Annual events

Albemarle County Fair
First UVA football game
Virginia Film Festival
Halloween activities
The Montpelier Races
Last home UVA football game
Downtown for the Holidays
First Night Virginia
Virginia Festival of the Book
Charlottesville Ten-Miler
Historic Garden Week in Virginia
Montpelier Wine Festival
The City Market
Annual Dogwood Festival
Foxfield Steeplechase Races
Fridays After Five
Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival
The Discovery Dash
Ash Lawn-Highland Summer Festival
July 4 activities
African-American Cultural Arts Festival 

Albemarle County Fair- North Garden- It used to be a pretty drive down Route 29, but this year it's a winding drive along Route 53, as this transitional year brings you to Ash Lawn-Highland, once the home of President Monroe. This year may be a one-off at this site, and it's supposed to be almost all agriculture. So check it out. 293-6396 (August 2-4, 2012) 

Ash Lawn Opera Festival- Since 1978, opera fans and others who just like a country picnic and music have enjoyed operas in English and special events for children at the home of James Monroe. Now productions are staged inside at the Paramount Theater on the Downtown Mall, which will be the home for the festival's running productions of Mozart's The Magic Flute and Meredith Wilson's The Music Man. $37-$54. 293-4500 (July, August 2012)

First UVA football game- Scott Stadium- This year it's against Richmond. The night before marks Paint the Town Orange night, a sort of city-wide pep rally sure to get the orange-and-blue blood flowing. Ticket info: 800-542-UVA1 or locally 924-UVA1 (September 1, 2012)

Louisa County Air Show- A real barn-stormin' festival with parachutists, biplanes, and aerial stunts. Free admission, but canned food donations encouraged. Louisa County Airport/Freeman Field. 540-967-0050 (September 1, 2012)

Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival- UVA's Old Cabell Hall- Does Mozart get your motor runnin'? Does Haydn make the hair on your arms stand up? If so, get your dose of chamber music and then some at this month-long event. Most recent prices, $6-$22/individual concerts, $25-$100/serious subscription. 295-5395 (September 11 and 22 [the Paramount Theater], 15, 18, 25 [Old Cabell Hall]  2011) 

Foxfield Steeplechase Races- Garth Road- Still in business after almost having its license yanked because some youthful attendees find public intoxication (and urination) to be part of the fun, this equestrian fandango is a spring and fall must-do for horsey locals. The fall race is more family friendly than the UVA undergrad-dominated spring race, and includes pony rides, Jack Russell Terrier races, and a stroll around the course. Tickets go quickly and this year, they'll go on sale August 2. Prices range from $25 to $800 for the swanky "club tent."  293-9501 or 1-800-635-3982 (April 23 and September 30, 2012)

Fall Fiber Festival- James Madison's Montpelier- Not to be confused with a shindig celebrating Metamucil, this one's all about the fleece. Sheep-shearing and wool spinning, knitting, rug-weaving, a fiber fashion show, and a fleece sale allows shepherds to make their own fleeces available. $5 adults; under-16 free. Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 10am-4pm. For more information, e-mail Fall_Fiber_Festival@comcast.net (October 6-7, 2012)

Martha's Market- John Paul Jones Arena- More than 70 boutiques from around the country set up shop in John Paul Jones Arena for a one-of-a-kind marketplace experience. Put on by the Women's Committee of Martha Jefferson Hospital for the 19th consecutive year, all vendors donate 15 percent of their sales to benefit breast cancer treatment at the hospital. Admission is $5, kids under 10 are free. 296-7143 (October 12-14, 2012; Preview Party October11)

Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival- Claudius Crozet Park- Pottery, textiles, leather, glass, wood, metal, photography, and art provide a tantalizing array of beautiful handmade articles for sale. This two-day event makes a fine outing for the entire family. $5/adults; under-12/free. 823-2211 (October 8-9, 2011 and May 2012)

Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival- Rebec Vineyard, Rt. 29 south just north of Amherst- Leave all of your olfactory concerns at the door, because this festival is part feast, part comedy routine, and all fun. Kids activities, contests, food, crafts fair, wine tastings, live music, and more. Don't miss the crowning of the Garlic King! 10am-5pm both days. $20 general admission, $25 if you're tasting the wine, free for kids 12 and under, discounts if you buy tickets in advance. 946-5168 (October 8-9, 2011)

The Spirit Walk- Downtown- Since 1995, the local historical society has been mixing ghouls and history, and history always wins in this clever walking tour taking in ghostly haunts such as the Maplewood Cemetery and infamous murder sites downtown. Tours get started at the Historical Society's building just off the Downtown Mall. This year, they're getting an early jump on the spooking, running tours October 23-25. 296-1492

Trick or Treat on the UVA Lawn- What started as a big brother/big sister gig now brings several thousand parents and kids to the Academical Village each Halloween afternoon for the most car-free trick or treating on the planet. 4-6pm. 

Virginia Film Festival- UVA and Downtown- Founded by the state with a little help from local benefactor Patricia Kluge back in 1988, this is the event that has brought to town such stars as Morgan Freeman, Robert Duvall, Vanessa Redgrave, Ann-Margret, Nicolas Cage, and Sigourney Weaver. 982-5277 or 1-800-UVA-FEST (November 3-6, 2011)

The Montpelier Hunt Races- Montpelier Station (45 min. north- Orange County)- A bit farther away than Foxfield, but it may actually take less time thanks to its smaller scale. And unlike Foxfield's reputation as a boozefest rather than an athletic event, this Montpelier Hunt Race will be the 77th running and is one of the nation's oldest and most respected steeplechase events. Admission/$15, under-12/free, parking/$20, or spend $1,250 to $9,000 to make a private, all-accoutrements-included party of it. 540-672-0027 (November 5, 2011)

Jefferson Thanksgiving Festival- Downtown Mall. The festival begins with a parade on the Downtown Mall featuring characters dressed in historical costumes. The festivities begin with Santa Claus' arrival on the Mall at 5:30 on the day after Thanksgiving, followed by a Thanksgiving Parade at 10am the following Saturday, and concluding with Dolley Madison's Three President's Ball at the Omni Hotel. The outdoor events are free, $20 for dinner and dancing, $10 for admission to the ball, small admission fees for other indoor events. 249-4032 (November 20, 2011)

Last home UVA football game- Scott Stadium- UVA takes on instate rival Virginia Tech. Ticket info: 800-542-UVA1 or locally 924-UVA1 (November 26, 2011)

HookTip
For a delicious and hassle-free Thanksgiving, make reservations for you and yours at Graves Mountain Lodge (540-923-4231) in Madison County for the all-you-can-eat buffet-style Thanksgiving dinner. Not only do they serve turkey with all the trimmings, but also Old Dominion delicacies like Virginia ham and fried oysters. 

Downtown for the Holidays- Downtown Mall- Holiday City Market. The festival offers a variety of holiday events along the Mall, helping families enjoy the spirit of the season. Don't forget to check out the tree lighting on the 28th, Santa when he comes to town on the 29th, and book your tickets for the Holly Trolly! 977-1812 (November 27-December 18, 2011)

McGuffey Art Center Holiday Open House- McGuffey Art Center, Second St.- It's the rarity of rarities: all studios in the subsidized-rent palace of art will probably be open. There's entertainment, and, in the Gallery, a holiday group show by all members. 295-7973 (December 1-31, 2011)

First Night Virginia- all over Downtown- For years, visitors have enjoyed entertainment, food, alcohol-free events, and fireworks. This year, the fireworks begin at 9pm for the little ones to enjoy. The program brings about 10,000 people to the festivities every New Year, and as always an admission button gets you into everything. Ticket prices are $15/adults, $5/kids ages 6-16, kids under 5/free. Discounts on pre-sale tickets and family packs. 975-8269 (December 31, 2011)

Charlottesville Restaurant Week- all over town- Twice annually, fine restaurants all over this foodie Mecca of ours throw open their doors and, for one week, offer a special three-course, prix fixe meal for the low, low price of $26 ($1 goes to the Blue Ridge Area Food bank). Last time, restaurants booked up weeks in advance, so make yours early! More info at cvilleyum.com. 295-8700 ext. 227. (July 11-17, 2011)

ACC Basketball at UVA- John Paul Jones Arena- For decades, the Atlantic Coast Conference has been the premiere conference in the nation for men's and women's college basketball. While the men's team had a disappointing season, they have a new leader in former Washington State coach Tony Bennett. The women advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament. Ticket info: 800-542-UVA1 or locally 924-UVA1 (Schedule TBA, ACC play begins January 2012)

Virginia Festival of the Book- All over town- Bringing together noted authors and eager author groupies, this popular event celebrates its 18th anniversary in 2012. The event has featured such luminaries as Garrison Keillor, Helen Thomas, the Fellowship of Southern Writers, Clyde Edgerton, Malcolm Gladwell and Michael Chabon. Most events at the five-day fest are free. 924-7548 (March 21-25, 2012)

Charlottesville Ten-Miler- Streets of Downtown- The town's biggest running race draws participants from all over the state and beyond, and blocks off city roads, streets, and alleys. In 2008, 2,235 entrants participated. Fee to run to be determined (probably $15-20). Fee to watch? Priceless. (TBA, mid-spring 2012)

Annual Dogwood Festival- McIntire Park, Downtown and other sites- Two weeks packed with events: the biggies are the Dogwood Festival Parade on April 28, the City's major annual struttin' happenin', and 12 days of carnival rides in McIntire Park. Along the way, there's the coronation of the Dogwood Queen, a tennis tournament, the 10-miler, Garden Week, and even fireworks lighting up city skies. Some events are free; most have a modest entry fee. 961-9824 (TBA, mid April 2012)

Fridays After 5- Every Friday from early May to late September, this massive free party fills the air with sounds from some of the region's (and nation's) best musical artists. Attendance is still free, but a cup of beer's gonna cost you $5. 817-0220 (Late April through late September 2012)

Historic Garden Week in Virginia- Various backyards and estates- This is a chance to visit the gardens– and in a few cases the interiors– of some rich and famous locals. Recent years have included John Grisham's secret garden and Coran Capshaw's elegant Seven Oaks in Greenwood– as well as those perennial favorites, UVA Lawn Pavilions. Tickets range from $10-$35. 804-644-7776 (April 21-28, 2012)

Charlottesville Marathon and Half-Marathon - All over town and then some- To paraphrase Merle Haggard, it seems Charlottesvillians were born the running kind. After years of the Ten-Miler growing in popularity, Charlottesville had its first marathon and half-marathon in 2002, and it's been a hit every year since. It's become so popular that the New York Times rated it one of the top five marathon destinations in the country. The starting gun goes off at 6:30am. Registration opens on October 1. 293-7115 (April 7, 2012)

The City Market- Downtown in the public parking lot at Water and First streets- In most cities, this is called the Farmers' Market, but then again, in most cities, the local college has a "campus." Fresh fruits, veggies, baked goods, flower bouquets and plants are offered for sale, while a spirit of civil disobedience simmers with goats' milk cheese purveyors– who since the state banned their sales, have given away their yummy products as of late! Saturdays, 7am-noon. 970-3371 (April through December 2012)

Montpelier Wine Festival- Orange County- No other Virginia wine festival can compare to this two-day extravaganza at Montpelier, the home of James Madison 45 minutes north of town. Price of admission includes tastings, a commemorative glass, food, live music and a lot more. $15 advance, $25 the days of the festival. 1-800-594-8499 or 540-672-5216 (May 7-8, 2011)

Bike to Work Day- Nationally, this is an important event. Unfortunately and ironically in a town with so many "green" efforts, no local organizer has really claimed ownership of the event. Heck, we don't even know when it might happen in 2012, even though it usually happens sometime in May. (TBA, May 2012)

Design House- For the interior decorator and fancy house voyeur in all of us. (May 5-20, 2012)

The Discovery Dash- This used to be a cute little photo opportunity for the kiddies on the Downtown Mall. Now, in its 21st year, the race is a full-blown running competition held at Monticello High School. 977-1025 (TBA, May 2012)

James River Batteau Festival- This annual week-long river float has revived the days of moving hogsheads (big barrels) of tobacco along the James. The batteaux put in at various stops along the River from Stapleton (east of Lynchburg) to Maidens (west of Richmond). Free. 528-3950 (TBA, late June 2012)

Monticello Independence Day and Naturalization Ceremony- Monticello- Naturalization of approximately 75 new citizens. Guest speakers have included Secretary of State Colin Powell, architect I. M. Pei, large-scale artist Christo, and  former President George W. Bush. Patriotic music by the Charlottesville Municipal Band helps set the tone. Admission to ceremony and grounds is free. 984-9828

McIntire Park Fireworks- Fees for some events, but the fireworks are free. The premiere fireworks show in Charlottesville. Info: Dave Phillips, 817-2393

Crozet Carnival- Claudius Crozet Park- Games, rides, live bands, a parade and great fair food. Hosted by the town's volunteer fire department. 823-4758

Scottsville Parade- Scottsville- The little river town pulls out all the stops for the Fourth, starting with a big parade through town. Arts and crafts vendors, food, an antiques fair, a flea market, live music at The Rhythm on the River concert, and fireworks keep the festive mood going all day. 286-9267

HookTip
Putting on your own fireworks display at home? Anything more serious than sparklers, spinners, and fountains is prohibited in both Charlottesville and Albemarle. Not okay: bottle rockets, roman candles, and M-80s.

African-American Cultural Arts Festival- Booker T. Washington Park- Education and entertainment celebrating the heritage of people of African descent. Events include storytelling, crafts, live music, and dance performances. Free. 979-0582. (July 30, 2012)