It’s arguably the most beautiful time of the year in Charlottesville and there is no shortage of fun to be had. We have rounded up 10 can’t-miss events that help make springtime in Charlottesville so magical. Get out there and #livelovelocal this April!

Opening Reception of Twenty Years by Kiki Slaughter at Quirk Gallery – April 5

Mingle with the First Friday’s art crowd and meet local artist, Kiki Slaughter, on Friday, April 5th from 5-8pm at Quirk Gallery Charlottesville. Twenty Years marks the 20th anniversary of Kiki’s first solo show in 2004, held just across the street from Quirk Hotel at the original Main Street Market. This exhibition is a full-circle moment in Slaughter’s artistic career, celebrating two decades dedicated to the art of painting. The exchibit will run through June 2, 2024.

Fashion as Art – April 16-20

Launched in 2019, Fashion As Art is an annual event series engaging the community with art, fashion, and The Fralin. The 2024 program seeks to grow awareness and appreciation for Indigenous artists and designers and their impact on the fashion world. Check out the calendar of events which includes a fashion show, keynote speaker and a series of events in Charlottesville and Gordonsville featuring TSG Charlottesville member sponsors: Natalie Dressed, Laurie Holladay, Cavallo Gallery, Annie Gould Gallery, Posh and Tess & Co. Jewelers.

Tom Tom Festival – April 17 – 21

The Tom Tom Festival that is about our interconnection, and our shared future. Join TOGETHER for a celebration of music, art, and ideas that spills throughout Charlottesville over a magical week. Amidst the fun, connection, and synchronicity, we’ll join forces, work collaboratively, bridge divides, and start to dream some new dreams for our hometown. Check out the full calendar of events. Two of our favorites are the Crowd Funded Pitch Night and Downtown Mall Block Party, which will happen on both Friday and Saturday this year!

Taste of Virginia – An Evening with Virginia’s Best at Early Mountain – April 20

Dive into the essence of Virginia’s celebrated wine heritage with Taste of Virginia, an exclusive event that brings together the finest offerings from the heart of Virginia’s wine country. Explore an exceptional array of wines, paired with the artistry of culinary delights prepared by Early Mountain’s Chef Tim Moore.

Historic Garden Week – April 21

Historic Garden Week begins on April 20. This year the owners of nearly 170 of Virginia’s most beautiful private properties will open their doors and garden gates to raise funds to restore and preserve the state’s public gardens. The 2024 event encompasses 29 tours organized and hosted by 48 Garden Club of Virginia member clubs. With sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Albemarle-Charlottesville tour showcases three very different properties in Free Union. Don’t miss this stunning tour on Sunday, April 21 which includes TSG Charlottesville member, Waterperry Farm.

Earth Day – April 22

Celebrate Earth Day with free admission to Shenandoah National Park. Shenandoah National Park is bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. What better place to celebrate Earth Day?! Check out our Insider Guide for some of our favorite hikes in the area.

Charlottesville Ballet Outdoor Series at Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard – April 26-28

Returning for its second year, this three-day outdoor festival is held at the gorgeous Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard! Charlottesville Ballet presents the best of the performing arts across Central Virginia, bringing together eight Arts Partners for an incredible weekend of music, theater, singing, and dance.

Don’t miss collaborative performances with Charlottesville Symphony, Charlottesville Opera, Heifetz Institute, The Front Porch, UVA Chamber Singers, The Oratorio Society of Virginia, and Youth Orchestras of Central Virginia …all on an outdoor stage at Merrie Mill sponsored by the Joseph & Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation!

Spring Foxfield Races – Saturday, April 27

Foxfield has been hosting nationally recognized steeplechase races in the heart of Virginia for over forty years, giving residents and visitors alike the opportunity to witness spectacular horse racing and enjoy the beauty of the countryside.

Monticello Wine Week – April 26 – May 2

Get ready for a week-long celebration of exquisite wines and unforgettable experiences along the Monticello Wine Trail. Check out the full calendar of events to enjoy in Wine Ethusiasts Wine Region of the year. We recommend the Winemaker’s Golf Tournament, hosted by Presenting Sponsor Keswick Hall on Monday, April 29th from 8am – 3pm. This isn’t just any golf day – it’s your shot to play on the award-winning Full Cry course, designed by golf legend Pete Dye. Expect a day filled with good swings, great company, and even better wine. Wrap up your day with a casual yet classy evening at the Winemakers Reception, at Keswick Hall from 6-8pm.

Catch a UVA Baseballl Game (or other spring sport)

We are so fortunate to live in a college town with such great sports. We recommend catching a UVA Baseball game or other spring sporting event this April. We may be partial to baseball, since TSG co-founder, Christy Ford, has a son who is a first year on the team (and Henry Ford just so happened to score 3 home runs tonight)! You don’t want to miss out on this excitement this spring!