Things to Do in Charlottesville and Albemarle County: September 2024

If you’re in town for Labor Day, be sure to check out a full slate of local events, performances, and live music at many of our area wineries. We’ve teased out some highlights below but be sure to visit our Events Calendar for a full list of activities throughout the long weekend.

Labor Day weekend is also a great time to visit our award-winning Wine Region. This round-up from Southern Living highlights nine “must-visit” wineries right on the Monticello Wine Trail.

August 30, 2024

August 31, 2024

September 1, 2024

September 2, 2024

You 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 the general public, and many breweries and bars around town will stream the games live from their taprooms.

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!

August 31, 2024 | UVA vs. Richmond
September 7, 2024 | UVA vs. Wake Forest
September 21, 2024 | UVA vs. Coastal Carolina

September is one of the most buzzing months in Charlottesville and Albemarle County with new festivals happening each and every week! Consider a visit to Charlottesville Pride at Ting Pavilion, Cville Vegfest at Ix Art Park, Wooly Bully Beer Festival at the Wool Factory, 231 Fest at Castle Hill Cider, as well as the annual festivals below.

Loop de’Ville Trail Festival

Experience the entirety of the Rivanna Trail at the annual Loop de’Ville Trail Festival! This event takes place during National Public Lands Day and celebrates the 20+-mile Rivanna Trail that circumvents the city and is beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Loop de’Ville participants can choose their preferred method for exploring the 20-mile trail with a group walk, run, or bike ride. Bikers can choose their group-ride speed: slow, brisk, or fast.

New this year is the opportunity to pick a section and do an out-n-back or jump in with guided events at any Cheer Zone for a distance of your choice! Choose your event and register now!

Afterwards, everyone should stick around for the festival’s free Saturday afterparty at Rivanna River Company! Celebrate with live music from DJ Double U + Ebony Groove, local beer, and delicious food. This event is free and open to the public.

Cville Sabroso Festival

September marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month and the 12th annual Cville Sabroso Cultural Festival! The festival will be newly hosted at the Ting Pavilion on the historic pedestrian Downtown Mall on Saturday, September 21.

This regional festival celebrates the vibrancy of the Latino spirit and cultural heritage through traditional dances, music, food and beverages, crafts, costumes, and other cultural and artistic expressions.

Festival-goers will enjoy continuous music and dance performances on the mainstage, an adult-only beer garden, and a kids' area offering face painting, as well as a kids’ Parade of Flags. Plus, indulge in fare from seven local food vendors representing Mexican, Argentinian, and Central American cuisine

Tickets: $10 for adults, $5 for teens 12-17, kids attend for free.

Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival

Take part in Charlottesville’s unique early music scene with the Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival! Now in it’s 25th season, the festival will host a range of performances from September 8 – 19.

Catch concerts in beautiful settings including The Paramount Theater, Old Cabell Hall on UVA Grounds, and King Family Vineyards. Some performances are free and open to the public while others are ticketed. Find the full program of events and more information about the musicians here!

There’s still a bit of time to enjoy juicy summer peaches at many of our local orchards—and the start of apple season is almost upon us, too! Apple picking will be in full-swing by mid-September and reservations are required for weekend picking from mid-September-November at Chiles and Carter Mountain Orchards.

The Chiles Family Orchard calendar is a great place to find additional events! September is an especially great month to take in cool evenings at Carter Mountain’s Sunset Series (every Thursday) where you can watch a stunning sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains while listening to live music, sipping a crisp Bold Rock Cider, and indulging in a delicious apple cider donut.

September is a buzzing month in Charlottesville and Albemarle County – so book your stay today!

Weekends will fill up quickly, especially those surrounding UVA home football games. Consider a midweek stay for greater availability and lower rates. Many of our area accommodations make a great getaway for remote work.

Whether you’re searching for a hotel that is walking distance from UVA and the Downtown Mall, or a quiet cottage near one of our area’s stunning wineries, choose from a wide array of beautiful accommodations. Use the map on our “Places to Stay” page to help locate your perfect stay.