Things to Do in Charlottesville & Albemarle County: April 2024

Charlottesville is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, and spring is a great time to explore it. Within the city, take a walk or bike ride along the Rivanna Trail or explore a trail at one of many local parks or natural areas. Check out our best hikes blog post for more information. If you're feeling more adventurous, go fishing! Many of the area's river outfitters open back up in April. Use our blog for the ultimate guide to fishing in the Charlottesville area.

For those seeking scenic overlooks of the area, entrances to the Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway are just a 30-minute drive from downtown Charlottesville. National Park Week is from April 20-28th and features free entrance to the Shenandoah National Park on Earth Day – April 20, 2024!

Speaking of Earth Day, visitors can get in the sustainable spirit all month long!

Choose a cycling route to explore Charlottesville and Albemarle County on two wheels, try a sustainable winery like Oakencroft Farm & Winery or Loving Cup Vineyard & Winery, and take advantage of Amtrak deals that reduce your carbon footprint and save you money.

See a full slate of sustainable trip ideas in the blog below

Fridays After Five is a beloved Charlottesville tradition. Every Friday from mid-April to early-September, the Ting Pavilion (on the east end of the Downtown Mall) comes alive for a free concert with food vendors and plenty of fun. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly outing or a night out with friends, Fridays After Five is the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Check the website for more details.

April kick-starts orchard and farmers market season in Charlottesville and Albemarle County.

Spend an afternoon picking your own fruit at Chiles Peach Orchard or Carter Mountain Orchard. Afterwards, enjoy the farm store and peach soft-serve ice cream at Chiles or take in the stunning mountain-top view from Carter Mountain with a glass of cider or wine in hand. Don’t forget to top everything off with a delicious, fresh apple cider donut.

On Saturday mornings, enjoy two different farmer’s markets within walking distance from Charlottesville’s historic pedestrian Downtown Mall and a third market located in charming Scottsville.

Charlottesville City Market starts their season in April with tons of local vendors and artisans selling produce, flowers, coffee, baked goods, and other goodies. Just down the street, the Market at Ix Art Park is a great place to stock up on fresh fare before grabbing brunch at Three Notch’d Brewery or Brazos Tacos.

About twenty minutes south of downtown Charlottesville, the Scottsville Farmer’s Market offers a more laid-back experience with the opportunity to explore nearby trails, the James River, and shops and restaurants along historic Valley Street.

April brings beautiful weather and with it, many outdoor festivals and events! Catch these favorite annual events that will get you outside this month.

Get a Taste of the Monticello AVA

The Charlottesville area was recently named Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast! Get a taste of the 40+ wineries in our area during the Monticello Wine Week from April 26 – May 2, 2024. Choose from eight ticketed events including the kickoff event at The Wool Factory, a red wine showcase at Barboursville Vineyards, and a white wine showcase at Eastwood Farm and Winery.

Learn more about our award-winning wine scene below.

Historic Garden Week

Tour beautiful gardens and homes during the 91st annual Virginia Garden Week, one of the oldest and most prestigious statewide tours of its kind in the US.

The Albemarle-Charlottesville tour takes place Sunday, April 21st with three very different properties in Free Union, located ten miles north of Charlottesville. This self-driving tour includes a property with beautifully structured gardens, paths, and an orchard, featured for the first time on Historic Garden Week. The second property, Ballard-Maupin Cabin, is a restored late 18th century farmhouse nestled against a tree-lined pond. The third stop is Waterperry Farm, a 19th century estate that has been transformed into an expansive botanical garden boasting several lush garden rooms with water features, sculpture, and a greenhouse.

The private homes and public gardens across the state that have been specially selected for their beauty, historical significance, and horticultural excellence. Get tickets here, and don't miss this unique opportunity this spring!

And catch these favorite annual events that will get you outside this month.

We look forward to welcoming you to Charlottesville and Albemarle County this April! As visitation picks up during the spring, planning a midweek stay will reward you with lower rates on accommodations, including at luxury resorts, hotels, B&Bs, and winery stays. Click the link below to discover all lodging options and start planning your trip today!