Sip and stay awhile because October is Virginia Wine Month! The Monticello Wine AVA is home to more than 50 acclaimed wineries offering a variety of experiences -- whether you're looking for perfectly paired bites or a unique adventure! Many wineries are family and dog-friendly, some routinely offer food trucks and live music, while others have refined their experience to be suited for ages 21+. Head to our events page for the most up-to-date information on winery happenings.
In 2025, Oenoverse's annual 'Two Up, Wine Down' festival is taking place on Saturday, November 15th at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center. Enjoy an afternoon of tastings, DJ-spun beats, and an all-star cast of curators sharing their voice and perspective through an incredible line-up of Virginia wines. The festival is all about good times, great connections, and celebrating what makes us unique. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just down for a fun day, this is the place to be.
Leaf peepers, raise your hands! For some, the sole purpose of an October visit is to witness Mother Nature’s annual color show. In 2025, the Charlottesville-area will be enjoying peak fall foliage between mid-October and early-November, with the city trees changing color last. This is all completely dependent on the trees though, so the best plan is to have no plans, other than leisurely driving around and visiting some of the area's most popular spots.
If you’re planning to venture out to neighboring Shenandoah National Park, follow the park’s Fall Color Updates. Keep in mind that wait times to enter the park increase during peak foliage – so be prepared by purchasing a park pass ahead of time. The America the Beautiful National Park Pass ($80) can be purchased at Public Lands in Charlottesville and provides access to all national parks for one calendar year.
October is prime season for putting on your best cozy attire and heading out to one of Albemarle County’s orchards and/or farms, where you can enjoy all the special treats of the season like hot cider, donuts, and of course – pumpkins! October weekends are the busiest times for our area -- here are some tips to plan your visit:
Immerse yourself in the captivating fall foliage and crisp autumn air by getting out on the trail! Whether you seek a leisurely stroll or a more intensive climb, there’s a hike to suit all desires and abilities in the Charlottesville area. Your efforts will be rewarded with beautiful views, and a rainbow of colors as a backdrop – perfect for those seasonal snaps. 👉 Here are a Few of Our Favorite Local Hikes
We can’t wait to see you in Charlottesville and Albemarle County this October. For a complete list of October things to do in Charlottesville, visit our calendar of events. If your schedule permits, consider a midweek stay (or extend your stay to the midweek) to avoid crowds and traffic – it will make the experience even more magical.
Please share your experience with us on social by tagging @charlottesvilleva on Instagram – we’d love to share it with future visitors. We can't wait to welcome you to Charlottesville and Albemarle County soon!
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