Make Your Own Music Festival in Charlottesville & Albemarle County this Summer!

Carter Mountain Orchard hosts multiple weeknight concerts throughout the spring and summer, with the Wind Down Wednesdays (May 31 to August 30) and the Thursday Evening Sunset Series (April 18 to September 26). Different bands and food trucks pop-up each week, and attendees can bring their lawn chairs and blankets to set out on the grass and enjoy a beautiful sunset. Tickets are required for access to the top of the mountain.

Head to the Rivanna River for an evening of music and fun. Rivanna River Company has partnered with the Front Porch to offer the Rivanna Roots Concert Series on select weekends throughout the summer. Hang out on the grass and enjoy live music and refreshments. Purchase a season pass to attend all of the concerts throughout the summer!

This free concert series takes place every Friday from Mid-April through Mid-September. Located at the east end of the Downtown Mall, this open air stage gives attendees another options to get outside and enjoy some tunes. Food trucks and beer tents boarder the entertainment area with some of the best food and libations in Central Virginia. Also, volunteers work the concessions with a share of the profits going to the non-profits they are representing.

A recent addition to the live music options in the area is the First Thursdays event at the Boar’s Head Resort. The first Thursday of every month, April through October, the resort will have live music from various bands, as well as drinks from local breweries and vineyards on the Green. There will also be a number of lawn games for everyone to enjoy, as well as face painting and balloon artists for the kiddos. Entry to the event is free.

The unique outdoor stages and viewing areas (some constructed of shipping containers) are a great place to catch a show on the weekends. Voted the 2022 Best of Cville Small Local Brewery and Best Small Music Venue, Pro Re Nata has libations of all varieties from beer and cider to wine and more. The space is pet-friendly and you can also get a slice of Dino’s Pizza to go along with your outdoor experience.

Start your weekend off with some calming tunes and great drinks. The Sunset Soiree at Chisholm Vineyards and Adventure Farm is a great way to finish off the work week and the vineyards location gives you a great view of the sun going down over the Blue Ridge Mountains. Bands and artists from throughout Central Virginia frequent the stage, and local food trucks will also be onsite with diverse food options. Children and dogs are welcome. Check Chisholm's event page for more details!

Relax on weekends throughout the year with mid-afternoon music in the orchard. Light bites and cider are available for sale by glass, bottle or flight and outside food is welcome, making for a great opportunity for a picnic in southern Albemarle County. Be sure to check the website for performing acts.

This historic country store has a storied background in providing an intimate and unique space for live music. Many talented acts have performed on the Batesville Stage, and the now-famous evenings of outdoor music are an experience to be had in rural Albemarle County. The Batesville Market also has an incredible menu of food with deli sandwiches galore. The beer and wine options at the market are also a solid representation of some great libations from all over the world.