Things to Do in Charlottesville and Albemarle County: August 2024

Selvedge Brewing

The new taproom location for Selvedge Brewing is just a five-minute drive from UVA Grounds and the taproom’s "Big Screen" will be dedicated to Olympic Coverage these next few weeks! Taste their small-batch beers, enjoy a smashburger or order of mac n cheese, and cheer on team USA. Selvedge is open every day except Tuesdays!

Kardinal Hall

One of the most popular spots in town to watch live sports games, Kardinal Hall is sure to be a patriotic good time. Grab a stein of classic German beer or a pint of one of their many rotating taps. If beer isn’t your thing, explore their cocktail, wine, and non-alcoholic beverage menus.

Pro Re Nata Brewpub and Music Hall

Located in the charming town of Crozet and proximate to many award-winning wineries, Pro Re Nata Brewpub is the perfect place to bring the whole family to watch the games. Enjoy local pizza, ice cream, and their huge selection of TVs.

Ralph Sampson’s American Taproom

Cheer on team USA and pay homage to a great American athlete at Ralph Sampson’s American Taproom! This delicious, upscale sports bar was founded by UVA alum (class of ‘83) and basketball star Ralph Sampson. It’s the perfect place to gather with friends and celebrate the 22 current and former UVA athletes competing in this year’s Olympic Games! Pro tip: don’t miss out on their weekend brunch.

August is National Black Business Month and a great chance to explore Black-owned businesses in Charlottesville and Albemarle County at the Soul of Cville Festival.

This two-day event brings Black artisans and vendors from across the city and county to celebrate Black excellence. Things kick off on Friday August 16th with the Best in Black Cville Awards at Live Arts from 7 to 11 PM. Enjoy live music, a fashion show, free dessert station, and cash bar! Tickets are $15.

Then, on Saturday August 17th, bring the whole family out for the free Black Artisan Vendor Market at Ix Art Park. There will be youth and adult fashion shows, a community art canvas, live music performances, food from local Black-owned businesses, and community access to The Looking Glass Immersive Art Experience.

August is also Virginia Craft Beer Month and Charlottesville and Albemarle County are home to a wealth of local breweries along the Charlottesville Ale Trail. Take advantage of all the breweries within walking distance of Downtown Charlottesville, as well as breweries like Pro Re Nata in Crozet and James River Brewery in Scottsville.

Plus, sample these Charlottesville-area beers that just took home medals from the 2024 Virginia Craft Beer Cup!

Decipher Brewing: Snowball’s Chance (Pale European Lager)
SuperFly Brewing Co.: Midnight Train (Porter)
South Street Brewery: Cville Bilsner (American Lager) and Slippery When Wit (European Sour)
Selvedge Brewing: Houndstooth (British Bitter)
Starr Hill Brewery: Dark Biddings (Dark European Lagers) and Stupid Sexy Flanders (European Sour)

Lastly, mark your calendars for August 19th for the Virginia Bartenders Ball at Ix Art Park! Hosted on a Monday night, this event happens from 8 PM – 2 AM with live music from DJ Double U, DJ Flatline, and DJ Kenneth and delicious offerings from on-site food trucks.

Also happening this month is Homemade Peach Ice Cream Days at Chiles! Hosted at Chiles the first weekend of August, the Crozet Lions Club will be churning up delicious and creamy ice cream made with fresh-picked peaches from the orchard. This two-day event goes all day long and features live music from local artists. Bring the whole family out for a day of delicious treats!

Spend your summer evenings outdoors with live music this month. See our guide on how to Make Your Own Music Festival with the weekly live performances at local wineries, breweries, and cideries – plus recurring summer series like the Rivanna Roots Series at Rivanna River Company.

You can also catch a show at the Ting Pavilion, the outdoor music venue located at one end of the historic, pedestrian Downtown Mall. Check the ongoing schedule or swing by on Friday evenings for Fridays After Five – a free, weekly summer concert series featuring local bands, craft beverages, and food-trucks!

Charlottesville and Albemarle County are home to rivers, creeks, and reservoirs that are ready to welcome you for a chance to cool off from the summer heat. Whether you prefer to kayak, stand up paddle board, or tube, our local outfitters can set you and your family or friends up with everything you need to get out on the water and advise you on best places to paddle during late summer. Tour companies like Elemental Experiences also offer mindfulness and stretching classes atop paddle boards.

For something more lowkey, book a Batteau Ride from James River Batteau Company where you can choose between a two-hour mid-day cruise or evening cruise complete with live music, wine, and charcuterie. After your day on the river, head to Scottsville’s Valley Street where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and James River Brewery –named Virginia’s Best Brewery in 2022!

Tip: Be sure to call your river outfitter ahead of your trip to make sure water levels are optimal for a day on the water.

August marks the start of the school year and the return of UVA Football! If you plan to travel for the first home game of the season, don’t miss the annual “Paint the Town Orange” pep rally on Friday August 30. The UVA Marching Band and Spirit Squads will leave the Omni Hotel to march the Downtown Mall around 8:00 p.m., followed by UVA football players and coaches. The procession will end at Ting Pavilion for more music and celebrations!

The home opener against Richmond is Saturday, August 31 and fans are encouraged to “Orange Out” by wearing orange to the game. Visitors don’t need tickets to the game to take part in the fun. Tailgates at Alumni Hall before all home football games are open to general public!

Our Mobile Visitor Centers will be on-site at Alumni Hall for all home football games this season. Stop by to speak with a travel specialist, find maps and brochures, or receive recommendations for visiting attractions in Charlottesville and Albemarle County!

Take your pick of accommodations this month, from resorts with outdoor pools to winery stays to boutique hotels that are walking distance from UVA and all the activities of the Downtown Mall! Keep in mind that a midweek trip will have lower rates at all of our hotels, especially as we approach September – a busy month for visitors.