10 Things to Do in August

You guys, I’m in awe. It’s just minutes away from August and we’re all still here. Surviving summer. Some of you, I dare say, are thriving. Not me, but that’s okay. Cause school starts in just a short three weeks and I can do ANYTHING for 21 days. So until the school bell rings on August 22nd, I’ll be taking in some of these Charlottesville events. Hope 10 Things to Do in August is helpful for your sanity, too!

1. I took my youngest to the Virginia Discovery Museum last spring while the kids were in school and she loved it. Thanks to a partnership with Wegmans Charlottesville, the first Wednesday of each month (August 1st) is “Pay What You Wish” admission. In lieu of normal admission, visitors are encouraged to make a donation to the museum’s exhibits and programs.

2. Virginia football may not have the same star power as men’s basketball, but the annual Meet the Football Team event never disappoints. This year for the first time, Meet the Team has been combined with Scott Stadium Movie Night on Saturday, August 4. Fans will have the opportunity to meet the football team and receive autographs on the field beginning at 6:30 followed by the film The Incredibles shown on the Hoo Vision screen at 7:30.

3. If you have a budding chef in your home, don’t miss the Let’s Go Cook event at Monticello on Thursday, August 9 at 9:30 am. Young cooks and their grownups will begin by harvesting vegetables in the Monticello gardens, then make simple meals out of their bounty. Cost is $12 for adults, $9 ages 5–9, and children under 5 are free.

4. Also on August 9, local photographer Sarah Cramer Shields will be speaking at Common House from 7:00–9:00 about her portrait collection This Is Charlottesville. Following the tragic events on August 12, Sarah began capturing photos and quotes from those in the Cville community in order to tell a more accurate story of our city. Come out to the beautiful Common House to see a special slideshow of the collection and hear from the photographer.

5. There are sure to be many memorial events in Charlottesville on August 12, and several churches have partnered together for a time of prayer and healing at 6:00 pm on the downtown Pavilion. Parking will be tricky in the downtown area that weekend, so allow for extra time.

6. I love the work of International Neighbors and am honored to have interviewed its founder, Kari Miller, for The Thersday Series on my blog. Each month, IN hosts a Great Neighbor Gathering where community members can get to know refugees in our city and donate needed items. This month’s Great Neighbor Gathering is at Friendship Court on August 15 from 4:30–6:00 and will be focused on getting ready for the start of school. Find our about volunteer needs and school supply donation lists here.

7. If you’ve never attended a Night at the UVA Observatory, August 17 may be your evening under the stars! The event is held from 9–11 at the McCormick Observatory and the big telescope will be ready for viewing if the skies are clear.

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 25 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. As the summer winds down, we find ourselves hiking a little closer to home. Walnut Creek Park will always be a family favorite and is gorgeous year around! My family skips the entire loop, and instead pops onto the trail just after the disc golf course. It is a lovely—but sometimes muddy—trek through the woods and creek. And pack bathing suits if the kids want to hang by the beach or swim in the lake!

10. I love the library for the many programs they so faithfully put on each summer. It’s as if they know moms like me are desperate for a break. Last week, a dear friend of mine also gave me a little coffee break while she took my kids for Lego Mania at the library’s downtown location. Held the last Thursday of the month, Lego Mania is scheduled for August 30 from 4–5 for ages 5 and up.