The Ultimate Spring Bucket List for Charlottesville & Albemarle County

• Run a race. Take your pick of several different trail and road races in March and April.
• Play a round of golf. Choose from four public courses or the private courses available to guests at Boar’s Head Resort and Keswick Hall.
• Pack a picnic. Many of our area wineries allow you to bring your own snacks. Pick up picnic items at local shops like Graze Craze, feast!, and Crozeli Sandwiches. Or let Shaniece with Just Be Picnics take care of the whole picnic experience for you.
• Kick off river season. Grab a paddle! Our local river outfitters begin rentals again in April for the Rivanna River and James River.
• Go fishing. Explore local rivers, lakes, and creeks where you can find your next big catch.
• Explore a farmers market. Charlottesville City Market returns in April while the market at Ix Art Park is open year-round.
• Visit an orchard. Chiles Peach Orchard, located in Crozet, and Carter Mountain Orchard, located near Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, both offer breathtaking views and fun for the whole family. Check their calendars for multiple Easter Egg Hunts in March.

• Get a taste of the Monticello Wine Trail. Save the date for Monticello AVA Wine Week – recently named Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast!
• Book a wine tour. Whether you’re looking for a private tasting or transportation to some favorite wineries, explore the tours and tastings available across the Monticello Wine Trail.
• Attend a wine event. From the Daze of Rosé festival to blending workshops and special tastings, browse our event calendar for wine-themed events.
• Hang out with a wine club. You don’t have to live in Charlottesville and Albemarle County to attend events with local wine clubs! Purchase individual tickets to events with wine clubs like Oenoverse and Black Women Who Wine.
• Book a winery stay. Browse local with charming accommodations located right on their properties that offer beautiful views of the vines.

• Take the Amtrak into town. The train station is located on West Main Street and walking distance to many hotels, bars, and restaurants in downtown Charlottesville.
• Explore sustainable wineries. Oakencroft Farm & Winery is a carbon sink, Knight’s Gambit runs on solar power, and Loving Cup Winery is the only certified organic winery in Virginia.
• Participate in a circular economy. Reduce your footprint when you shop at stores like Scrappy Elephant, High Tor Gear Exchange, Cville Refill Renew, and Darling x Dashing.
• Eat like a locavore. Plan a meal at restaurants that prioritize seasonal, local fare like Tonic, Hamiltons’ at First & Main, and The Local in Charlottesville, or Ivy Inn, Broadcloth at The Wool Factory, and 1799 at The Clifton in Albemarle County.

• March 17, 2024
  St. Patrick’s Day Brewery Crawl. “Walk Our City” with the Charlottesville Ale Trail! A ticket gets you brunch at Three Notch’d brewery and five drink tickets to use at the five brewery stops along the way.
• March 20 – 24, 2024
  Virginia Festival of the Book. It’s the 30th anniversary of the festival! Featured speakers this year include Roxane Gay, Ada Limon, and Danica Roem. Plan to attend free events, bookish parties, and more.
• March 22-24, 2024
  Indie Short Film Festival. More than 100 indie short films will be played over two days in addition to special events and panel discussions. The festival overlaps with the Virginia Festival of the Book, giving you twice the arts-themed events to choose from!

• March 30, 2024
  Daze of Rosé. Harmony Wine, Eastwood Farm & Winery, and Castle Hill Cider are bringing back a celebration of Virginia Rosé! Wear pink, drink pink, and enjoy beautiful spring weather in beautiful Keswick, VA.
• April 17-21, 2024
  Tom Tom Summit & Festival. This annual festival of music, art, and ideas is family-friendly and includes a two-day block party on the historic pedestrian Downtown Mall.
• April 21, 2024
  Virginia Historic Garden Week. Joining sites all across Virginia, Charlottesville and Albemarle County will have three stunning gardens that open for ticketed tours on Sunday, April 21, 2024.

• April 27, 2024
  Foxfield Races. The April horseraces are a favorite among visitors, students, and locals alike. Wear your best derby hat and snag a local tailgate package.
• May 11 & 12, 2024
  Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival. This two-day festival happens twice a year. Set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Albemarle County, the festival features more than 120 fine artists and contemporary craft artisans from around the country.
• May 25 & 26, 2024
  Charlottesville Arts Festival. Ix Art Park comes alive for a weekend of live music and performing artists, demos and workshops, and booths from more than 50 fine artists.

We look forward to welcoming you to Charlottesville and Albemarle County this spring!