Things to Do in Charlottesville and Albemarle County: September 2023

School is back in session and September marks the return of UVA Football! Don’t miss a favorite tradition with Paint the Town Orange on Friday September 8, 2023 ahead of the first home game of the season! The UVA Marching Band and Spirit Squads will leave the Omni Hotel to march the Downtown Mall at approximately 8 p.m. They will enter the Pavilion at 8:30 p.m. and the Pep Rally will feature appearances by head football coach Tony Elliott and the Virginia football team.

UVA will play two home games in September! You don’t need tickets to the game to take part in the fun -- Tailgates at Alumni Hall before all home football games are open to general public.

Saturday September 9, 2023 | UVA vs. James Madison University
Saturday September 22, 2023 | UVA vs. NC State

Our Mobile Visitor Centers will be on-site at Alumni Hall for all home football games this season. Stop by to speak with a travel specialist, find maps and brochures, or receive recommendations for visiting attractions in Charlottesville and Albemarle County!

Don’t miss the chance to experience the entirety of the Rivanna Trail at the annual Loop de’Ville Trail Festival! This event takes place during National Public Lands Day and celebrates the 25-mile Rivanna Trail that circumvents the city and is beloved by locals and visitors alike.

This two-day festival will include two days of activities. Saturday September 23rd is dedicated to those who wish to experience the main 20-mile loop, including a group bike, hike, and run. Bikers can choose the speed they’d like to go with – novice, intermediate (brisk), or and advanced (fast). Register now!

Sunday September 24th will offer smaller programming for those who wish to experience smaller sections of the trail.

Everyone should stick around for the festival’s free Saturday afterparty at Rivanna River Company! Celebrate with live music, local beer, and delicious food. This event is free and open to the public.

Take part in Charlottesville’s unique early music scene with the Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival! Now in its 24th season, the festival will host a range of performances from September 7-17.

Catch concerts in beautiful settings including The Paramount Theater, Old Cabell Hall on UVA Grounds, Second Street Gallery, and Christ Episcopal Church and King Family Vineyards. Some performances are free and open to the public while others are ticketed. The Grand Finale Concert will take place at the Paramount Theater on Saturday September 17th. Find the full program of events and more information about the musicians here!

There’s still a bit of time to enjoy juicy summer peaches at many of our local orchards—and the start of apple season is upon us, too! Apple picking will be in full-swing by mid-September and reservations are required for weekend picking from September-November at Chiles and Carter Mountain Orchards.

The Chiles Family Orchard calendar is a great place to find additional events! September is an especially great month to take in cool evenings at Carter Mountain’s Sunset Series (every Thursday) where you can watch a stunning sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains while listening to live music, sipping a crisp Bold Rock Cider, and indulging in a delicious apple cider donut.

Welcome to the start of Hispanic Heritage Month with the Cville Sabroso Cultural Festival on Saturday, September 16 at Booker T. Washington Park! This regional festival celebrates the Latin American community by sharing knowledge and appreciation of those cultures through traditional dances, music, food and beverages, crafts, costumes, and other cultural and artistic expressions.

Festival-goers will enjoy continuous music and dance performances on the mainstage, a new adult-only beer garden, and a kids' area offering face painting, the Jefferson Madison Regional Library bookmobile, and supplies for making traditional paper flowers and garlands.

Plus, indulge in fare from seven local food vendors representing Mexican, Argentinian, and Central American cuisine!

Charlottesville and Albemarle County’s craft beer scene lights up with its own take on this favorite German tradition. Random Row Brewing Company will host a traditional Oktoberfest on Sunday September 17th from 12 – 4 PM with beer, food, and games. Oktoberfest outfits are encouraged – as are those brave enough to take part in a traditional Masskrugstemmen contest which involves holding a liter of beer with a perfectly stretched out arm.

It’s also a great month to visit Kardinal Hall, Charlottesville’s own German-inspired Bier Hall. On any day, you can order a stein of Schwarzbier, Hefeweizen, or Pilsner along with items from their delicious seasonal menu, plus a long list of rotating craft beers from Virginia and beyond. Tune into a sports game on one of their many large screens, pick a board game to play (including local favorite Chikapig), or play bocce ball outside in the Bier Garden. It’s a great place to bring the whole family!

September is a buzzing month in Charlottesville and Albemarle County – so book your stay today! Whether you’re searching for a hotel that is walking distance from UVA and the Downtown Mall, or a quiet cottage near one of our area’s stunning wineries, choose from a wide array of beautiful accommodations.

Consider a mid-week stay for fewer crowds and more affordable room rates. Use the map on our “Places to Stay” page to help locate your perfect stay.