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Monticello welcomes retired four-star general and 26th U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis and philanthropist, author, and civic leader David M. Rubenstein on Saturday, April 11th at 4:00 p.m. on Monticello’s West Lawn. This special presentation, "Character, Service, and the American Experiment", will be a wide-ranging discussion about the responsibilities of leadership, the role of the military in a democratic society, and the values upholding American institutions. The event is part of Monticello’s annual Founders Day Celebration, commemorating Thomas Jefferson’s birthday with programming that examines the founding principles of the United States and their relevance in the 21st century. Visit monticello DOT org for more details.

Thursday, April 16th, Blue Mountain Dharma presents “Wisdom of Happiness” on the big screen at Vinegar Hill Theater in Downtown Charlottesville. This cinematic and beautiful new documentary with the Dalai Lama and Richard Gere is a heart to heart conversation, providing guidance on how to live with peace, compassion, and hope in our chaotic times. The doors open at 7:00PM, with the film at 7:30. Visit bluemountaindharma DOT org for the event calendar, film trailer, and a link for tickets.

This year's recipient of the Emily Couric Leadership Forum's leadership award is Olympic swimming champion Gretchen Walsh. She will be the speaker at a luncheon to be held at the Omni Hotel Charlottesville on Monday, April 27th at noon. Walsh, a 2025 UVA alum, is one of the most accomplished swimmers of her generation, holding 13 world records across long-course and short-course competition. Online ticket sales for the luncheon begin on Monday, March 23rd. For more information, visit, Emily Couric Leadership Forum dot Org

The Albemarle County Rotary Club will host the Rotary Memorial Pickleball Classic, in memory of Dr. Frank E. Taylor, on Saturday, May 23rd, with a rain date of Saturday, May 30th. The event will take place at the Greencroft Club, located at 575 Rodes Drive, with registration starting at 8:30 am. and start of play at 9. This year's proceeds will benefit the Botanical Garden of the Piedmont's Every Kindergartner in the Garden Program and also will fund scholarships for students from area high schools and PVCC. For more information and to register in advance, visit A C R C dot Club forward slash Pickleball

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is coming up Saturday, April 25th. From 10:00 a.m. 'til 2:00 p.m., you can drop off expired or unused drugs at Martha Jefferson Hospital, Forest Lakes Family Medicine, Crozet Family Medicine, and Wegman’s. This free, anonymous event is the safest way to dispose of expired or unused medications – no questions asked. Medical sharps will also be accepted at Sentara locations only. For details, please visit Albemarle DOT org SLASH Police.

The UVA Office for Sustainability is getting ready to celebrate Earth Month. Throughout April, over 50 events are happening at UVA and around Charlottesville. From clean ups, clothing swaps, nature outings, tree plantings, and much more, there’s something for everyone, including UVA’s Spring Mixer at Morven. Visit sustainability DOT virginia DOT edu SLASH earthmonth2026 for a full calendar of events

The Rivanna Solid Waste Authority announces the return of its FREE mulch program. Nearly 2,700 tons of double-ground mulch are available Monday through Saturday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, at the Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center, 4576 Dick Woods Road. Visitors wanting small quantities should bring their own shovels and carriers for loading. Those planning to fill pickup truck beds or trailers can receive assistance from the Center staff. Visit rivannasolidwaste DOT org under “news” for details.

The Charlottesville High School urban farming class is hosting their 3rd annual plant sale and farm tour on Saturday, May 2nd at the high school. They will be selling over 35 varieties of plants, from tomatoes to herbs to flowers. The sale will help them support future projects, like their upcoming “garden to cafeteria” initiative. To learn more, visit chsfarming DOT com SLASH plantsale.

The Inaugural Charlottesville Filipino Spring Festival is coming to the IX Art Park on Saturday, May 2nd. from 3-8 pm. This free, family-friendly event celebrates Filipino culture through cuisine, music, and dance, with performances by local and regional artists, including traditional and contemporary Filipino dance and musical groups. There’ll be a marketplace showcasing food vendors, retail businesses, artists, crafters, and nonprofits. The celebration aims to promote greater understanding of the Filipino American community in Central Virginia. Check them out on Instagram @cfca UNDERSCORE charlottesville

The Virginia Folklife Program at Virginia Humanities is reviving the Virginia Folklore Society, a forum where people interested in regional folkways can connect and learn from one another. Anyone interested is invited to get involved. Sign up for the newsletter for more info, or join the monthly steering committee meetings online by visiting Virginia Folklife dot ORG.

Three nationally-recognized design firms' proposals to transform the material and meaning of the former Robert E. Lee statue into a new expression of public memory can be seen at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center. The project, "Swords Into Plowshares: Recast, Reclaim”, is on view now through May 30th for visitors to explore the designs and help shape the future of this important community project. Visit sipcville DOT com or call the Center at (434)688-6854 for more details.