The Arts & Music Scene

The American Shakespeare Center rediscovers the joys and accessibility of Shakespeare's theatre, language and humanity by exploring the English Renaissance stage and its practices through performance and education. The ASC's Blackfriars Playhouse, the world's only re-creation of Shakespeare's indoor theatre, is open year-round for Shakespeare productions, which have been hailed by The Washington Post as "shamelessly entertaining" and by The Boston Globe as "phenomenal... bursting with energy." Founded in 1988 as Shenandoah Shakespeare Express, the organization became the American Shakespeare Center in 2005.

November 11 & 12, 2023 : 10am-5pm One weekend every fall, artisans in Central Virginia open their doors for you to explore their working spaces. It's a fun, unique opportunity to learn more about the creative process! All studios offer unique experiences and unsurpassed quality craft. Self-guided, free, and open to the public. Each studio on the Tour provides locally-sourced refreshments. Map and directions are on the website. Like Us on Facebook at facebook.com/artisans.studio.tour

The Municipal Band of Charlottesville, Virginia, Inc. was founded in 1922 and has been in continuous operation since that time. The Band consists of some 90 musicians and is a volunteer organization whose members enjoy the pleasure of speaking the universal language of music, the happiness of fellowship, and the service they render to their community. Visit them on Facebook, check the website or sign up for the newsletter (cvilleband.org/newsletter.htm) for updates about concerts.

Founded in 1973, Four County Players is Central Virginia's longest continuously operating community theater. For more than 35 years, the players have delighted audiences with a full range of theater experiences. Located in the small town of Barboursville, the theater is the cultural hub for the community, serving as both an artistic and educational center. The Players are well known for their masterful musicals, hilarious comedies and magical productions of Shakespeare. Every year, Four County Players presents five main stage shows. These productions include at least one musical, a Shakespeare play and a family Christmas show.

John Paul Jones Arena is a community staple in Charlottesville and at the University of Virginia. It is the largest indoor entertainment venue in the Commonwealth. The arena is home to the UVA Men’s & Women’s basketball teams and hosts a variety of events including concerts, family shows and private events. JPJ has hosted Dave Matthews Band, Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, KISS,  MercyMe and many more! Located at 295 Massie Road right next to Barracks Road, the venue is at a convenient destination for students and the C’ville community.  New events are consistently being announced so visit johnpauljonesarena.com to learn more and see what shows are coming to Charlottesville!

The Monticello Trail includes the beautiful landscapes of Nelson County and Albemarle County. Travel the Monticello Trail and discover the beauty of the mountains and valleys that local artisans call home. A wonderful place to explore with family and friends, it will surely create lasting memories.

Built in 1931, Charlottesville's Paramount Theater has held a starring role both now and in the past. Once a home for movies and community events, The Paramount's doors were closed for thirty years before recent restoration returned the theater's former glory. The Paramount Theater boasts 1,040 seats in a hall with excellent sight lines and acoustics. The Paramount's state-of-the-art facility provides a wonderful opportunity to see world-class artists perform in an intimate setting. Located on Charlottesville's Downtown Mall, the Paramount Theater hosts a variety of music, dance, drama, Broadway, comedy and family performances each season.

Located on the east end of the Historic Downtown Mall, the TING Pavilion is the city's premier outdoor venue for live performance. Open since July of 2005, it features premium seating, a spacious lawn, and professional stage and sound, all within easy walking distance of downtown Charlottesville's many restaurants and other attractions. The TING Pavilion presents acclaimed live musical acts and is host to the Friday's After Five free concert series from April through September.