Hometown Heroes Community Awards Gala

February 21, 2026 - 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm at Renback Barn at Falk Farm
8668 S. Blue Ridge Turnpike

If you’re looking for a night that truly celebrates the people who make our community stronger, this is one to circle on the calendar.

The Hometown Heroes Community Awards Gala is happening Saturday night, February 21st, 2026, from 7 to 10 p.m., at the beautiful Renback Barn at Falk Farm.

This annual gala shines a spotlight on the educators, volunteers, coaches, businesses, and organizations who quietly go above and beyond for Madison County and the surrounding area. It’s an evening of recognition, connection, and gratitude — with the community coming together to honor its own.

Along with the gala, the online silent auction is already open and runs through Sunday night, February 22nd at 11:59 p.m. All proceeds from the auction go directly toward the Hoover Ridge Outdoor Recreation Center Project, which is set to open in part in summer of 2026. That means every bid helps build something lasting for local families and future generations.

Last year’s honorees included educators, first responders, small businesses, environmental stewards, and community leaders — a reminder that real heroes don’t wear capes, they just show up.

Tickets are available now, and the silent auction is live, so whether you attend in person or support from home, you can be part of celebrating the people who make this community what it is.

Racing Towards Preservation 5K/10K Rally

March 7, 2026 - 8:30 am - 11:00 am at Wilderness Battlefield
35347 Constitution Hwy

If you’re looking for a way to get outside, get moving, and support historic preservation all at the same time, this one checks every box.

The Friends of Wilderness Battlefield are hosting a 5K and 10K race at Payne’s Farm in Locust Grove on Saturday, March 7th, 2026.

The race kicks off at 8:30 a.m. and wraps up around 11 o’clock, with the course located directly across from Zoar Baptist Church on Zoar Road.

This isn’t just any racecourse. Runners and walkers will be moving through dirt trails and open fields on the actual battlefield where the Battle of Payne’s Farm took place in November of 1863, during the Mine Run Campaign. So good walking or running shoes are definitely recommended.

The land is owned by the American Battlefield Trust for preservation and protection, and the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield work alongside them to help steward and protect this historic property.

Registration is open now through Bishop’s Events, and sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses or organizations who want to support historic preservation and get their name out there.

Sponsorships range from:

• $100 to $149 for name recognition on the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield website

• $150 to $249 for website recognition plus name placement on the event T-shirt

• $250 and above for website recognition and your logo featured on the shirt

Sponsorship registration closes February 5th, so now’s the time to jump in.

You’ll find race registration, course maps, and sponsorship info online, with more details coming soon to the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield website.

A great cause, a beautiful setting, and a meaningful way to support history while getting some fresh air.

Eastern View Athletic Boosters Inaugural Golf Tournament

March 13, 2026 - 9:00 am at Country Club of Culpeper
2100 Country Club Rd

The Eastern View Athletic Boosters are rolling out their 1st Annual Golf Tournament, and it’s happening Friday, March 13th, 2026, at the beautiful Culpeper Country Club.

This is more than just a day on the greens. Every dollar raised at this tournament goes directly back to Eastern View High School athletics, helping with things like uniform rotation and other booster-funded initiatives that support all EVHS teams, not just one sport. So whether you love football, soccer, baseball, or anything in between, this benefits the whole athletic community.

Registration check-in begins at 9:00 a.m., so it’s a perfect excuse to take a Friday off, grab your clubs, and enjoy a full day of golf for a great cause.

Cost is $100 per person, or you can grab a foursome for $360, which is a solid deal if you’ve got friends who like to compete, talk trash, or just ride in the cart and enjoy the day.

Tickets are available right now BY CLICKING HERE so registration is easy, quick, and already live. Just search for the Eastern View Athletic Boosters golf tournament and lock in your spot.

So if you’re looking for a fun Friday, a great course, and a chance to support local student athletes, mark your calendar for March 13th at the Culpeper Country Club.

Piedmont Christian School Spring Market

March 28, 2026 - 9:00 am - 2:00 pm at Piedmont Christian School
2338 Bethany Church Rd

Mark Saturday, March 28th, 2026, for the springMARKET, happening at the PCS Gymnasium, also known as The Gym – PCS Gymnasium, located at 2382 Bethany Church Road in Bumpass.

Doors open at 9:00 a.m., and the market runs until 2:00 p.m., giving you plenty of time to browse, snack, and discover something you didn’t know you needed.

This springMARKET is packed with great vendors offering all kinds of locally made goodness. You’ll find fresh coffee and baked goods to fuel your morning, hand-stitched jewelry and accessories, homemade items, spices, jams and jellies, and plenty of home décor perfect for spring refreshes and easy gift ideas.

It’s one of those markets where you can grab a coffee, stroll the aisles, chat with local makers, and leave with bags full of unique finds and zero big-box guilt.

So whether you’re hunting for something tasty, something crafty, or just a fun way to spend a Saturday morning, springMARKET at the PCS Gymnasium is a solid plan.

Again, it’s Saturday, March 28th, from 9 to 2, at The Gym on Bethany Church Road in Bumpass.

Embrace Waynesboro – Understanding ACE’s

April 9, 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

April 11, 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.

Wine Run 5K at Cunningham Creek

April 12, 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.