Six Things to Do in Charlottesville in July

With all the history in Charlottesville, we can’t help but get a bit patriotic around the month of July. Of course there is much to do in the beginning of July with Independence Day and Charlottesville’s historic roots, but there is also much to do all month long as the summer reaches its peak! Take advantage of the long, hot days and all that Charlottesville has to offer this month with these events we’ve chosen:

July 4th at Monticello: July 4th. Spend the day at Monticello celebrating “the great birthday of our republic.” This will be the 55th annual Naturalization Ceremony and Independence Day Celebration at Monticello, and David N. Saperstein will be speaking. Afterwards, there will be free walkthrough tours of Monticello, but you must make a reservation and should do so as soon as possible to ensure a spot! Tuesday
Winemaking Workshop– July 8th. “The Father of Virginia Wine,” Gabrielle Rausse, will be at Monticello to take you through a two hour winemaking workshop from harvesting through fermentation to bottling. Don’t miss the chance to learn about winemaking from an expert. Even if you’re not looking to become an expert yourself, this looks to be a fun event for any wine-lover! Saturday
Charlottesville Restaurant Week– July 14th through 23rd. Charlottesville Restaurant week is a semi-annual event and really the perfect time in the city for any foodie. Charlottesville makes the list for the country’s top 15 cities with the most restaurants per capita, so the selection of great food can feel a little overwhelming. During restaurant week, choose from a list of fantastic local restaurants offering prix fixe menus of three course meals for $19, $29, or $39. This nearly 10 day long event makes trying the food at some of the best restaurants an affordable and delicious reality. Friday through the following Sunday.
Vine and Dine: Bastille Day: July 14th. Celebrate the French holiday at Trump Winery. Winemaker Jonathan Wheeler will welcome you and toast to France before you head to the Rose Garden for a reception that will feature the winery’s award-winning Sparkling Blanc de Blanc. Afterwards, you will head to the Dining Room at Albemarle Estate to enjoy a French inspired dinner with perfectly paired wines. Friday
Night at the Museum: July 20th. Explore UVA’s Kluge Ruhe Aboriginal Art Museum after hours while enjoying fantastic local food, drinks and music! ADAR will be the featured local music. Some of the best food trucks in the area will be there along with beer from Blue Mountain Brewery and wine from Glass House Winery. There will also be tours and 10 minute art talks given by museum staff. If you love art, this is a unique and perfect event for you! Thursday
7th Annual Ol’ Fashioned Peach Festival: July 22nd-23rd. Celebrate the peak of peach season at Carter’s Mountain! Don’t miss out on fun events like hayrides, the crowning of the Peach Court, and of course picking your own peaches throughout the weekend. Also enjoy wine tasting from Prince Michel Winery, hard cider from Bold Rock, peach cider slushies, peach ice cream, peach cider donuts, and peach pie! If you love peaches, don’t miss out on the fresh peach celebration! Saturday and Sunday