In Charlottesville, we transform the typical into something outstanding, and the same is true about the Charlottesville festival scene. Of course, Charlottesville festivals include local vendors, live music, and yummy food like most festivals, but in Charlottesville, our festivals often involve much more. These events help expand our horizons and unite the community while providing access to top-quality artists, craftspeople, food vendors, and musicians. Below is a list of some of the best festivals in Charlottesville:
Dogwood Festival
Every year, Charlottesville celebrates the glory of spring with fireworks, amusement rides, and a host of local “royalty”. The annual Charlottesville Dogwood Festival has been held to honor the state flower since 1950 when it was known as the Apple Harvest Festival. The festival took on its current name, the Charlottesville Dogwood Festival, in 1958, and endures as a long-standing tradition focused on Charlottesville’s beauty and heritage.
Virginia Festival of the Book
Revel in all things literary at this festival that celebrates books, reading, literacy, and literary culture! Activities include writing salons, book panels, and even immersive outdoor programs. The festival aims to build a bridge for Virginia’s next generation of readers, from all backgrounds and across all genres. The Festival is free and open to the public.
Tom Tom Festival
Make memories during a community-centric week of parties, concerts, talks, ideas, performances, and art, at the annual Tom Tom Festival! This unique event celebrates our community as we travel into the future together and learn to innovate, experiment, and succeed together. Join a community inspired by the future and learn how we can create the future we dream of together! This is one of Charlottesville’s most beloved events (and effective) community events.
Cville Restaurant Week
For diners who have dreamed about sampling Charlottesville’s impressive fine dining scene without breaking the bank, Restaurant Week is that dream, come to life! This highly anticipated week of good food and good fun allows diners to sample a long list of participating restaurants that provide a special prix fixe menu of enjoy three courses— typically an appetizer, an entree, and dessert— for just $25, $35 or $45 (drinks, tax, and tip not included.) This popular annual event is a favorite among Charlottesville’s considerable population of culinary enthusiasts.
Soul of C’villeCharlottesville’s beloved IX Park hosts the Soul of C’ville, an inclusive and exciting event that showcases black excellence in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. The festival takes place over 3 days and includes a diverse list of musicians, films, fashion shows, dancers, and so much more. More than 45 vendors will participate in the event, and you’ll have the chance to contribute to the community canvas.
Fall Into Fun Festival
Take a scenic drive to nearby Crozet to visit Chile’s Orchard for this annual event that celebrates everything we love about Fall! You can pick your own pumpkins and apples, but don’t stop there! After you’ve picked out the perfect pumpkin, you’ll want to browse the shop for yummy fall-themed treats like pumpkin donuts and apple butter, or just relax and enjoy the entertainment. Bring the whole family and “fall” into the fun!
Virginia Clay Festival
Just North of Charlottesville in Stanardsville, you will find the Virginia Clay Festival in Greene County. This is one of the best pottery and ceramic festivals on the East Coast, featuring talented artisans, delightful Irish music, and hands-on demonstrations. The beautiful Greene County scenery provides a backdrop for one of the most diverse collections of pottery available. This is the perfect festival if you need to find a one-of-a-kind gift for that special someone.
Crozet Art Festival
The Crozet Art Festival continues to be a favorite destination for art lovers in Virginia and beyond. Juried artists offer an amazing variety of high-quality fine arts and crafts amid the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. Live music and delicious food vendors gather along with artisans offering fine jewelry, art photography, paintings, graphic arts, pastel art, pottery, ceramic art, clothing, home decor, and so much more.
Virginia Film Festival
Charlottesville’s renowned Virginia Film Festival attracts an international celebrity crowd. The event is famous for being one of the most in-depth and passionate celebrations of film in America. Over 5 days, the festival presents an inspiring, diverse collection of films and events with a dazzling list of guests from all over the world of film. Visitors include Matthew Broderick, Sandra Bullock, Spike Lee, Oliver Stone, Shirley MacLaine, Colin Firth, Will Forte, Mia Wasikowski, and many more. The Virginia Film Festival connects movie lovers with the people who make the films that mean so much to our culture.
There is so much to celebrate in Charlottesville – get out there and find your favorite fantastic festival! To stay on top of all the upcoming events, don’t forget to follow The Scoop! Not only will you find essential information about when and where festivals are taking place, but also many helpful tips on how best to maximize living in Charlottesville! We regularly post upcoming events, local information, and apartment lifestyle blogs, so make sure you keep checking back for all of your Charlottesville living needs!
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