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The Descendants of Enslaved Communities of Virginia is hosting their annual Descendants Day Symposium in Charlottesville this Saturday at The Center at Belvedere. With Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of the 1619 Project Nikole Hannah-Jones leading this year’s keynote conversation, this all-day event entitled "STILL HERE: Black Survival, Joy, and Community in the 250th", celebrates the significant contributions of the Black community in the building and maintenance of this country. Tickets and information at eventbrite DOT com, or contact Jessica Harris at chair AT descendantsuva DOT org.

Ivy Creek United Methodist Church presents their Fall Bazaar this Saturday from 9am to 3pm. The bazaar features a Bake Sale, Yard Sale, Silent Auction, Vendor Sales, and lunch on their grounds at 674 Woodlands Road in Charlottesville. All are welcome! Find details at Ivy Creek UMC dot ORG.

Charlottesville Pride presents its 2026 Festival Saturday from 12:30-7:30pm at the Ting Pavilion on Charlottesville's downtown mall. The event will feature entertaining performances, local vendors, food and drinks for sale, and a fun, community-focused atmosphere in celebration of Pride. For more information, visit Cville Pride dot ORG.

UVA’s Center for Community Partnerships invites 6th through 12th grade students in Charlottesville and Albemarle County to enter the 2026 Voices of Democracy Student Writing Contest. This year’s theme is “The Next 250 Years.” Students are invited to write 150 to 300 word essays sharing their vision for the future of America by imagining what democracy will look like 250 years from now, and how young people and emerging technologies might shape what comes next. Search communitypartnerships DOT virginia DOT edu for contest details. All submissions are due by September 30th.

On Our Own's 35th Anniversary Celebration is happening Wednesday with an open house from noon to 5:00pm, and a formal celebration program to follow, at 123 4th St NW in Charlottesville. Since 1991, On Our Own has provided free peer support services to adults seeking recovery from mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and trauma. Former participants, volunteers, staff and board members, and supporters are encouraged to attend, reconnect, and share their stories and memories. It's free and open to the public. For more information, call 434-979-2440

The Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary invites animal lovers to attend Mountain View Magic Soirée, its annual fundraising gala. The event takes place at Eastwood Farm and Winery in Charlottesville on Friday, October 2nd at 5:30pm. Tickets include an open bar, a delicious buffet meal from Botanical Fare, live music, and many more surprises. All funds raised will support the Sanctuary's wildlife rehabilitation and education programs. For details and to purchase tickets, visit Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary dot ORG slash Gala.

The PVCC Geology Club invites you to their annual Rock Day, Saturday October 3rd, from 2:00 to 4:00pm. Rock Day is a family-friendly event that aims to inspire geologic interest in our community, with a stream table, an informative rock display, scavenger hunts, fossils, and more. Bring your own rocks and have a geologist identify them. Just follow the signs posted outside of the school to the Geology Lab at PVCC.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge will host its third annual pickleball tournament, The Big Serve, on Saturday, October 17th. This event to raise awareness and funds in support of youth mentoring will be held at the Darden Towe Park pickleball courts from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features a round-robin format with teams of two competing in social, competitive, and match groupings. Early-bird registration continues through Wednesday, September 30th and registration closes on Tuesday, October 13th. For more information or to register, visit Blue Ridge Bigs dot Org slash Pickleball

Make plans to join the Suicide Prevention Awareness Resource Council for its 11th Annual SPARC of Hope 5K on Saturday, October 17th at East End Farm in Louisa County, near Zion Crossroads. This event is an opportunity to honor lost loved ones and celebrate hope, healing, and positive change. In addition to the 5K, the event will feature a speaker, refreshments, children's activities, and a raffle. Proceeds will support local suicide prevention efforts, helping to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and bring hope to those affected by suicide. For more information, and to register, visit S P A R C Hope dot Com

The Ivy Creek Foundation is hosting their annual Farm Day Celebration at Ivy Creek Natural Area and Historic River View Farm in Charlottesville. On October 17th from 11:00am ‘til 3:00, exhibitors from across the commonwealth will share their experiences in farming, local history, and agriculture on this historic African American family farm. Visitors will get to learn about our agricultural roots while crafting, meeting the livestock, and touring our 1930s dairy barn. More info is available at ivycreekfoundation DOT org

Oakland School will hold its fourth annual OAKtober Fest on Saturday, October 17th, from 3 to 6PM at 128 Oakland Farm Way in Troy, Virginia. Open to the entire community, this family-friendly fall festival features hayrides, games, live music, barbecue, raffles, and more. Whether you’re part of the Oakland community or simply looking for a fun fall event in the Charlottesville area, everyone is welcome. Event details and tickets are available at oaklandschool DOT org SLASH oaktober DASH fest. That’s OAKtoberfest at Oakland School.

On Saturday, November 7th, the Frontier Culture Museum, Virginia Humanities, and the Virginia Cider Association will host the Second Annual Cider Festival in Staunton. Visitors will be able to explore how apples and cider helped shape the culture of the Valley of Virginia through historical interpretation and modern-day cider tastings. The event will include living history demonstrations, author talks, and live music. Visit frontiermuseum DOT org SLASH events for details.

Life Moments, A Circular Mile, a new exhibition by Charlottesville artist Theresa Woodfolk, is currently open at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center. Through handcrafted works created from reclaimed wood and everyday objects, the exhibition shares memories of Black life and community in Charlottesville's historic Black neighborhoods. The program runs through December 12th. Learn more at JeffersonSchoolHeritageCenter DOT org.

Martin Horn Helps, a nonprofit in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, is the local affiliate of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. This program provides children with a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book in the mail every month from birth to age five, at no cost to their families. The program currently serves over 2,500 children locally, but relies on community support. You can honor Dolly's legacy by donating at imaginationlibrary DOT com, where you can also register your child free of charge.