Things to Do in Charlottesville & Albemarle County: March 2024

March 20-24, 2024

It’s the 30th anniversary of the Virginia Festival of the Book and the schedule of events for this year’s festival are truly celebratory.

The annual festival takes place over four days with speakers, events, and presentations designed for readers and authors alike. This year’s featured authors include New York Times columnist and best-selling author Roxane Gay, U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón, and Virginia State Senator Danica Roem.

Festivities will extend all weekend long in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Don’t miss the 90’s themed rooftop party (Wednesday, March 20th), a plethora of free, public bookish parties, celebrations, and readings on “Festival Friday” (Friday, March 22nd), and the Wordy Thirty gala celebration on (Sunday, March 23rd).

Come celebrate books, reading, literacy, and literary culture! The full lineup and schedule of events can be found here.

This year’s Indie Short Film Festival overlaps with the Virginia Festival of the Book, giving the visitors the chance to indulge in both film and books during their stay.

From March 22-24, more than 100 short films will play at theaters around Charlottesville, coupled with special events and panel discussions. Attendees can choose from an All Access Pass that grants you access to all festival showings and events or a Movie Buff Pass for all showings. Tickets to individual screenings and events can also be purchased.

Learn more and snag your ticket passes here.

As temperatures begin to tick back up in March, so does the schedule of footraces.

Whether you’re looking for a trail run, marathon or half marathon, or a family-friendly fun run, March and April are full of races to take part in. Check out our blog that recaps upcoming events and make a plan to enjoy the spring weather.

Get a taste of Charlottesville and Albemarle County with these culinary focused events!

Root to Table’s Culinary Celebration of Women

Sunday March 10, 2024
2-6 PM

Explore the journey of 18 local female chefs, farmers, and wine leaders who have spent their careers in the culinary and agricultural worlds. Host Chef Chuck Adcock of the Quirk Hotel will welcome 18 women to share their journeys and menus at this ticketed event. The Quirk Art Gallery will feature craft beverages and food artisans where you can taste and buy their local products.

Enjoy an evening of networking at the Quirk’s Rooftop Bar or spirit bar, Bobboo, and visit one of the local female-owned restaurants.

Find tickets here.

St. Patrick’s Day Crawl with Charlottesville Ale Trail

Sunday, March 17, 2024
11 AM – 4 PM

Take a stroll through Charlottesville on St. Patrick's Day to support and enjoy some of the best craft beers around on the 6th annual Walk Our City Crawl. This guided crawl/tour will take participants to five different breweries. Ticket includes brunch at Three Notch’d Brewing and five drink tickets.

Daze of Rosé

Saturday, March 30, 2024
1 – 6 PM

Local winemaker Matt Harmon of Harmony Wines is bringing back the popular Daze of Rosé festival at Castle Hill Cider! This annual celebration of Virginia Rosé promotes inclusivity, art, and freedom of expression by gathering wine lovers together in a beautiful location. It also comes on the heels of the Charlottesville AVA being named Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast!

Drink pink, wear pink and enjoy an amazing day at Castle Hill Cider. Enjoy a live DJ set, a la carte menu, shopping, wine education sessions, and more.

Find tickets here

If you’re in town for the Easter holiday, don’t miss these upcoming events. Whether you’re looking for an egg hunt or an orchard day, these events will give your family the chance to get outdoors and enjoy the area’s breathtaking scenery.

Carter Mountain Orchard Eggstravaganza

Saturdays: March 23 & March 30, 2024

The 2024 Easter Eggstravaganza will take place over two weekends at Carter Mountain Orchard which looks over Charlottesville and Albemarle County. An Easter Eggsplorer pass for kids includes a pre-filled goody bag, craft stations, and a hayride. Additional events include face painting, food trucks, and live music.

Find tickets here

Annual Hop Into Spring at Chiles Peach Orchard

Saturday, March 30, 2024

Chiles Peach Orchard, located twenty minutes from downtown Charlottesville in beautiful Crozet, VA, re-opens for the season on March 24. The following weekend, Chiles will host their annual Hop Into Spring event which features kids activities, an easter egg hunt, live music, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Food will be available to purchase from the Farm Market, including their famous Apple Cider Donuts and vanilla ice cream.

Find tickets here

Adult Easter Egg Hunt at Chiswell Farm & Winery

Sunday, March 31, 2024

Who says Easter Egg Hunts are just for kids? Visit Chiswell Farm & Winery on Easter Sunday for a free, adults-only Easter Egg Hunt! Eggs will include candy and special prizes. Be sure to arrive by 1:45 PM to take part in the event at 2 PM.

Afterwards, order a flight of wine and take in a beautiful spring afternoon on the sprawling property. Note that Chiswell Farm and Winery only hosts guests who are 21+.

Don’t wait to book your stay and take part in all of these wonderful spring events! Come for a whole week and enjoy affordable rates for mid-week stays before peak season kicks off next month.

Explore our map of hotels, B&B’s, resorts, and other accommodations on our Places to Stay page.