Things to Do in Charlottesville and Albemarle County: August 2023

August is National Black Business Month and these events provide the perfect chance to celebrate Black-owned businesses in Charlottesville and Albemarle County! Local winemaker Matt Harmon is hosting the Wine & Whine Event weekend from August 18 – 20th at the Graduate Hotel, complete with a white and gold party, fashion show, and DJ.

Plus, don’t miss the Soul of Cville Festival at Ix Art Park! This three-day event is free and open to the public and brings Black artisans and vendors from across the city and county to celebrate Black Excellence. Enjoy fashion shows, free art making, a community canvas, live music performances, local food, and community access to The Looking Glass Immersive Art Experience.

August is also Virginia Craft Beer Month and Charlottesville and Albemarle County are home to more than ten local breweries! The city of Charlottesville has eight breweries in just a ten-mile radius, plus Pro Re Nata Brewpub and Music Hall in Crozet and James River Brewery along charming Valley Street in downtown Scottsville.


Check out the Charlottesville Ale Trail to download a brewery passport that helps you navigate the craft beverage scene. Lastly, mark your calendars for August 19th for a special event from Neon Culture Brewing – the only Black-owned brewery in Central Virginia! Owner and brewer Corey Hoffman will release the third and final installment of his FROM THE JUMP collection at Decipher Brewing from 3 – 9 pm. Enjoy food from El Gallo, SliceVersa, and Vegan Comforts Soul food, plus live music from DJ Double U and crew. This event is free and open to the public!

Spend your summer evenings outdoors alongside live music this month. See our guide on how to Make Your Own Music Festival with weekly live performances at local wineries, breweries, and cideries – plus recurring summer series like the Rivanna Roots Series at Rivanna River Company.

You can also catch a show at the Ting Pavilion, the outdoor music venue located at one end of the historic, pedestrian Downtown Mall. Check the ongoing schedule or swing by on Friday evenings for Fridays After Five – a free, weekly summer concert series featuring local bands, craft beverages, and food trucks!

Another not-to-miss August music event: Vibe Fest returns August 10th with headliners Lupe Fiasco and Talib Kweli and special guests Jaewar and Vibe Riot! Don’t miss the seventh installment of this community-minded music festival as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop music at the Jefferson Theater on the Downtown Mall.

Charlottesville and Albemarle County are home to rivers, creeks, and reservoirs that are ready to welcome you for a chance to cool off from the summer heat. Whether you prefer to kayak, stand up paddle board, or tube, our local outfitters can set you and your family or friends up with everything you need to get out on the water and advise you on best places to paddle during late summer.

For something more low key, book a batteau ride from James River Batteau Company where you can choose between a two-hour mid-day cruise or evening cruise complete with live music, wine, and charcuterie. After your day on the river, head to Scottsville’s Valley Street where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and James River Brewery –named Virginia’s Best Brewery in 2022!

If you haven’t made a trip to Chiles Peach Orchard or Carter Mountain, August is the month to do so. Peach season is in full-swing and nothing beats picking your own ripe peaches straight from the tree! Take the family to Chiles and make a day out of it by exploring nearby Crozet (more below). Or drive to the top of Carter Mountain where you can end your peach-picking with a wine slushie and gorgeous view of Charlottesville and Albemarle County.

Assemble a team of family and friends and join in on the fun of the second annual Cville Puzzle Hunt! This event will take you and your team across downtown Charlottesville, with a start and end at Ix Art Park. You’ll spend a wild afternoon trying to untangle five, large-scale puzzles inserted into the urban landscape. The event is free and open to the public. Recommended team size is 3-6 people.

Just a twenty-minute drive from downtown Charlottesville, charming Crozet packs a whole bunch of great dining into one small town. Within just a few blocks you can experience baked goods at Praha Bohemian Bakery and Café, a famous slice from Crozet Pizza, delicious treats at Crozet Creamery, and a good old-fashioned breakfast at Fardowners. Top things off with a brew at Starr Hill Crozet or Pro Re Nata Brewpub and Music Hall or check out the rooftop experience at newly-opened Bar Botanical which offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Crozet is also home to many of our area’s award-winning wineries. King Family Vineyards is a summer favorite where you can try a bottle of “Crosé” and experience a free polo match on Sundays. For a more intimate winery experience, try Grace Estate Winery, Stinson Vineyards, White Hall Vineyards, and Knight’s Gambit Vineyard.

Take your pick of where to stay this month, from resorts with outdoor pools to winery stays to boutique hotels that are walking distance from UVA and all the activities of the Downtown Mall!

Insider Tip: For the best deals on accommodations, consider booking a midweek stay!