The heat is on, and Charlottesville is buzzing with festivals, food, and all kinds of fun. If you’re looking for a weekend retreat, a patio cocktail, or a fresh peach cone, there’s something happening every weekend this season. Mark your calendar and make room for spontaneity, because summer in C’ville is calling.
June 27–29
CASPCA Summer Solstice at Early Mountain Vineyards (June 27)
Celebrate the longest days of summer with your favorite four-legged friends. The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA hosts this family-friendly fundraiser, featuring pet adoptions, local vendors, live music, and plenty of treats (for you and your pup). Proceeds benefit the shelter’s mission to care for animals in need. 6–10pm, $250. 6109 Wolftown-Hood Rd., Madison. caspca.org
Fae Festival at IX Art Park (June 28 and 29)
Slip into a world of whimsy at the Fae Festival, a two-day celebration of fantasy, folklore, and—wait for it—fairies. With immersive art, performances, and enchanted vendors, IX Art Park transforms into a magical realm fit for wings, wands, and woodland vibes. Costumes encouraged: Don your best ethereal look and prepare for a weekend of wonder. $15–30, kids under 12 are free. 522 Second St. SE. ixartpark.org
July 4–6
C’ville Spectacular at Carter Mountain Orchard (July 4)
It’s a tradition! The C’ville Spectacular is bringing fireworks back to Carter Mountain, with an 18-minute display that viewers can enjoy from anywhere in the region—including online. If you’d rather watch in your PJs, tune in to cbs19news.com for the livestream. For go-getters, grab a ticket for a spot at the orchard at chilesfamilyorchards.com, or find other hot spots at visitcharlottesville.org.
July 11–13
Pride Prom Night at Phoenix VA (July 12)
Get ready to dance, sparkle, and celebrate love in all its forms at this inclusive bash. Hosted by And Still I Rise, Pride Prom Night brings everyone to the dance floor for a night of self-expression, retro vibes, and rainbow realness. Dress code? Whatever makes you feel fabulous. 7–11pm, $20. 705 Dale Ave. Suite F. instagram.com/_phoenix_va
Second Saturdays at Bellair Farm (July 12)
This monthly event invites families and farm-lovers to explore Bellair’s fields, meet the animals, and shop the market. Expect live music, fresh produce, and kid-friendly fun. In July, watch Mount Ida Executive Chef Jabari Wadlington demo a recipe featuring potatoes, a wine-tasting with Dogwood & Thistle, and knife-sharpening by Jacob Nesmith of Honey Honed. It’s wholesome, local, and perfectly summery. 9am–2pm, free. 5290 Bellair Farm. bellairfarm.com
July 18–20
Four Day Retreat at The Farmhouse at Veritas (July 20–23)
Treat yourself to an all-inclusive escape in the heart of wine country. The Four Day Retreat at Veritas includes luxurious accommodations, chef-driven meals and workshops, wine pairings, yoga, and cellar tours against a backdrop of the Blue Ridge. It’s rest, renewal, and relaxation, all in one serene package. $2,250. 72 Saddleback Farm, Afton. veritasfarmhouse.com
July 25–27
C-VILLE Restaurant Week (July 21–27)
Get a taste of Charlottesville’s culinary scene without breaking the bank. During C-VILLE Restaurant Week, top local restaurants offer special prix fixe menus at $25, $35, or $45, letting diners explore new spots or return to favorites. Make reservations early—tables go fast! Various locations. c-villerestaurantweek.com
Music on the Lawn at Stonefield (July 26)
Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy live music on the green at The Shops at Stonefield. This family-friendly series showcases local musicians in a relaxed outdoor setting. Bonus: There’s plenty of ice cream and takeout nearby if you forget the picnic part. 6–8:3pm, free. shopsatstonefield.com
Farm to Batteau
Celebrate Virginia’s rich agricultural history with a scenic two-and-a-half-hour float down the James. Farm to Batteau pairs heritage with harvest, featuring local food from Two Fire Table chef Sarah Rennie, plus wine, and live acoustic tunes aboard a traditional batteau steered by James River Tours. It’s a uniquely Virginia experience—part river cruise, part farm feast. 6:30pm, $200–1,200. jamesriverbatteau.com
August 1–3
Albemarle County Fair (July 31, August 1, and August 2)
A classic summer fair with a local twist, the Albemarle County Fair brings livestock shows, crafts, carnival rides, and cotton candy to the historic grounds of James Monroe’s Highland. It’s family fun with a nod to tradition—perfect for kids, dates, or anyone craving nostalgia. Various hours, $5. 2050 James Monroe Pkwy. albemarlecountyfair.com
Homemade Peach Ice Cream Days (August 2 and August 3)
Chiles Peach Orchard’s Homemade Peach Ice Cream Days are a rite of summer. Come for the scoop (made by the Crozet Lions Club with orchard-grown peaches), stay for the pick-your-own fun, farm store shopping, mountain views, and live music. It’s peak peach season—literally. 9am-6pm, free (except for the cost of a scoop). 1351 Greenwood Rd., Crozet. chilesfamilyorchards.com
August 8–10
Cocktail Masterclass at The Aspen Bar (August 8 and 9)
Level up your happy hour at this hands-on cocktail workshop, hosted Friday and Saturday by the mixology pros at Birch & Bloom’s Aspen Bar in the Kimpton Forum Hotel. You’ll learn to craft seasonal sips like an expert while nibbling on small bites in a chic setting. Ideal for date night, girls’ night, or just a break from beer-and-shot culture. 4–5pm, $45. 540 Massie Rd.
August 15–17
Oyster Fest at Batesville Market (August 17)
Slurp your way through the final days of summer at this shellfish-centric feast. Batesville Market’s annual Oyster Fest serves up fresh Salty Bottom Blue Oysters bivalves (raw and grilled), local beer and wine, and live tunes in a cozy village setting. It’s salty, satisfying, and delightfully laid-back. 11am–8pm, $5 cover. 6624 Plank Rd., Batesville. batesvillemarket.com
Summer staples
Some things just say “summer” in Charlottesville. These perennial events pop up like clockwork, bringing familiar fun to the season.
Virginia Oyster & Wine Celebration at Eastwood Farm and Winery
Eastwood Farm and Winery brings together the briny and the bubbly every weekend. Enjoy oysters on the half shell alongside estate wines, plus sweeping views and live music. It’s an easy way to elevate any afternoon. eastwoodfarmandwinery.com
Fridays on the Canal
Head south to Scottsville for small-town charm and free riverside fun at Fridays on the Canal. With food trucks, music, and a laid-back vibe, it’s a perfect start to the weekend. Bring a lawn chair and let the James River breeze do the rest. fridaysonthecanal.com
Virginia Theatre Festival
This professional summer repertory draws national talent and dazzles local audiences with classic and contemporary productions. Hosted at UVA, the Virginia Theatre Festival is a must-see for anyone who loves a good story brought to life. virginiatheatrefestival.org
Polo at Roseland Farm
Grab a bottle of bubbly and head to the country for polo with a picnic twist. Roseland Farm’s Sunday matches are equal parts sport and social event—think tailgating meets Downton Abbey. Starting this year, the matches move to the evening (5pm and 6:30pm) to beat the heat July 6 to August 3. Casual attire with a hint of flair encouraged. kingfamilyvineyards.com
Veritas Starry Nights
Veritas’ beloved Starry Nights series blends music, wine, and stargazing into one dreamy evening. Bring a blanket and dance under the stars—or sip and sway from your picnic perch. It’s Blue Ridge magic at its finest. veritaswines.com
Fridays After Five
Downtown Charlottesville’s Fridays After Five is a staple of the summer. Free live music at the Ting Pavilion, drinks in hand, and the Downtown Mall buzzing—it’s the pulse of the city every Friday night. tingpavilion.com
Field Days at Blenheim Vineyards
Blenheim’s Field Days bring together live music (Erik “Red” Knierim of Red & The Romantics, Jay Pun & Friends, and Robert Jospé Trio are among the summer lineup), food trucks, and of course, wine on the first Friday of every month. The relaxed vineyard setting makes it a go-to for chill summer hangs—especially when Dave Matthews drops in (you never know). blenheimvineyards.com
Silent Book Club at Albemarle CiderWorks
Need a break from nonstop socializing? On the last Sunday of the month, pull up a chair and crack open a book at this introvert’s dream gathering. Silent Book Club meets in the Orchard Room at Albemarle CiderWorks, where you can sip a flight and read in companionable quiet. Bring whatever you’re reading—no assigned titles, no pressure. albemarleciderworks.com
Friday Night Writes at New Dominion Bookshop
Writers of all stripes gather at New Dominion for a quiet evening of focused creativity. Bring a notebook, grab a seat, and join fellow scribes for dedicated writing time. The shop’s literary charm and peaceful energy make it the ideal setting to finally finish that poem—or start something new. ndbookshop.com
From patios to peach orchards, we’ve got your summer weekends covered. Photo: Martyn Kyle.
