4th of July Celebrations

Kick off the month with a host of local July 4th celebrations.

Start celebrating the weekend before with the annual Crozet Independence Parade & Celebration on Saturday, June 29, 2024. The parade begins at 5 PM at Crozet Elementary School and winds through downtown Crozet to Claudius Crozet Park. Afterwards, head to King Family Vineyards where you can set up lawn chairs and picnic blankets, enjoy live music and food vendors, and settle in for a fireworks display. Local beer and cider in addition to King Family wine will be available for purchase.

On the actual 4th, Monticello will host their annual Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony. This event is free but registration is required! This year’s speaker is professional ballerina, author, and philanthropist, Misty Copeland.

In the evening, choose from the fireworks display at the Boar’s Head Resort or spend the evening on the mountain at Carter Mountain Orchard with live music, food vendors, and activities for all ages.

Sip Sangria & Award-Winning Wine

The fifth annual Sangria Ramble returns July 13 & 14 at seven wineries and cideries located along Route 29 South.

Enjoy two days of sangria-filled fun at Potter’s Craft Cider, Albemarle CiderWorks, Wisdom Oak Winery, Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, Loving Cup Vineyard & Winery, Mountain & Vine Vineyard & Winery, and Lovingston Winery. Each location will offer its own unique sangria and a free on-site experience to be won. Take a selfie at each of the participating venues over the course of the weekend, tag the venue or put us in your story then sit back and enjoy your drink.

Summertime is the perfect time to explore any of the 40+ wineries along the Monticello Wine Trail – recently named Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast! Don’t just take our word for it – read these recommendations for exploring our summertime wines from Black Women Who Wine.

Rosé Roundup: Four Rosés to Sip along the Monticello Wine Trail this Summer Rosé has become the wine choice for many in recent years, inspiring everything from fashion and music to travel. Learn More
5 Wines to Cool Down with in Charlottesville & Albemarle County this Summer Summer is here and that means wine choices turn to lighter, more refreshing options. So, out with the red wines and in with the whites. Right? Not so fast. Some reds deserve a slight chill and it’s a great time… Learn More

Pick Peaches

Area orchards burst to life in the summer with juicy, fresh fruit and you-pick flowers. July is especially great for picking peaches at Chiles Peach Orchard, Carter Mountain Orchard, and Henley’s Orchard.

Visit our Orchards & Farms page for a list of all local farms and filter for “Seasonal U-Pick" opportunities.

Indulge in Charlottesville Restaurant Week

July is a quieter time for visitors which not only means more affordable room rates – it’s a great opportunity to dine at restaurants that can be difficult to get a table at during other times of the year.

You can take a tour of the Charlottesville & Albemarle County food scene from July 15 – 21 when you participate in Cville Restaurant Week! Choose from pre-fixed menus for either $35 or $45 to taste the best of our local restaurants. Consider booking a room at the Omni, Draftsman Hotel, Kimpton The Forum Hotel and The Clifton – all of which have on-site restaurants participating in the week’s events.

Need some inspiration for your culinary adventure? Check out this trip itinerary for “How to Spend 24 Excellent Hours in Charlottesville” from Eater DC.

Pro Tips

10 Places to Enjoy National Ice Cream Month in Charlottesville and Albemarle County Although we all will happily enjoy some creamy goodness at any time, you deserve to treat yourself to some delicious ice cream this July. It is National Ice Cream Month after all! Learn More

Beat The Heat Indoors

Enjoy these family-friendly indoor activities that will keep everyone cool!

Decades Arcade on the historic pedestrian Downtown Mall is home to two entire floors of video games from across eight decades. A ticket gets you two hours of unlimited game play and the chance to best your friends at Mortal Kombat, vintage Pacman, Dance Dance Revolution, air hockey, and more. Don’t miss their downstairs pinball wing that features 30+ pinball machines from the 1950’s to today!

Get crafty at Rose’s Inspiration Station in Crozet. You can drop in anytime during business hours to choose a craft that can be made on-site or taken to-go. Afterwards, grab a sandwich at Crozeli Sandwiches and an ice cream at Crozet Creamery. All three businesses are located on the first floor of Piedmont Place – so you can walk to each without leaving the refreshing A/C.

Shake out summertime boredom and get your body moving at Rocky Top Climbing Gym. Their indoor bouldering opportunities, racquetball courts, and full exercise room offers something for every family member to get active. Afterwards, walk around the corner to Unlocked History Escape Room where you will solve creative puzzles, find secret passageways, and learn new stories about historical figures. You can work in a meal at Brookville Biscuit & Brunch which is open for breakfast and lunch and just a three-minute walk from Rocky Top.

Cool Off on the Water

There are tons of opportunities to get out on the water in July. Explore our Waterways page to discover local rivers and reservoirs right here in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Bring a kayak or paddleboard to spots like Beaver Creek Reservoir, Ragged Mountain Reservoir, and Walnut Creek. Or book an experience with Elemental Experiences for a mini retreat where the paddleboard is provided – all you have to do is just show up!

Waterways Charlottesville and Albemarle County are home to two rivers: the scenic Rivanna River and mighty James River. Both offer opportunities to kayak, canoe, tube, or SUP. If you're looking for a more laid back experience, look for calmer bodies of… Learn More

If you’re planning a trip to the Rivanna and James Rivers, be aware that river levels vary at this time of year. Be sure to check in with our local river outfitters for information on river levels and current trip offerings.

Every Wednesday in the summer, head to Rivanna River Company for “Little Saturdays.” Splash in the river, play lawn games, purchase local beverages, and take advantage of the outdoor grills for the perfect summer evening for the whole family!

Celebrate Black Cville

July 14

Vibe Fest returns Sunday July 14, 2024 at Ting Pavilion with musical performances by Michael Franti & Spearhead, Trevor Hall, and local music collective Jaewar & Vibe Riot. Enjoy the performance under the shade of the Ting Pavilion on the historic pedestrian Downtown Mall!

July 20

July 20, 2024 at 6PM

Brooks Running / Prolyfyck Present: Prolyfyck Run Creww 5‑Year Anniversary

The Paramount Theater
215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall
Charlottesville, VA 22902

Get to know Charlottesville’s Black-led running collaborative, Prolyfyck Run Creww, at their 5-Year Anniversary. The Paramount Theater will host a showing of Count It Up, a film that follows seven local women of color – the Prolyfyck Sole Systaz – on their journey to The Detroit Marathon.
6PM – 7PM: 5-year highlights & celebration
7PM – 8PM: Screening of Count It Up & Sole Systaz panel discussion
Learn more about Prolyfyck here.

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July 27

Later in July, the 33rd annual Chihamba and African American Cultural Arts Festival will return to Book T. Washington Park.

This signature event is totally free and open to the public and offers the chance to learn more about cultures across the African diaspora through food, dance, music, and more. You won’t want to miss it.

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Enjoy the Arts

Credit: Tristan Williams

The Virginia Theatre Festival continues in July with two different shows – Little Shop of Horrors and The 39 Steps. Charlottesville Opera will also continue their season with two performances of the Elixir of Love on July 12th and 14th. Don’t wait to get your tickets to these classic summertime performances!

Book Your Stay

Enjoy lower rates during the summer – especially when you book a mid-week stay! Visit our Places to Stay page where you can filter for all your needs – from outdoor swimming pools to complimentary breakfasts, to the best pet-friendly places to bring your furry friends.

For even more ideas on how to enjoy a summertime trip, check out our Ultimate Summer Bucket List.

Places to Stay Charlottesville and Albemarle County offer visitors a wide variety of places to stay, including resorts, hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, cabins, and vacation rentals. Learn More
The Ultimate Charlottesville & Albemarle County Summer Bucket List Welcome to summer in beautiful Charlottesville and Albemarle County! We’ve got all you need for a summer getaway: stunning views, outdoor adventures, an extensive wine and craft beverage scene, and so much more. Learn More

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