June in Charlottesville: Top Things to Do - Wine Trails, Festivals, Summer Fun

Summer has officially arrived in Charlottesville & Albemarle County, bringing lively festivals, outdoor adventures, and unforgettable wine country experiences. From mountain views and river activities to live music and local events, June is the perfect kickoff to summer!

Credit: Derrick Waller

1. Celebrate Pride Month

Show your Pride all month long at local dance parties, drag brunches, musical performances, winery visits, and pop-up markets. Click here to check out our events calendar and create the perfect itinerary to enjoy during your visit!

June is also a great month to show your support to local LGBTQ-owned businesses. Some local favorites include the French-inspired bakery MarieBette Café & Bakery & Petite MarieBette, Oaxacan-inspired Conmole, queer bookstore & maker's market The Beautiful Idea, LGBTQ-owned Ethos Wine & Tea, local restaurant and game room FIREFLY, and the only LGBTQ-owned winery in Virginia, Montifalco Vineyard.

2. Explore History

Attend Monticello's Civic Season

From June 19th through July 4th, join Monticello as they celebrate Civic Season with an outstanding summer lineup of events that you won’t want to miss! They'll be hosting a series of talks, dinners, and conversations about the nation’s history, the founding ideals of the country, and the challenges that persist today! This year's July 4th keynote speaker at the Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony will be none other than Governor Abigail Spanberger! Head to their website for more information about this year's events!

Go on a Walking Tour of the Downtown Mall

For more than 50 years, the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society has been a local leader in personally guided walking tours that explore the rich history of Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville. With a variety of tours, there is a topic for everyone! In fact, we recently teamed up with them to craft a three-day itinerary of Charlottesville for history lovers!

AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Walking Tour — Black Barbers of Charlottesville

Take a look at the city of Charlottesville through the history of its Black barbers. Focusing on stories from the late-19th and early-20th centuries, this tour covers the history of Jim Crow, segregation, and into the Civil Rights Movement..…

3. Listen to Live Music

It’s the season of outdoor live music at many area wineries, breweries, and craft beverage spots. Find regular music at wineries like Jefferson Vineyards, Stinson Vineyards, and Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard all summer long. We also recommend checking out Pro Re Nata Brewpub and Music Hall in Crozet, VA for live music nearly every night of the week!

If you plan to be in town on a Friday, be sure to catch Fridays After Five – the weekly free concert at Ting Pavilion located right on Charlottesville’s historic pedestrian Downtown Mall. Don't forget to keep an eye on our calendar for a comprehensive list of June's music events!

4. Celebrate Juneteenth

Juneteenth – June 19th – commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. Explore these events and exhibits that celebrate and explore the history of Charlottesville & Albemarle County’s African American community, including the annual Juneteenth Parade and Black Business Expo!

5. Experience the Charlottesville Opera

The Charlottesville Opera returns in late June for the first of their two mainstage summer performances: Cinderella. Each summer, over 140 theater professionals, singers, orchestra musicians, directors, and designers gather in Charlottesville to produce two mainstage performances at The Paramount Theater in addition to concerts throughout the community.

6. Celebrate Great Outdoors Month

June is Great Outdoors Month and the perfect opportunity to enjoy the stunning landscapes and rich rural history of Charlottesville and surrounding Albemarle County!

Go for a Hike

Take a look at our Trails & Outdoor Routes page to find inspiration about where to hike, bike, and kayak. Or read our blog about all the places you can plan a paddling adventure. If you’re looking for a guided outdoor tour, plan a visit to Ivy Creek Natural Area and Historic Riverview Farm. Their regular nature walks dive deep into the local flora and fauna, as well as the history of the influential Carr/Greer family who owned the farm for a century.

Attend a Free Polo Match

Memorial Day Weekend marks the start of polo season at King Family Vineyards! Every Sunday in the summer (weather permitting), bring your lawn chair and umbrella and watch a free game of polo on their gorgeous grounds. Get there early to snag a spot, and keep your eyes peeled for golf carts that drive the grounds with bottles of chilled rose for purchase.

Play Golf at a Local Course

Take in a round (or four) of golf at one of the four public courses in the area. All are beautiful, including the Old Trail Golf Club in Crozet which offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and was named one of the best public courses in Virginia!

Plan Your Stay

One day is never enough to experience everything Charlottesville & Albemarle County has to offer. Extend your adventure with an overnight stay and wake up ready to explore award-winning wineries, historic sites, mountain trails, local restaurants, and unique shops. Browse our Places to Stay page to find the perfect accommodations, then visit our Guides & Itineraries page for even more ways to build your ideal trip!

One blog couldn’t possibly capture everything that’s happening in Charlottesville and Albemarle County! Head over to our upcoming events page to stay up to date on all the latest happenings in the area.

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