Events & Programs

Explore VA250 events and programs from the lens of those in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, ranging from live performances to exhibits.

EVENTS
EXHIBITS
SERIES
GUIDED EXPERIENCES
CALENDAR

Scroll left and right to view a variety of events and programs related to VA250 in Charlottesville and Albemarle County.

Events

Virginia Festival of the Book

March 20 — 22, 2026

Themed “Revolutions” in recognition of the America’s 250th anniversary, the 2026 Virginia Festival of the Book will include a stellar slate of authors and events, bringing out the best in poetry, children’s literature, fiction and non-fiction.

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Founders Day Weekend at Monticello

April 11 — 12, 2026

Monticello invites you to a special Founder’s Day weekend celebration, honoring Thomas Jefferson’s birthday and featuring a conversation with General James Mattis and David M. Rubenstein.

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VA250 Mobile Museum Visits Downtown Charlottesville

April 13 — 15, 2026

A hands-on, interactive, and immersive "museum on wheels," the VA250 Mobile Museum Experience themed "Out of Many, One" comes to Charlottesville's Downtown Mall in honor of Founders Day. Open 10 am - 5 pm and free to visit.

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14th Annual Tom Tom Festival

April 22 — 26, 2026

The Tom Tom Festival embraces the theme of COURAGE in 2026. COURAGE explores the choices we make to take risks, bridge divides, and shape a shared future... together. Through music, art, and conversation, we’ll examine how courage is cultivated.

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Pen to Paper: The Civic Gospel of the Declaration of Independence

At Monticello on May 2, 2026

An event to celebrate 250 years of Jefferson's Declaration of Independence. Join Monticello for an afternoon of conversation, music, poetry, and theater, honoring our most shared piece of history.

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Exhibits

Declaring Independence: Creating and Recreating America’s Document

This permanent exhibit at UVA's Special Collections Library offers highlights of the Albert H. Small Declaration of Independence Collection, the most comprehensive collection of letters, documents, and early printings of the Declaration of Independence.

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James Monroe’s Highland: A Window to a New America

This exhibit, created in honor of the nation's 250th, explores the people and events of historic Highland and their connection to U.S. history. It was completed in collaboration with Highland’s Council of Descendant Advisors.

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Legacies of Independence: Four Exhibits at the Fralin Museum of Art

August 29, 2026 – January 3, 2027

This slate of exhibitions explores the legacies of Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence. Through historic and contemporary approaches, the art considers ways Thomas Jefferson helped shape the U.S. and promoted ideals we continue to deliberate today.

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We the People

Traveling Exhibition at JMRL Northside Library August 31 — October 12, 2026

Series

Fighting for Freedom: The Declaration of Independence & Its Legacy

January – July 2026

ACHS is hosting an 8-part program series that will discuss the ways Americans have fought for freedom throughout history, and the importance of continuing to question what Thomas Jefferson’s words of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness mean.

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Pursuits of Knowledge: Conversations at Monticello

The Pursuits of Knowledge series explores the enduring legacy of curiosity, innovation, and learning inspired by Thomas Jefferson, and the people and paths that created the United States.

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Culinary Diplomacy at Monticello

Explore the intersection of history, food, and diplomacy at one of these quarterly events with renowned chefs.

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Guided Experiences

Founding Friends, Founding Foes Tour at Monticello

This new guided tour experience at Monticello invites guests to learn about the politics of the early United States through the complicated relationship between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams.

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Jefferson Remembers the Declaration

Mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a special guided theatrical experience inside the Monticello house featuring Thomas Jefferson, as interpreted by veteran historical interpreter, Bill Barker.

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Feast of Reason

Monticello's Feast of Reason is an engaging program that encourages conversations about civics over a meal using prompts and questions provided by a card deck.

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Calendar

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