This weekend in Charlottesville, VA

At Ix, a producer-only farmers market puts farms and local foods first, standing as the largest independent market of its kind in Charlottesville. SNAP is accepted, and Virginia Fresh Match offers additional buying power for fresh fruits and vegetables. The market is managed by the nonprofit Market Central.

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.

Marking its 53rd season, City Market continues to bring the community together around fresh, locally sourced food. Find in-season produce, meats raised nearby, baked treats, artisan-made goods, and a wide range of ready-to-eat dishes from local vendors. Sunrise Tostada makes its Charlottesville debut with fresh flavors and a new take on familiar breakfast favorites, and the booth will offer complimentary Cheesecake Tostada samples while supplies last. Parking is available at the Water Street garage, with the first hour free.

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.

Take a free backstage tour that traces The Paramount’s story from its 1931 beginnings through decades of community engagement, from the Great Depression to its celebrated reopening. Explore the visionaries who built it, the grandeur of classic movie‑palace design, and insights from the two year restoration. Step behind the curtain to see a backstage wall filled with hundreds of artist autographs, known as the Wall of Fame. Admission is free, and the tour lasts about an hour. Due to limited capacity, advance reservations are strongly recommended. The schedule may change. For cancellations or changes to your party, contact the Box Office at 434-979-1333 or boxoffice@theparamount.net. Private group tours can be arranged by appointment for a small fee by calling 434-293-1001.

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.

Verdi’s Egyptian drama comes to life in a 2025 Met performance with soprano Angel Blue in the title role, matched against mezzo-soprano Judit Kutasi as the royal rival Amneris. Tenor Piotr Beczała appears as the warrior Radamès, and baritone Quinn Kelsey portrays Amonasro, the king of Ethiopia. Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts a sweeping new production by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer that immerses audiences in ancient Egypt, with intricate projections and vivid animations that evoke towering pyramids and golden tombs.

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.

Catch The Pollocks live at Albemarle CiderWorks on Saturday, Aug 8. Doors and ticketing details are available through the ticket link shown on the page.

Join expert mixologists for a one-hour Gin Classics & Botanical Pairing masterclass where you’ll explore the history of gin and cocktails, then learn how to craft cocktails from selecting ingredients to mixing and garnishing. This is an interactive, in-person session and tickets include gratuity plus tax. Participants must be 21+.

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.

Corey Harris Band appears on the Rivanna Roots stage at Rivanna River Company, with an opening set from Jen Tal, for a riverside evening of music, food, beverages, and community. Corey Harris is a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and bandleader who has staked out a singular place in contemporary blues, drawing on early days performing in New Orleans and a formative year in Cameroon to blend traditional acoustic blues with elements of reggae, soul, rock, and West African music. Known for a commanding voice and deft guitar work, he brings both fresh takes on blues standards and original songs that balance heritage with forward motion in American roots music. Charlottesville based rhythm guitarist, songwriter, and award winning vocalist Jen Tal sets the tone with a sound that intertwines soul, R&B, and jazz, offering original compositions and inventive mashups of familiar tunes, delivered with authenticity and a strong connection to listeners. Food will be available from The Pie Guy and Arepas on Wheels, with beverages featured from Random Row Brewing Company, Potter’s Craft Cider, and Eastwood Farm and Winery, and artist hospitality supported by Hogwaller Brewing. Support for Rivanna Roots 2026 is provided by Sun Tribe, Martin Horn, NOLA Builds, The Nature Conservancy of Virginia, Alloy Architecture & Construction, Piedmont Paint & Finish, Bottle House, Woodard Properties, Mountaintop, Montessori, WNRN, and C-ville Weekly.

Slate River Band brings decades of classic country to Pro Re Nata Brewpub & Music Hall in a free show. Formed in 1989 by Michelle and Nick Nixon with Buddy Amos and revived in 2018 with their son, Trace, the group blends tight family harmonies with a sound that nods to the 1990s. Expect a mix of heartfelt ballads and toe-tapping, two-step ready tunes, drawing from both originals and covers with a touch of bluegrass. Early lineups featured Trace, Michelle, and Nick alongside the late Mike Sharp on dobro, Steve Easter on bass, and Morgan Easter on keys. The band now features long-time members Craig Lokey on drums, Eddie Shifflett on guitar and mandolin, and Randy Cook on steel guitar. Michelle Nixon’s career includes Virginia Folk Music Association female vocalist awards, SPBGMA Female Vocalist of the Year, and contributions to award-winning Daughters of Bluegrass recordings, while Nick Nixon has championed classic country throughout his career and earned recognition in national competitions. Arriving ahead of showtime helps with seating, and dinner is available from Hops Kitchen at PRN. This performance is supported by Rod Phillips of Dogwood Realty Group, with PRN Music & Media by Brian Combs of Gaslight BC Media.

John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd bring Jake and Elwood Blues to life in a music-fueled comedy about two brothers seeking redemption with no cash but a case packed with soul. The story features show-stopping turns by Ray Charles, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Cab Calloway, all in an action-charged production from director John Landis. It delivers sharp humor, driving rhythm, and memorable performances.

Watch the classic musical comedy The Blues Brothers on the big screen at Paramount On Screen. Follow Jake and Elwood Blues as they hit the road in search of redemption, with plenty of iconic music and show-stopping performances. The screening runs from evening into the night.

Josh Mayo will bring his beautiful music and one-of-a-kind voice to The Bebedero. Come enjoy a live performance designed to lift the mood and soothe whatever ails you.

Starr Hill Market is making a return. Set a reminder so you do not miss it.

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.

Experience To Kill a Mockingbird on the big screen as part of Paramount On Screen. Based on the classic story, Scout and Jem follow the events in their Alabama hometown, including Atticus Finch’s defense of Tom Robinson and the trial’s impact on their community. The screening runs from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.