Family events in Charlottesville, VA

Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA teams up with 10th & Dairy Apartments for a public pet adoption event. Residents, neighbors, friends, and animal lovers are welcome to meet adorable adoptable pets and perhaps discover a new best friend. The Dairy Market will cover the adoption fee for the first adoption, up to $150. The event offers a friendly chance to connect, cuddle, and help a furry companion find a forever home.

Fridays After Five celebrates its 38th season at Ting Pavilion with a free concert presented by Bud Light featuring Alligator with Don't Look Up. Enjoy live music along with food trucks, vendors, drinks, and a welcoming setting for families. Alligator brings a Charlottesville lineup dedicated to the early years of the Grateful Dead, emphasizing high energy, tight instrumental interplay, and adventurous experimentation. The band features Aaron Evans on guitar, associated with Indecision and Aaron Evans and Friends; Charlie Pastorfield on guitar and vocals from Skip Castro Band, Gladstones, and Mama Tried; Craig Dougald on drums from Indecision, 77s, and Nightfall of Diamonds; Kent Raine on drums from Echoes Farm and Mama Tried; Shep Williams on keys from Cactus Liquors; Stephen Barling on guitar and vocals from The Cows, BC, and Nightfall of Diamonds; Stuart Holme on bass from The Cows, Nightfall of Diamonds, and Mama Tried; and Susan Munson on vocals from Mojo Pie, Neon Angels, and Mama Tried.

An in-person peer support gathering created for dads, whether new to parenting or more experienced. Conversations are guided by fellow dads who understand the journey, and babies under one year are welcome. The setting is a community classroom on the third floor with mats, balls, pillows, and chairs available for comfort. Coffee and bagels will be provided. There is no registration, and attendance is free. For questions or to connect with a facilitator, reach out by email.

Saturday Stories & More! at Crozet Library features an interactive, 30-minute storytime for children ages 2 to 5 attending with a caregiver. Attendee registration is requested, though walk-ins are welcome.

New Dominion Bookshop hosts a weekly Storytime featuring a mix of new picture books and timeless favorites. The shop’s Storytime Leader guides the session and reads a rotating selection throughout the hour, so late arrivals can still take part. The program runs regardless of the weather. It is suitable for all ages, and friends are welcome.

A summer social and fundraiser at Hazy Mountain Vineyards & Brewery benefits Ride With Pride, a local non-profit adaptive horsemanship program. The event is family friendly and welcoming to individuals with special needs, supporting services for people with intellectual, physical, and emotional challenges. Proceeds help Ride With Pride continue its long-standing positive impact in the community.

The Gospel Explosion Community Concert returns to the Historic Jefferson School for an evening of praise, uplifting music, and shared community spirit. This edition honors 30 years of Charlottesville Abundant Life Ministries in the Prospect Avenue community, welcoming neighbors, churches, families, and friends from across the city and beyond. The program features headliner Ruby & Da Girlz, Harry Bryant & The VA Boyz appearing for the third year in a row, the North River Baptist Church Choir, and Jadiss, a Charlottesville Christian rap artist making a stage debut. More than a performance, the event supports Abundant Life’s community-centered work that empowers families through the purchase of tickets, sponsorships, and meals. Tickets are $15 and available on Eventbrite, and charitable donations are encouraged.

Families from Albemarle and nearby counties are invited to a community celebration of education with Albemarle Foundation for Education and Albemarle County Public Schools. The event focuses on helping every student start the year prepared, offering free backpacks, school supplies, physicals, immunizations, and more. Attendees can connect with schools, community partners, and other resources to support student success. The afternoon also includes activities, music, food, games, and prizes for a fun way to unwind before the new school year.

Drama Day Camp is a K-6 program where kids can jump into improv, musical theater, dance, arts and crafts, monologues and storytelling, plus an open mic and more. The camp runs with supervised hours from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Campers should bring a lunch and two snacks (one for the morning and one for the afternoon), along with a labeled water bottle, and wear comfortable clothes for moving around. Costumes are allowed, but children should wear comfortable closed-toe shoes, and they should not bring glass, food that needs heating, toys, or electronics. If a camper needs to call home, they’ll use the office phone instead of a personal cell phone.

Step into a world where stories leap from the page and imaginations expand with every turn. Each tale carries listeners through whimsical realms filled with chatty animals, courageous characters, and playful surprises that spark kids’ creativity and bring out the giggles. Bring a favorite stuffed companion to share in the adventure.

Step into a living museum of fun at Decades Arcade, featuring 127 games that span from the 1950s to this year. Play 37 pinball machines and 90 video games, plus a full-size air hockey table and two skeeball games. All machines are set to free play, so one entry fee covers everything. Admission is $12 per person for a two hour pass or $17 per person for an all day pass. Drinks are allowed inside if kept in cupholders or on the floor, and alcohol is not permitted. Capacity is limited to 100 people and entry is walk-in. The arcade’s website lists the full game lineup, answers common questions, shows a live headcount so you can see how full it is, and offers party room rentals for small groups during public hours.

Tailored for toddlers, this yoga and movement program fosters physical well-being and builds tools for emotional self-regulation through mindfulness, gentle stretching, simple games, and playful activities. It is led by Programs and Administrative Coordinator Emily Pearcy, a certified 95-hour registered children's yoga teacher. She has four years of experience teaching children from infancy through age 13 and earned her certification through Kidding Around Yoga, a program recognized by Yoga Alliance.

Farmers in the Park is a lively, producer-only marketplace featuring local farmers, food vendors, and artisans. Browse fresh, seasonal produce, enjoy prepared foods, and discover handmade goods while supporting the community. Turn a quick shopping trip into an afternoon in the park with amenities close by. Spend time at the playground, practice in the batting cage, use the tennis courts, or take a swing at the Meadowcreek Golf Course driving range. Whether stocking up on weekly groceries, grabbing dinner, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, it makes for a relaxed midweek outing.