Charlottesville
Charlottesville, Virginia is a small city with deep roots and a lively sense of place. It's home to the University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819 and now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside Jefferson’s Monticello estate. Both sites are working institutions where architecture, education, and ongoing dialogue shape how visitors experience the past. A guided tour of Monticello includes not only Jefferson’s famous inventions but also the powerful stories of the enslaved families who lived and worked on the plantation.
The city’s walkable downtown is anchored by the eight-block pedestrian mall, where historic brick buildings house bookstores, theaters, and independent restaurants. Live music is common, whether it's a busker outside a coffee shop or a national act at the Ting Pavilion. Just a few blocks away, visitors can explore the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, which preserves the stories of Black communities in Charlottesville and highlights ongoing local contributions to the arts and education.
Learn More About Charlottesville
Hamlet
On 2/5/2026
Get ready for the remarkable spectacle that is Hamlet, as tragedy, villains, and love come alive on stage. Marvel as the outstanding cast captivates and enchants viewers with a heartbreaking journey through classical literature.
Nakeya Brown: Refutations Exhibition
From 2/7/2026 - 5/30/2026
Nakeya Brown's photography exhibition, Refutations, delves into the intricate relationship between identity, memory, femininity, family legacy, and the commercialization of cultural assimilation, particularly in the context of Black hair. The event invites attendees to challenge widespread Eurocentric beauty standards, question the definition of "good" hair, and consider the impact of these norms on Black women and girls.
Dar Williams
On 2/9/2026
Dorothy Snowden "Dar" Williams is an American pop-folk singer-songwriter from Mount Kisco, New York. One of the prominent critics of The New Yorker has described Williams as "one of America's very best singer-songwriters." Her first full album was recorded under her own record label, "Burning Field Music."
Tim O'Brien
On 2/12/2026
Tim O’Brien is a Grammy-winning folk and bluegrass musician whose career spans decades, including work with Hot Rize and numerous solo albums. A multi-instrumentalist and storyteller, he blends traditional roots music with contemporary songwriting. His lyrics often explore history, family, and the American experience.
Langhorne Slim
On 2/13/2026
Sean Scolnick, better known by his stage name Langhorne Slim, is a singer-songwriter born in Pennsylvania. With singles like "Changes," "The Way We Move," and "Sea of Love," he has gained more than one million monthly listeners on Spotify.
Margo Price
On 2/16/2026
Margo Price is a country artist whose music blends classic Americana with rock influences and deeply personal lyrics. Her performances are soulful, rebellious, and rooted in honest storytelling.
An Evening with Anna Kovatcheva: In Conversation with John Casteen
On 2/13/2026
Attend an engaging evening with Anna Kovatcheva, who will read from her debut novel, She Made Herself a Monster, followed by a conversation with John Casteen. The novel, a dark Gothic tale set in nineteenth-century Bulgaria, tells the story of a self-proclaimed vampire slayer and a teenage girl who join forces to create a monster, offering a clever mix of witchery, ghost stories, heresy, and deception in a feminist fable about agency and the power of collective action.
Met Live in HD: Cinderella
On 2/14/2026
Experience the magic of Massenet's Cendrillon, presented in a charming storybook staging by Laurent Pelly and featuring an all-new English translation. With Isabel Leonard starring as the rags-to-riches princess, and a delightful cast including Emily D'Angelo, Jessica Pratt, Stephanie Blythe, and Laurent Naouri, this abridged 90-minute adaptation promises a captivating musical journey.
An Evening with Bsrat Mezghebe, In Conversation with Tochi Eze
On 2/20/2026
Attend an enlightening evening with Bsrat Mezghebe, who will share insights from her highly anticipated novel, I Hope You Find What You're Looking For, followed by a stimulating conversation with Tochi Eze. The novel, a part of the Well-Read Black Girl Books series, explores the secret lives of three women on the eve of Eritrean independence, offering a poignant ode to an immigrant community on the brink of a new era.
Almost Queen
On 2/20/2026
Almost Queen is a tribute group to the legendary rock band Queen. Their live performance showcases the signature four-part harmonies, intricate interludes, and musical precision of Queen while the four members don costumes reminiscent of the originals.
SalsaFest
On 2/21/2026
The 13th Annual Latin Dance Congress, hosted by the University Salsa Club, invites dancers of all skill levels to immerse themselves in the vibrant Latin dance community. Attendees can look forward to a day filled with professional-led workshops in various dance styles, evening performances by instructors and students alike, and a night of social dancing to showcase their newly learned moves.
Keb' Mo'
On 2/22/2026
The multiple Grammy winner, Kevin Moore, aka, Keb' Mo' is an American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist. His most acclaimed albums include “Just Like You,” “Slow Down,” and “The Door.”
Riverdance
On 2/25/2026
The theatrical show Riverdance originated as an interval performance act for the 1994 Eurovision Contest. It then turned into a phenomenon that celebrates traditional Irish music and dance. The show has reached more than 25 million people and performed at over 450 venues around the world since then.
LAUNDRY DAY
On 2/25/2026
LAUNDRY DAY is a pop rock band from New York formed in 2018 when all five members were high school students. Their most popular singles include "Jane," "FRIENDS," and "Harvard."
STS9
On 2/25/2026
STS9, or Sound Tribe Sector 9, is a genre-blending electronic jam band known for immersive live shows and instrumental experimentation. Their music combines elements of funk, jazz, and electronic grooves. They’re a favorite on the festival circuit for fans of improvisational, high-energy sets.
Rumours ATL: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
On 2/26/2026
Rumours ATL is a tribute band to Fleetwood Mac from Georgia. Since their formation in 2014, they have frequently toured around the globe performing and impressing Fleetwood Mac fans.
Kendall Street Company
On 2/26/2026
Kendall Street Company is a jam-alt rock band from Virginia. They tour across the country performing singles like "Cars," "Marty Song," and "Expiration Date."
An Evening with Rebecca Kauffman: In Conversation with Siân White
On 2/27/2026
Immerse yourself in an evening of literary delight as acclaimed author Rebecca Kauffman shares excerpts from her new novel, The Reservation, followed by a stimulating conversation with scholar Sin White. The Reservation, a captivating narrative that explores the intricate dynamics of a restaurant staff, promises to enthrall fans of Elizabeth Strout and Jennifer Egan with its rich ensemble of characters and their quest to deliver the perfect meal.
Liberation and Freedom Days Reparations Run and Walk
On 2/28/2026
The annual Liberation and Freedom Day Run and Walk is a collaborative event by the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center and Prolyfyck Run Crew, aimed at raising funds to support Black-led community organizations. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with significant sites of African American history and local businesses during the nearly 8-mile run or 4-mile walk.
Joe Pug
On 2/28/2026
Come experience the unique and captivating sounds of Joe Pug's live show. His passionate indie-folk-rock-Americana style will have you hooked from the first note.
Aly & AJ
On 2/28/2026
The American pop duo Aly & AJ was formed by the Michailka sisters, Alyson and Amanda. Their most successful albums include their debut, Into The Rush, which was certified gold and Insomniatic which peaked at number fifteen on the Billboard 200. With tracks like "Potential Breakup Song" and "Slow Dancing," they have gained over three million monthly listeners on Spotify.