I can hardly believe the calendar has turned another page and we’re staring down the final long month of the year. We’ll be seeing those big yellow buses pull up outside our doors soon, but there’s still so many hazy days left to enjoy. Thankfully for all you Charlottesvillians, local businesses and organizations have planned wonderful events for these final weeks of summer. Here are 10 ways to enjoy August:
1. Celebrating two incredible years, Boss Babes Cville will be hosting its annual anniversary party on Saturday, August 3, from 5-8 at The Vault. Tickets are $35 and the evening includes drinks, hor d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and a photo booth in the beautiful Vault Virginia space. Boss Babes has been an empowering organization for women in business in the Charlottesville area with monthly meet ups, book clubs, and a Facebook group designed to encourage organic collaboration.
2. Join Molly Reeder on Sunday, August 4, at Blenheim Vineyards for her opening of “A Fantastic Feast” from 1-3 pm. Molly creates botanical and food study art in watercolor and pencil as well as commissioned pieces. Recently returning to Virginia from a move to Hawaii, Molly’s work reflects her love of food, travel and adventure. The 106 Street Food Truck will be on site during the opening as well as wine tasting. You can read my full interview with Molly on The Thersday Series here.
image by Molly Reeder
3. Bring your budding astronomer or enjoy a date night at Shenandoah National Park’s Annual Night Sky Festival August 9-11. Events are free with park admission and include stargazing, ranger programs, kids’ activities, and guest presentations. Be sure to bring a flashlight and check the Shenandoah site for specifics on time and location of the programs.
4. If you’re like me and have missed the Starry Nights outdoor concert series at Veritas Vineyards this summer, now is the chance to redeem yourself. Grab yourself some 80’s punk clothing and enjoy a night with The Legwarmers. Tickets are sold here; gates open at 5 and the band kicks off at 8.
5. Holding space for the 2nd anniversary of the events of August 12 in Charlottesville, the city and local organizations will come together for Unity Days with ongoing events during the second week of August. Activities will take place at venues throughout the community including Market Street Park, Court Square Park, the Downtown Mall and Fourth Street. The city-sponsored, community-driven events focus on the theme of unity, and include musical performances, speakers, conversations, children’s activities, films, exhibits, festivals, and faith-based gatherings.
6. I love our local library for the many programs it faithfully holds each summer. Parents can take advantage of a disability inclusion seminar on August 17 from 10:30-11:30 at Northside Library. Diane Gibbs, Lead Special Education teacher at Woodbrook Elementary School, will guide a discussion for caregivers on talking with children about disabilities. Sign up is encouraged.
7. Another fantastic program to be sure to attend is a seminar on How to Tidy with the Konmari Method on August 19 at 6:30 at the Crozet Library. With school just around the corner, we could all use a refresher on what to do when folding clothes, collecting take-home papers, and organizing lunches. Participants will learn the basics from Marie Kondo’s popular book The Life-Changing Magic Art of Tidying Up and get resources and checklists to help get started on a decluttering journey.
8. For all the little historians and American Girl fans out there, James Monroe’s Highland is hosting an American Girl Tea with Elizabeth Monroe on August 24 from 10:30–12:00. Recommended for children ages 6–12, the tea will feature crafts, refreshments, AG trivia and photos with Mrs. Monroe. The cost is $5.
9. A community running/walking event since 1983, the Charlottesville Women’s Four Miler is the largest all-women’s race in Virginia. With over 2,000 participants, the Four Miler will be held this year on August 31 at 8 am. Runners raise funds to support groundbreaking cancer research and innovative patient care programs at UVA Cancer Center’s Breast Care Program. The cost of the race is $50 for adults and $35 for students; participants can sign up here.
10. Castle Hill Cider will host Cider Fest 2019 on August 31 from 11 – 5. Six cideries will be on site for tastings and purchase; a live band, kids’ activities and food trucks are to be enjoyed as well. Additionally, there will be panels on cider making and bee keeping during this year’s Cider Fest. Advance tickets are $20 or $25 at the gate.
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