton, Jewel, Heart, Alanis Morissette, 4 Non Blondes, The Cranberries, and more. Choose what you want to hear from an interactive request list on your phone with hundreds of options, then dance and sing along or simply relax and soak in the nostalgic vibes. Chiles Peach Orchard in Crozet, Virginia is family owned and open April through December, offering seasonal pick-your-own fruits and vegetables, wine, and sweet treats from the Farm Market and Bakery, along with family-friendly activities. Trained service dogs are welcome. For food safety reasons, other pets and emotional support animals are not permitted.

This Goose event at John Paul Jones Arena follows a clear bag policy. Bring a fully transparent plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches, or use a clear one-gallon freezer bag. A small clutch or wallet up to 4.5 by 6.5 inches is permitted and will be inspected. Items required for medical needs may be allowed after screening at a designated gate. Larger or opaque bags are not allowed, including oversized purses, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, drawstring bags, luggage, laptop bags, camera bags, or anything exceeding the approved size. In partnership with Goose, Live Nation will contribute $1 from each ticket to Backline Foundation, and this amount is not tax deductible. Ticket access includes a public sale along with Artist, Live Nation, Venue, and Citi Cardmember presales.

Enjoy an outdoor salsa and bachata event at Hazy Mountain Vineyards & Brewery with C'Ville Bachata Social. The lineup includes lessons followed by social dancing with DJ Sing, plus sunset views over the vineyard. All experience levels are welcome, and food and drinks are available on site. For reservations, call (540) 302-2529.