38th Annual Martin Luther King Scholarship Essay Contest

Tuesday, March 31st 2026 - All Day

If you know a high school senior who could use a little extra help paying for college, listen up.

The 38th Annual Martin Luther King Scholarship Essay Contest is now open and it’s offering college scholarship money to students living in southern Albemarle County.

Seniors from any high school are eligible as long as they live in the Monticello High School district and will be entering their first year of college in the fall of 2026.

Good news for procrastinators too, the deadline has been extended to March 31st.

To get an application or more details, students can contact Mr. Graham Paige at 434-286-3639 or by email at G-T-P-A-I-G-E at AOL dot com.

That’s the Martin Luther King Scholarship Essay Contest, and it’s a great opportunity to honor Dr. King’s legacy while helping with college costs.

Eggcessible Easter Egg Hunt

Friday, April 3rd 2026 - 9:00 am - 11:00 am at Rosenwald Community Center
413 Port Republic Rd.

The second annual Eggcessible Easter Egg Hunt is happening Friday, April 3rd, from 9 to 11 in the morning at the Rosenwald Community Center on Port Republic Road in Waynesboro.

Now this isn’t just any egg hunt. The Eggcessible Easter Egg Hunt is designed especially for children with differing abilities, creating a welcoming, sensory-friendly space where everyone can participate and have fun.

The gym will be covered with traditional Easter eggs, light-up eggs, and different-sized eggs to make collecting easier and more engaging. Each child can gather ten eggs in their basket, then head over to the prize table to trade those eggs in for something special. We’re talking fidgets, toys, spinners, stamps, and more.

And the fun doesn’t stop there. There will also be crafts and snacks available, so families can hang out, create something festive, and enjoy a relaxed, joyful morning together.

Best part? It’s open to the public and completely free.

If you have questions or want more details, you can call 540-942-6735.

The Eggcessible Easter Egg Hunt, Friday, April 3rd, 9 to 11 a.m., Rosenwald Community Center in Waynesboro. Because every child deserves an egg hunt that feels just right.

Embrace Waynesboro – Understanding ACE’s

Thursday, April 9th 2026 - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Embrace Waynesboro – A Center for Community
932 Fir Street

Valley Community Services Board is hosting a special event called Embrace Waynesboro, happening Thursday, April 9th, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Embrace Waynesboro – A Center for Community, located at 932 Fir Street in Waynesboro.

This event is centered around the Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, study, which looks at how stressful or traumatic experiences in childhood can impact health, learning, and well-being later in life.

You’ll learn what ACEs are, why they matter, and how things like support, connection, and resilience can help reduce their long-term effects and build stronger futures for kids and families.

This training isn’t just for professionals — it’s for parents, grandparents, caregivers, teachers, coaches, mentors, faith leaders, neighbors — really, anyone who was once a child… or knows one.

The focus is understanding, not blame. It’s about giving people practical tools and knowledge they can use to better support children and strengthen the entire community.

CLICK HERE to register for the event.

Charlottesville Marathon & Half Marathon

Saturday, April 11th 2026 - 7:00 am at Market Street Park
101 E Market St,

Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 11, 2026, when the Charlottesville Marathon & Half Marathon returns to downtown Charlottesville for another unforgettable race day.

This scenic, boutique-style event has earned national recognition, being voted “One of the Top Ten Best New Marathons in the U.S.” by Runner’s World and named “One of the Country’s Top Five Destination Marathons” by The New York Times. Designed for runners who appreciate beautiful courses, carefully selected destinations, and smaller crowds, this race highlights the very best of Charlottesville.

🏃 Race Details

Events: Marathon, Half Marathon, and 8K

Start Time: All races begin at 7:00 a.m.

Location: Market Street Park, Downtown Charlottesville, Virginia

The course starts and finishes in downtown Charlottesville, surrounded by history, culture, restaurants, shops, breweries, and local flavor. Runners will travel from downtown toward the Rivanna River and through historic, scenic neighborhoods. The terrain is rolling with several hills — but that’s just part of Charlottesville’s charm.

⏱ Timing

All runners will be chip timed using the MyLaps Timing System and will receive both a gun time and a chip time.

📦 Packet Pickup

Friday, April 10: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 11: 6:00 a.m. – 6:45 a.m.

Location: Market Street Park

🏆 Awards

8K: 8:30 a.m.

Half Marathon: 10:00 a.m.

Marathon: 11:00 a.m.

Awards will be presented to the Top 3 overall finishers in each race, as well as Top 3 finishers in each age group (10-year brackets). All Marathon and Half Marathon finishers will receive a “uniquely Charlottesville” themed race medal. Please note: awards will not be mailed.

🚗 Parking & Amenities

Downtown Charlottesville offers multiple parking garages and limited on-street parking. Please read posted signs, as race management is not responsible for towed vehicles. Restrooms will be available at the start, finish, and at multiple locations along the course.

12th Annual LIVE BOLD 4 Miler

Saturday, April 11th 2026 - 8:00 am at Bold Rock Nellysford
1020 Rockfish Valley Hwy

If you’re looking for a fun spring event that mixes fitness, friends, and a little local flavor, check this out.

The 12th Annual LIVE BOLD 4 Miler is happening Saturday, April 11th, starting at 9 a.m., at Bold Rock Cidery in Nellysford, right off Rockfish Valley Highway. It’s a flat, scenic four-mile out-and-back course that’s perfect for runners and walkers of all levels — and it’s stroller-friendly and Fido-friendly, too.

Registration is $40 right now, but the price goes up after March 19th, so early sign-up definitely pays off. Your registration includes a performance event T-shirt, chip timing, a commemorative finisher glass, a pint of Bold Rock Hard Cider for participants 21 and over, and a post-race party with awards.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Nelson County Community Fund, supporting local projects and initiatives right here in the county.

You can also run or walk as a team, and there are prizes for the biggest team and the best costumes, plus a referral program that can earn you money back if you get friends to sign up.

Packet pickup starts at 8 a.m. race morning, and the race kicks off at 9 sharp.

It’s the LIVE BOLD 4 Miler, Saturday, April 11th at Bold Rock Cidery — a great way to celebrate spring, Nelson County style.

Wine Run 5K at Cunningham Creek

Sunday, April 12th 2026 - 9:00 am at Cunningham Creek Winery & Brewery
3304 Ruritan Lake Rd

Looking for a race that’s more sip than sprint? Then listen up.

If you like running or walking and you love wine, this one’s for you. The Wine Run 5K is happening Sunday, April 12th, 2026, starting at 9 a.m., at the beautiful Cunningham Creek Winery in Palmyra.

This is a scenic, chip-timed 5K through the vineyards of this family-owned boutique winery, known for their small-lot French varietals and blends. And fair warning, if you’re chasing a personal best time, this might not be your course. But if you’re chasing a personal best wine… you’re in exactly the right place.

Registration is open for ages 1 through 99, with discounted pricing for kids and teens. Adults 21 and up get the full experience, including some pretty fantastic race swag: a super-soft T-shirt, a finisher medal that doubles as a wine stopper, a shatterproof collapsible wine glass, chip-timed bib, online results, free race photos, and yes, a pour of wine at the finish line.

The course is mostly grass with a few turns and uneven spots, so strollers aren’t allowed, but walkers, joggers, and even leashed dogs are welcome. And if the weather doesn’t cooperate, don’t worry. Rain or shine, the race goes on, and the one thing they guarantee is a 100 percent chance of wine.

This event also supports a great local cause. The charity partner is the Lake Monticello Rescue Squad, providing 24-7 emergency medical services to Fluvanna County and surrounding areas.

Packet pickup happens race morning, starting one hour before the race, and there’s even a virtual option if you want the swag and the wine without running on site.

Prices go up after January 17th, so now’s the time to sign up.

Get all the details and register at WineRun5K.com, and we’ll see you April 12th at Cunningham Creek Winery.

Camp Holiday Trails-Hope Grows

Sunday, May 10th 2026 - 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm at King Family Vineyards
6550 Roseland Farm

Mark your calendars for a meaningful Mother’s Day celebration that gives back to our community.

Camp Holiday Trails invites you to Hope Grows, their annual celebration and fundraiser, happening Sunday, May 10, 2026 (Mother’s Day) from 3:00–6:00 PM at King Family Vineyards.

This family-friendly afternoon will feature food and beverages, live music from The Currys, Mother’s Day arts and crafts, activities for kids, and a variety of auction and raffle items. It’s a relaxed, joyful way to celebrate the moms in your life while supporting a cause that makes a real difference.

Proceeds from Hope Grows benefit Camp Holiday Trails, a local nonprofit that provides inclusive, life-changing camp experiences for children and teens with serious medical needs — along with their siblings — giving them space to build confidence, connection, and unforgettable memories.

Tickets will be available soon, so stay tuned for updates from Camp Holiday Trails.

Camp Holiday Trails is also currently seeking Hope Grows sponsors. Businesses or individuals interested in learning more can contact Marissa Wendte, Director of Annual Giving, at marisa@campholidaytrails.org or 504-439-3301.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with purpose and help hope grow.

Farm • Gardens • Flowers (FGF) Festival

Saturday, May 16th 2026 - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm at Forrest Green Farm
2317 Evergreen Rd

If you’re ready to truly celebrate spring, this is one you’ll want to circle on the calendar.

The Farm • Gardens • Flowers Festival, also known as the FGF Festival, is happening Saturday, May 16th, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Forrest Green Farm in Louisa — and best of all, it’s a free event.

This year marks the 13th Annual Spring Festival, with the theme “Growing Wellness from Soil to Bloom.” And that’s exactly what this day is about — wellness, nature, learning, and community.

Throughout the day, you can enjoy food trucks, artisan and local vendors, a plant sale, a kid’s zone, and plenty of space to explore the farm. There are also guided farm tours, where you can walk the fields, visit the laying hens, broiler chickens, and cattle, and get a real behind-the-scenes look at how the farm operates.

Garden lovers will want to check out the garden tours, featuring strip rows, circle gardens, herb gardens, and raised beds, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and pick up new gardening ideas.

There will also be herbal medicine demonstrations, covering things like tinctures, infused oils and vinegars, elixirs, salves, infused salts and sugars, and shrubs — plus a full lineup of healthy living workshops throughout the day.

Some of the featured speakers include Debi Farley of Acupuncture Works, discussing Alpha Gal and treatment options; Conner Parrish of Bloomistry, diving into the hidden world of living soil; and Amanda Welch of Grubby Girl Handmade Soaps and Meeting House Farm Apiary, sharing lessons in beekeeping and how to get started.

You’ll also find local vendors like Bloomistry Garden Co., Grubby Girl Handmade Soaps, and Lilly Bow Chic, offering everything from regenerative gardening solutions to handmade bath products and unique accessories.

It’s a full day to explore, learn, and enjoy the beauty of spring — right here in Louisa.

Goochland Day 2026

Saturday, May 16th 2026 - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm at Goochland Courthouse Green
2900 River Road West

Goochland Day 2026 is coming up on Saturday, May 16th, and it’s one of the biggest, most feel-good community celebrations of the year.

The day kicks off with the Goochland Day Parade at 10 AM on the Courthouse Green. Expect hometown pride on full display with community groups, organizations, and plenty of small-town charm rolling right through the heart of Goochland.

Then starting at 11 AM, the celebration moves over to the Goochland Sports Complex for a full-on community festival.

We’re talking food vendors, live music, local artisans, activities for kids, and plenty of space to wander, snack, and soak it all in. It’s family-friendly, it’s community-powered, and best of all, it’s free.

This is one of those events where you run into people you know, meet people you don’t, and leave feeling pretty good about where you live. Bring the kids, bring the neighbors, bring your appetite, and maybe even a lawn chair.

Again, it’s Goochland Day 2026, happening Saturday, May 16th. Parade at 10 AM on the Courthouse Green, festival starts at 11 AM at the Goochland Sports Complex.