Upcoming Events in Charlottesville

February – September | 5 PM - 8 PM | Downtown

The Front Porch is a nonprofit organization that brings people together through music, offering a variety of classes, concerts, and community outreach programs. The 2024-2025 season is made possible by generous sponsors such as Bank of the James, Martin Wren P.C., Petite Marie Bette, and others, as well as partial funding from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, supported by the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.

March 20 - 23
Open to the Public

The Virginia Festival of the Book is held annually in March in Charlottesville, Virginia. In 2025, the event will occur from March 20th to March 23rd. For over thirty years, the Festival has united authors and book enthusiasts from across the country to honor literature, reading, and the mission of the Center. As we carry on this tradition, we remain dedicated to promoting accessibility and diversity, ensuring that a wide array of voices are featured through various events, many of which are free and open to the public.

April 5

Now in its 22nd year, the Charlottesville Marathon & Half Marathon is a celebrated race known for its scenic beauty and historical significance. The event highlights the area's natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and thriving wine and craft beer scene, with the course voted "One of the Most Scenic in the East. Be sure to purchase your Rise and Run Kit when reserving your room, featuring an overnight oat parfait with chia, banana, and peanut butter, plus water and electrolyte hydration packets to fuel your marathon morning!

April 26 – May 3

The Albemarle Garden Club aims to foster a passion for gardening and environmental stewardship through education, community involvement, and collaboration. Its efforts focus on conservation, civic enhancement, and the protection of native plants and wildlife, as well as promoting the beautification of public spaces and the preservation of historic gardens in Virginia.

April 26 & October 5

For over 40 years, Foxfield has hosted renowned steeplechase races in Virginia, offering both locals and visitors a chance to enjoy thrilling horse racing amid the scenic countryside. Founded in 1977 by Mariann de Tejeda, the races have evolved under various leaders, including the creation of Foxfield Racing LLC in 2020, which now oversees the event with a focus on community involvement, safety, and conservation. The organization is committed to preserving the land, enhancing the race experience, and partnering with local charities to ensure a sustainable future for the Foxfield Races.

May 10
Downtown Charlottesville
*In case of severe weather, event will be postponed until Sunday, May 11

Rivanna RiverFest is an annual celebration in Charlottesville, Virginia, that highlights the beauty and importance of the Rivanna River. The event features a variety of outdoor activities, including kayaking, canoeing, and live music, while also promoting environmental conservation and local community engagement. It serves as a fun way to connect people to the river and raise awareness about its preservation.

May 10 & 11
Open to the Public

The Crozet Arts and Crafts Festivals, held twice a year in May and October, showcase over 120 fine artists and artisans from across the country at Claudius Crozet Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This premier event features local food, Virginia wine and beer, live music, and activities for children, all while supporting the non-profit park that has hosted the festival since 1980.

May 24 - 25
Ix Art Park
Ticket required for entry

The Charlottesville Arts Festival is a vibrant celebration of local and regional creativity, showcasing a diverse array of art forms, including visual arts, theater, dance, and music. Held annually, it brings together artists, performers, and the community for a series of interactive exhibits, performances, and workshops. The festival aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the arts while supporting Charlottesville's cultural landscape.

August 12 - 14
Ix Art Park 

The Soul of Cville Festival returns for its second year, offering a three-day celebration of Black excellence. This year’s event honors the fifth anniversary of A12, with organizers aiming to reclaim the day and inspire renewal, much like a phoenix rising from the ashes. Attendees can enjoy a Black artisan market, local Black-owned food, interactive artmaking activities, a community canvas, and a variety of entertainment, including a Hip Hop Showcase, fashion show, and community skate event.