Best events in
Charlottesville

Events and things to do in Charlottesville, VA are rooted in the city's unique blend of small-town charm and cultural sophistication. The University of Virginia provides a lively backdrop, while the pedestrian-only Downtown Mall serves as the primary stage for much of the city's social life. Beyond the city center, a strong farm-to-table culinary scene and numerous wineries offer experiences connected to the surrounding Blue Ridge landscape.

The Downtown Mall is the city's social hub, where a single stroll can lead to street musicians, patio dining, and major venues like The Jefferson Theater or Ting Pavilion.
Experience the local arts scene through the monthly First Fridays art walk or at the immersive IX Art Park, home of The Looking Glass museum.
Live music is a constant, from intimate shows at The Southern Café & Music Hall to late-night jazz sets at the long-standing Miller's Downtown.

autocomplete

Popular in Charlottesville

Explore more events

DisruptHR/Charlottesville 2026

Tomorrow • 5:00 PM

Live Arts

Check ticket price on event

We the Wine People: A Special Screening & Wine Tasting

Wednesday • 6:00 PM

Violet Crown Charlottesville

Check ticket price on event

Charlottesville Entrepreneurs and Espresso (C-E2)

Tue, Oct 20 • 9:00 AM + 1 more

CODE Building, Irving Theater

Check ticket price on event

UVA Infrastructure Month: Brandon Avenue “Green Street” Tour (Stormwater)

Wed, Oct 21 • 2:00 PM

Bond House

Check ticket price on event

Botanical Fare's HALLOWEEN Drag Bingo (CVILLE)

Fri, Oct 23 • 7:00 PM

Botanical Plant-Based Fare

Check ticket price on event

Writer's Eye Drop-In Tours

Sat, Oct 24 • 2:00 PM + 1 more

The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia

Check ticket price on event

Cville Tree Week TreeNote and Urban Wood Showcase

Thu, Nov 5 • 5:30 PM

Irving Theater/Code Building

Check ticket price on event

Two Up Wine Down

Sat, Nov 7 • 2:00 PM

Jefferson School City Center

Check ticket price on event

DisruptHR/Charlottesville 2026

Tomorrow • 5:00 PM

Live Arts

Check ticket price on event

We the Wine People: A Special Screening & Wine Tasting

Wednesday • 6:00 PM

Violet Crown Charlottesville

Check ticket price on event

Charlottesville Entrepreneurs and Espresso (C-E2)

Tue, Oct 20 • 9:00 AM + 1 more

CODE Building, Irving Theater

Check ticket price on event

UVA Infrastructure Month: Brandon Avenue “Green Street” Tour (Stormwater)

Wed, Oct 21 • 2:00 PM

Bond House

Check ticket price on event

Botanical Fare's HALLOWEEN Drag Bingo (CVILLE)

Fri, Oct 23 • 7:00 PM

Botanical Plant-Based Fare

Check ticket price on event

Writer's Eye Drop-In Tours

Sat, Oct 24 • 2:00 PM + 1 more

The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia

Check ticket price on event

Cville Tree Week TreeNote and Urban Wood Showcase

Thu, Nov 5 • 5:30 PM

Irving Theater/Code Building

Check ticket price on event

Two Up Wine Down

Sat, Nov 7 • 2:00 PM

Jefferson School City Center

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

Online Events

Explore more events

How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

Wed, Oct 14 • 7:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

Witch hunts and real lives

Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

Check ticket price on event

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

Wed, Oct 14 • 7:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

Witch hunts and real lives

Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

Check ticket price on event

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

This Weekend

Explore more events

Downtown C-ville Food Tour + Wine Tasting

Friday • 4:00 PM + 1 more

Downtown Mall

Check ticket price on event

Everlasting Floral Wreath Making

Saturday • 6:00 PM

Dairy Market Charlottesville

Check ticket price on event

DEC-VA Orange County Field Trip

Saturday • 9:00 AM

Jefferson School African American Heritage Center

Check ticket price on event

Charlottesville Wine Tasting Experience | Small Group + Transit Included

Saturday • 10:30 AM

Omni Charlottesville Hotel

Check ticket price on event

Historic Downtown Mall Walking Tour

Saturday • 11:30 AM

Ting Pavilion

Check ticket price on event

Charlottesville Challenge Scavenger Hunt

Saturday • 11:00 AM + 3 more

Mudhouse Coffee

Check ticket price on event

A Walk in Her Shoes - Cville

Saturday • 8:00 AM

Vault Virginia

Check ticket price on event

Knitting Circle

Sun, Oct 11 • 7:00 PM

201 E Market St

Check ticket price on event

Downtown C-ville Food Tour + Wine Tasting

Friday • 4:00 PM + 1 more

Downtown Mall

Check ticket price on event

Everlasting Floral Wreath Making

Saturday • 6:00 PM

Dairy Market Charlottesville

Check ticket price on event

DEC-VA Orange County Field Trip

Saturday • 9:00 AM

Jefferson School African American Heritage Center

Check ticket price on event

Charlottesville Wine Tasting Experience | Small Group + Transit Included

Saturday • 10:30 AM

Omni Charlottesville Hotel

Check ticket price on event

Historic Downtown Mall Walking Tour

Saturday • 11:30 AM

Ting Pavilion

Check ticket price on event

Charlottesville Challenge Scavenger Hunt

Saturday • 11:00 AM + 3 more

Mudhouse Coffee

Check ticket price on event

A Walk in Her Shoes - Cville

Saturday • 8:00 AM

Vault Virginia

Check ticket price on event

Knitting Circle

Sun, Oct 11 • 7:00 PM

201 E Market St

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

Food & Drink events

We the Wine People: A Special Screening & Wine Tasting

Wednesday • 6:00 PM

Violet Crown Charlottesville

Check ticket price on event

Trivia Night at Starr Hill Brewery

Wednesday • 7:00 PM + 51 more

Starr Hill Downtown

Check ticket price on event

Starr Hill Farmers Market

Sun, Oct 11 • 9:30 AM + 3 more

Jefferson School City Center

Check ticket price on event

Botanical Fare's HALLOWEEN Drag Bingo (CVILLE)

Fri, Oct 23 • 7:00 PM

Botanical Plant-Based Fare

Check ticket price on event

Foodies + New Friends: Charlottesville Dinner Meetup | Giving Back Edition

Sat, Oct 24 • 7:00 PM + 2 more

Cafe Frank

Check ticket price on event

Two Up Wine Down

Sat, Nov 7 • 2:00 PM

Jefferson School City Center

Check ticket price on event

Friendsgiving Cocktails & Cheer

Sun, Nov 22 • 4:00 PM

The Bebedero

Check ticket price on event

Art of Charcuterie: A Cheeseboard Workshop

Sat, Mar 13 • 4:00 PM

Mockingbird

Check ticket price on event

We the Wine People: A Special Screening & Wine Tasting

Wednesday • 6:00 PM

Violet Crown Charlottesville

Check ticket price on event

Trivia Night at Starr Hill Brewery

Wednesday • 7:00 PM + 51 more

Starr Hill Downtown

Check ticket price on event

Starr Hill Farmers Market

Sun, Oct 11 • 9:30 AM + 3 more

Jefferson School City Center

Check ticket price on event

Botanical Fare's HALLOWEEN Drag Bingo (CVILLE)

Fri, Oct 23 • 7:00 PM

Botanical Plant-Based Fare

Check ticket price on event

Foodies + New Friends: Charlottesville Dinner Meetup | Giving Back Edition

Sat, Oct 24 • 7:00 PM + 2 more

Cafe Frank

Check ticket price on event

Two Up Wine Down

Sat, Nov 7 • 2:00 PM

Jefferson School City Center

Check ticket price on event

Friendsgiving Cocktails & Cheer

Sun, Nov 22 • 4:00 PM

The Bebedero

Check ticket price on event

Art of Charcuterie: A Cheeseboard Workshop

Sat, Mar 13 • 4:00 PM

Mockingbird

Check ticket price on event

Points of Interest near Charlottesville

Unlocked History Escape Rooms

Downtown Mall

Darden Towe Park

Frequently asked questions about Charlottesville

Where are the best places for live music events in Charlottesville?

The Downtown Mall is the epicenter for live music venues. Catch national acts at The Jefferson Theater or the outdoor Ting Pavilion, or discover talent in a more intimate setting at The Southern Café & Music Hall. Miller's Downtown also offers nightly jazz sessions.

What are some free events in Charlottesville, VA?

The Fridays After Five concert series is a popular free event at Ting Pavilion. This seasonal outdoor music event brings local and regional bands to the Downtown Mall. Additionally, the First Fridays art walk allows free entry to many downtown galleries for new exhibit openings.

Are there food and drink events focused on local culture?

The Charlottesville City Market is a great way to experience local food culture. Running from spring through fall, the market features over 100 vendors selling local produce, baked goods, and crafts. Many local restaurants also host their own farm-to-table dining events.

What's a good date night idea in Charlottesville?

A classic Charlottesville date night starts with dinner in the Belmont neighborhood. Known as a culinary destination, Belmont offers many intimate, independent restaurants. Afterwards, head to the nearby Downtown Mall for a show at The Paramount Theater or a late-night drink.

Where can I find outdoor events around Charlottesville?

Ting Pavilion on the Downtown Mall hosts many outdoor concerts and community gatherings. For a different vibe, the Thursday Evening Sunset Series at Carter Mountain Orchard combines live music and food trucks with scenic views. The polo matches at King Family Vineyards are also a popular outdoor social event.

How can I explore the art scene in Charlottesville?

The IX Art Park provides a uniquely immersive art experience. This indoor/outdoor space hosts events and features The Looking Glass exhibit. For a more traditional outing, participate in the monthly First Fridays art walk, where galleries on and around the Downtown Mall debut new shows.

What is the nightlife like near the University of Virginia?

The Corner district, adjacent to UVA, offers a lively and energetic nightlife scene. This area is packed with bars, casual eateries, and spots that stay open late, catering primarily to the university student population. It is especially bustling during the academic year.

Are there family-friendly things to do in Charlottesville?

The Charlottesville City Market is a great family outing. Families can also enjoy community events at the IX Art Park, which offers a whimsical and interactive environment. Many of the local annual festivals, like the Virginia Festival of the Book, have family-friendly components.