Things to Do in Charlottesville & Albemarle County: May 2024

May is a busy time of year for events in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. With a vibrant performing arts scene, you'll be able to catch some big names or enjoy live music while you wine and dine outdoors. Check out our calendar of events page to learn more, and keep an eye on local venues like the Jefferson Theater, The Southern Café & Music Hall, the Ting Pavilion, and the Paramount Theater for upcoming shows.

Be mindful that the University of Virginia will hold Final Exercises on the weekend of May 18th, so expect busier restaurants and larger crowds at attractions that weekend.

Downtown in Bloom

May 4 - 31, 2024

Explore Downtown during this rejuvenating time of year for a month-long celebration of art, flowers, and the beauty of spring! Spend the day walking the the Downtown Mall admiring creative flower displays outside local businesses, as well as artwork from local student artists. Families can plan to take Downtown Express trolley rides every Saturday through the month of May and attend the Flower, Fairy and Elf Festival on May 18! Learn about all the events here.

Annual VeryAsian VA Celebration

May 3 & 10, 2024

VeryAsian VA celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with two exciting events to choose from this month!

On Friday May 3 from 5- 9 PM, visit the Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative on Water Street near the Downtown Mall for a showcase of AAPI artists, wine enthusiasts, and more! This event is part of Charlottesville's First Fridays series.

The following week, AfroAsia will take over the Fridays After Five stage on Friday May 10 at Ting Pavilion. Snag some drink tickets to purchase local beverages from vendors like Blenheim Vineyards and Starr Hill Brewing and be sure to save room for the Chimm food truck that will be on-site. Additional artists will include DG3, Freddy Lau & Tina Hashemi, Laughing Dragon Kung Fu, Kiromi Johnon, Sylvia Chong, Morwenna Lasko & Jay Pun. Concert starts at 5:30 PM.

Find more information about the events here.

Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival

May 11 - 12, 2024

This twice annual juried arts and crafts event draws talented artisans from states away! The festivals were started in 1980 to benefit Claudius Crozet Park, a non-profit community owned and operated park located in Crozet, just 15 minutes west of Charlottesville. Today, the festival draws thousands of visitors from near and far, and features live music, food trucks, and craft beverage tastings, in addition to the arts and crafts available for purchase from 125+ vendors and artisans. Click here for more information.

Rivanna Roots Concert Series

May 11 - October 12, 2024

Get ready for a summer of live outdoor music when the Rivanna Roots Concert Series kicks off on May 11! This family friendly concert series is held weekly at Rivanna River Company and visitors are encouraged to tube or kayak beforehand and make a day of it. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chairs to enjoy the show and plan to take advantage of local food trucks and craft beverages available for purchase.

Rivanna River Fest

May 18, 2024

Experience the charm of the beautiful Rivanna River - Virginia's first scenic-river - which flows right through the heart of Charlottesville & Albemarle County. The annual Rivanna RiverFest returns on Saturday May 18, providing the perfect opportunity to get to know the river. The day-long festival includes opportunities to get out on the water, plus family-friendly activities and demonstrations and a concert that begins at 5 PM! All of the day's events are free and open to the public.

Pro Tip: Learn more about the history of the Rivanna River by signing up for one of these free guided tours - A Guided History Tour and A Guided African American History Trip.

Charlottesville Arts Festival

May 25-26, 2024

Head to Ix Art Park in Downtown Charlottesville for an incredible weekend of art! The festival will welcome over 50 fine artists and celebrate creativity, diversity, and community. Immersive art experiences, incredible live music, workshops, and artisan demos will be happening throughout the weekend. Check the website as the festival approaches to learn more.

With the arrival of warmer weather, May is the perfect time to get out on the water. Rent a kayak, go rafting, or try paddle boarding on the James or Rivanna Rivers. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding nature while cooling off and getting some fresh air.

The Charlottesville area is a haven for cycling enthusiasts, with its picturesque countryside and scenic routes. Rent a bike or bring your own and explore the numerous trails along the Rivanna Trail System or Albemarle County Parks.

May is National Bike Month, with pleasant weather for outdoor activities making it an ideal time for a leisurely bike ride. Take part in local cycling events through Cville Bike Month or explore popular Trails & Outdoor Routes — including the beautiful Western Albemarle Scenic Tour.

In April, the Charlottesville City Market and Scottsville Farmers Market returned for the season, and now that May is here, many more are returning! Check out the farmers market page below for a full list. Remember that the Mobile Visitor Centers are on site at the Farmers Market at Ix Art Park and at the Scottsville Farmers Market to provide more information about the area.

After spending some time at the markets, go pick your own strawberries at Chiles Peach Orchard in Crozet! It's a fun and wholesome activity for families or anyone who enjoys the taste of fresh strawberries. Pick juicy berries straight from the fields and savor the taste of the season's bounty.

May is both BBQ and hamburger month, and with so many amazing restaurants in the area, indulging in Charlottesville and Albemarle County is the perfect way to spend the month. Grab a classic diner burger at Riverside Lunch or Mel's Café or visit Smoked Kitchen and Tap and Vision BBQ. Check the Food & Drink page below to discover more delicious burgers and BBQ.

If you're looking to enjoy a leisurely meal while taking in the lovely May weather and the sights and sounds of Charlottesville and Albemarle County, check out the outdoor dining page below for a list of restaurants with charming outdoor patios. These are just a few to get you started. From cozy cafes to upscale restaurants, there are plenty of options for outdoor dining in the area!

Don't forget about Mother's Day brunch this May! There are many wonderful places to dine, including MarieBette Café & Bakery, a beloved spot known for its artisanal pastries, bread, and delectable brunch dishes, Farm Bell Kitchen, which features a special Mother's Day brunch menu, and The Fitzroy, with classic brunch dishes, craft cocktails, and unique beverage offerings. These are just a few - find more brunch options on the Food & Drink page!

May is a great time to explore Charlottesville & Albemarle County's wine scene - recently named Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast! Make a plan to visit the 40+ wineries along the Monticello Wine Trail where you can sip everything from chilled wines to bold reds to exciting hybrids. Many of our area wineries are nestled against the stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering you a quiet, scenic getaway with world-class wine.

Take in all that May has to offer in Charlottesville and Albemarle County by staying a while! Mid-week stays will reward you with lower rates and more availability during this popular spring travel season. Check out the places to stay page below for a variety of options.