Charlottesville Parks and Recreation

09/08/2026

🦋 Celebrate the monarch butterfly at the Butterfly Festival! Join us Sunday, September 27 from 3–7 PM at Darden Towe Park for a FREE afternoon of music, nature, culture and family fun celebrating the monarchs’ fall migration from Central Virginia to Mexico.

Highlights include:
• Live music from The Lua Project and Brookhouse
• The Wriggling Brothers Circus, a puppet show by Barefoot Puppet Company
• Metamorphosis, an aerialist performance by Host of Sparrows
• BioBlitz hosted by Piedmont Discovery Center
• Crafts and activities
• Food trucks

Presented in partnership with Albemarle County Parks & Recreation.

09/05/2026

What’s happening this fall with Charlottesville Parks & Recreation? 🍂Director Riaan Anthony shares the latest updates, programs and highlights from across the department in the September 2026 edition of Inside Charlottesville.

▶️ Watch the full update: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wQU1uWprTY

09/04/2026

In observance of Labor Day, Charlottesville Parks & Recreation facilities will operate on modified schedules on Monday, September 7. We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Labor Day! ❤️💙

09/04/2026

☀️ ONE LAST SPLASH! Monday, September 7 is the final day of the season for our outdoor pools!

A huge thank you to our incredible aquatics staff for all their hard work throughout the season. From preparing and maintaining our pools to keeping our community engaged and safe in the water, their dedication makes each summer possible.

And to the Charlottesville community, thank you for another amazing summer at the pool! 💦

09/01/2026

⚠️ TRAIL UPDATE: Northeast Park

A fallen tree has caused significant damage to the footbridge at Northeast Park. Crews are currently removing the tree, but the bridge will remain closed while we assess the damage and complete necessary repairs.

Please avoid the bridge and follow any posted closures in the area. We’ll share an update when the bridge is safe to reopen

09/01/2026

TAKE A HIKE WITH US THIS WEDNESDAY!Join Charlottesville Parks & Recreation staff for a free guided nature hike at Heyward Community Forest this Wednesday at 5 PM!

Explore the trails, learn about the area’s natural history and enjoy some time outdoors.

🌳 About 2 miles with a few hilly climbs
📍 1730 Reservoir Road
🥾 No registration required

Spread the word, grab your walking shoes and come hike with us!

08/30/2026

LEGO® fun is happening NOW at Carver Rec! 🧱 Come see what all the fun is about and grab your tickets at the door. We’ll see you there!

08/28/2026

LEGO® FANS, THIS WEEKEND IS FOR YOU! 🤩

The Cville Bricks Showcase is happening at Carver Recreation Center August 29–30!

🏁 Build & race on the DIY LEGO® race track
⏱️ Take on timed building challenges
🎨 Create on the LEGO® art wall
🏆 Check out the Downtown Mall Design Contest finalists
⭐ Meet special guests, watch LEGO® demonstrations and see them judge the competition!

Come build, create and discover with us this weekend!

🎟️Tickets are $10. Get yours today at https://vacharlottesvilleweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=PST&FMID=148208945&InterfaceParameter=WebTrac

08/27/2026

Update: Belmont Spray Ground is open and ready for play! Thanks for your patience while we made the necessary repairs.

🚨 TEMPORARY CLOSURE: Belmont Spray Ground

The Belmont Park spray ground is currently closed due to a broken water supply line. We will share an update once repairs are complete and it reopens. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

08/25/2026

🚨Water service has been restored. Thanks for your patience.

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🚨 Pen Park Water Update. A contractor working in the area accidentally damaged a water line at Pen Park, and the park is currently without water.

At this time, restrooms and water fountains are unavailable. The golf course is not affected.

Crews are working to restore water service. We’ll provide an update when water is back on.