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Living

LIVING Picks: Week of November 29-December 5

NONPROFIT

Grand Illumination!
Friday, December 1

This community event includes musical performances, kids crafts, a visit from Santa, a free movie screening and the main event—the lighting of a tree decked out in more than 20,000 LED bulbs. Don’t forget to bring your Toy Lift Charities donations. Free, 5:30pm. Central Place, the Downtown Mall. charlottesville. org

FAMILY

Family holiday concerts
Saturday, December 2, and Sunday, December 3

The Charlottesville Symphony at the University of Virginia, University Singers and trumpeter John D’earth join forces for family holiday concerts conducted by Michael Slon. $10-45, 8pm Saturday and 3:30pm Sunday. Old Cabell Hall, UVA. 924-3376.

FOOD & DRINK

Holiday Market
Saturdays, through December 23

Fuel your holiday shopping with treats for yourself, or grab the perfect local artisan-made gift for your loved ones. Free entry, 8am-1pm. City Market space, across from the Water Street parking garage. market. charlottesville.org/holiday market.htm

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Santa Fun Run & Walk
Sunday, December 3

Get into the holiday spirit by donning a provided Santa suit (for adults) or elf ears (for children) before running or walking to raise funds for Arc of the Piedmont. Free-$20 registration, 9:30am-noon. Race starts and ends at the Sprint Pavilion, 700 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. arc pva.org

Categories
Living

LIVING Picks: Week of November 22-28

FAMILY
Holiday open house
Sunday, November 26

Get into the holiday spirit by ogling the decorations as you stroll through the first floor of Monticello. Don’t forget to stop by the Shop at Monticello for tastings and treats. Free, 9am-4pm. Monticello, 931 Thomas Jefferson Pwky. monticello.org

NONPROFIT
Blessing of the Hounds
Thursday, November 23

The annual blessing ceremony includes bagpipes, a soloist and, of course, horses and hounds. Cider, hot chocolate and donuts will be provided. Proceeds benefit the Rivanna Conservation Alliance and Wildlife Center of Virginia. Donations accepted, 10am. Grace Episcopal Church, 5607 Gordonsville Rd., Keswick. 293-3549.

FOOD & DRINK
Holiday cupcake decorating
Monday, November 27

During this hands-on class, Nicky Rose from Kraken Cakes will demonstrate how to decorate seasonal-inspired cupcakes or cakes using fondant. $55, 6-8pm. RSVP required. The Happy Cook, Barracks Road Shopping Center. thehappy cook.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS
Boar’s Head Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 23

Make room for turkey and all the trimmings by sweating off a few calories in the 36th annual Boar’s Head Turkey Trot. Bring the whole family out for the 5K race, which raises money for the UVA Children’s Hospital. RSVP required. $40-$60, 9am. Boar’s Head Inn, 200 Ednam Dr. turkeytrot.dominiondigital.com

Categories
Living

LIVING Picks: Week of November 1-7

HEALTH & WELLNESS
5K Run/Walk for Shelter
Saturday, November 4

Join hundreds of other runners in the 21st annual 5K run/walk to help support the Shelter for Help in Emergency. $30, 8am. The race begins and ends on the Downtown Mall. shelterforhelpinemergency.org

FAMILY
Montpelier Hunt Races
Saturday, November 4

Bring the whole family for a day of horse races, Jack Russell terrier races, kids’ stick-horse races and more. $20 (free for ages 12 and under), 9am-6pm. James Madison’s Montpelier, 11407 Constitution Hwy., Montpelier Station. (540) 672-0027.

FOOD & DRINK
Apple festival
Saturday, November 4

It’s all things apple at this festival, which features an apple pie contest (pies will be auctioned off after judging), Castle Hill cider tasting, candy apples, a special Jack’s apple menu, bobbing for apples and more. Free admission, 11am-5pm. Jack’s Shop Kitchen, 14843 Spotswood Trail, Ruckersville. jacksshopkitchen.com

NONPROFIT
TEDxCharlottesville
Friday, November 3

The fifth installment of TEDxCharlottesville brings innovators, pioneers and leaders to town to share “ideas worth spreading” with our community. $88, 8am-7pm. Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. tedxcharlottesville.com

Categories
Living

LIVING Picks: Week of October 25-31

FAMILY

Ghouls Gourds Grapes
Saturday, October 28

Listen to live music from Gina Sobel while the kids enjoy hayrides through the vineyard and pumpkin decorating (supplies will be provided). Anyone in costume will receive a discount on purchases. $5 wine tasting, $7 pumpkin, noon- 5pm. First Colony Winery, 1650 Harris Creek Rd. 979-7105.

FOOD & DRINK

Yappy Howl-o-Ween
Sunday, October 29

The last yappy hour of the season celebrates wine and the real reason Halloween is our favorite holiday—dogs in costumes. Costume contest starts at 2pm. Free admission, noon-3pm. Keswick Vineyards, 1575 Keswick Winery Dr. 244-3341.

NONPROFIT

Spirit Walk
Friday, October 27, and Saturday, October 28

Think you know all the local haunts? Test your knowledge as you hear tales of some of our community’s most memorable residents. $8-15, 6pm first tour, 8:30pm last tour (tours depart every 15 minutes). Meet at Maplewood Cemetery on Friday, and in Court Square on Saturday. RSVP required at 296-1492.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

The Laundry Project
Saturday, October 28

Leave your quarters at home this Saturday, because every customer who comes through the door of Express Laundry between 10am and 1pm can do their laundry for free. Detergent included. Free, 10am-1pm. Express Laundry, 121 Maury Ave. 295-2019.

Categories
Living

LIVING Picks: Week of October 18-24

Health & Wellness
Working Woods Walk
Saturday, October 21

Hike through Montpelier Demonstration Forest to learn about forest conservation and its many perks, today and historically. $5, 2-4 pm. James Madison’s Montpelier, 11350 Constitution Hwy., Montpelier Station. (540) 672-2728.

Family
Apple festival
Saturday, October 21, and Sunday, October 22

This fall festival includes food vendors and crafts, hayrides, apple sling shot, corn maze, apple butter, cider, bouncy houses, a kids corner and live music. Free admission, 9am- 5pm. Drumheller’s Orchard, 1130 Drumheller Orchard Ln., Lovingston. drumhellersorchard.com

Food & Drink
Wine Down Wednesday
Wednesday, October 18

Wind down midweek with live music from Chamomile & Whiskey and wine tasting at Keswick Vineyards’ last Wine Down Wednesday of the season. Admission is free, 5:30-8:30pm. Keswick Vineyards, 1575 Keswick Winery Dr., Keswick. 244-3341.

Nonprofit
Pancakes for Parkinson’s
Saturday, October 21

Enjoy pancakes while supporting a good cause at UVA’s 14th annual Pancakes for Parkinson’s event. Admission is free but donations are welcome, 9am-1pm. UVA South Lawn. p4patuva.com

Categories
Living

LIVING Picks: Week of October 4-10

FAMILY
Fall Fiber Festival
Saturday, October 7, and Sunday, October 8

Bring the whole family for craft workshops, sheep dog trials, Celtic music and dancers and more at this 30th annual festival. Adults $5, children 16 and under free, 10am-5pm Saturday; 10am-4pm Sunday. James Madison’s Montpelier, 11350 Constitution Hwy., Montpelier Station. fallfiberfestival.org

FOOD & DRINK
Cheers for Charity
Wednesday, October 4

This kickoff event for Starr Hill Brewery’s October Cheers for Charity recipient, Common Ground, includes music by Stan Marshall, free chair massages, mandala coloring and more. One dollar for every pint sold in October goes to Common Ground. 5:30-7:30pm. Starr Hill Brewery, 5391 Three Notch’d Rd., Crozet. 218-7677.

NONPROFIT
Boats and Butterflies Festival
Saturday, October 7

Enjoy rides down the Rivanna River in handmade wooden boats, and learn about one of the most seasoned travelers: monarch butterflies. Artists young and old can contribute butterflies to the collage painting. $7, 10am-4pm. Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center, Darden Towe Park. lewisandclarkvirginia.org

HEALTH & WELLNESS
Trails Crew 5K Race
Saturday, October 7

Start your morning off right with the eighth annual Crozet Trails Crew 5K Race and Kids 400m Fun Run at Claudius Crozet Park. The race precedes the Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival held at the park from 10am-6pm. $20-25, 8am Kids Run; 8:30am 5K race. Claudius Crozet Park, 5300 Park Rd., Crozet. crozettrailscrew.org

Categories
Living

LIVING Picks: Week of September 13-19

FAMILY

Youth Film Festival
Friday, September 15

The 16th annual Light House Studio Youth Film Festival showcases movies from local students before they hit the 2018 film circuit. $15-80, 6pm. The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. 293-6992.

NONPROFIT

Salvation Army telethon
Tuesday, September 19

The fifth annual telethon to benefit the Salvation Army will air on CBS19 and WCHV 107.5FM. Donations accepted, 6-8pm. To donate, go to cvilletelethon.org.

FOOD & DRINK

Cheese-making class
Wednesday, September 13

Hobby Hill Farm Fresh will show you how to make your own mozzarella and ricotta cheese, while you sip a glass of sauvignon blanc from Barboursville Vineyards. $45, 1-2pm. The Market at Grelen, 15091 Yager Rd., Somerset. themarketatgrelen.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Hoos Care Kids Fair
Sunday, September 17

Hoos Care Kids Fair benefits the UVA Children’s Hospital and includes obstacle courses, face painting, balloon animals, a scavenger hunt and other carnival activities. Local entertainers and Children’s Hospital doctors will be featured. Free, 1- 5pm. John Paul Jones Arena, 295 Massie Rd. hooscare.org/hoos-care- kids-fair/

Categories
Living

LIVING Picks: June 21-27

Family

Delve into Design
Friday, June 23

Help your child in kindergarten through first grade create a masterpiece, in this class taught by Venable Elementary art teacher Melissa Combs. Free, 2-3pm. Regis-
tration required. Gordon Avenue Library, 1500 Gordon Ave. 296-5544.

Nonprofit

United Way Relay
Saturday, June 24

Participate in a relay race (each person on a four-member team runs a half-mile) to support the United Way and equal access to health care in the community. Ages 10-plus. $30, 7:30am. Albemarle High School, 2775 Hydraulic Rd. 975-9300.

Health & Wellness

Twilight hiking
Saturday, June 24

Hike into Shenandoah National Park’s “big meadow” at dusk to see the dramatic colors of the mountain sky. Led by Shenandoah mountain guides; bring a flashlight. $20, 7pm. Reservations required. (877) 847-1919.

Food & Drink

Cooking class
Sunday, June 25

Prepare and feast on your own delicious meal, featuring maple-glazed chicken and angel food cake with a strawberry compote, that’s paired with wine. Guided by professional chef Terre Sisson. $68, 11am-2pm. Reservations required. First Colony Winery, 1650 Harris Creek Rd. 979-7105.

Categories
Living

LIVING Picks: Week of May 10-16

FAMILY

The Festival of Cultures
Saturday, May 13

This 14th annual event includes music, dance, song, storytelling, cultural activities and exhibits, food and more. Free, 10am-4pm. Lee Park, 201 Second St. NE. festivalofcultures.org

NONPROFIT

Charity golf tournament
Tuesday, May 16

The Virginia Institute of Autism is the beneficiary of funds raised at this second annual golf tournament. $250-$3,000 team sponsorship packages, 10:30am. Spring Creek Golf Club, 109 Clubhouse Way, Gordonsville. viaschool.org

FOOD & DRINK

Know Good Beer…and Bourbon
Saturday, May 13

Enjoy unlimited 2- to 4-ounce samples of several craft beers and ciders as well as 1/4- to 1/2-ounce samples of about 20 different bourbons. $20-75, IX Art Park, 522 Second St. SE. knowgoodbeer.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Crozet Running Trail 5K
Saturday, May 13

The fourth annual Crozet Running Trail 5K is a challenging course that winds up and down Bucks Elbow and Little Yellow mountains. Proceeds benefit Crozet Trails Crew. $5, 8am. Mint Springs Valley Park, 6659 Mint Springs Park Rd., Crozet. crozetrunning.com/trail5k

Categories
Living

LIVING Picks: Week of May 3-9

FAMILY

Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild Live
Saturday, May 6

Jungle Jack takes you into the wild with an array of incredible animals, including a baby cheetah, kangaroo, penguin, baby tiger and two-toed sloth. He’ll also share stories and footage from his adventures in Africa, the Amazon, Antarctica and beyond. $24.50-54.50, 4pm. The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. 979-1333.

NONPROFIT

IPA Jambeeree
Saturday, May 6

A portion of the money raised from Virginia’s largest celebration of locally crafted India pale ales benefits Claudius Crozet Park. Also includes music from Major & The Monbacks, Erin & The Wildfire and Chamomile and Whiskey. $10-65, 1-6pm. Starr Hill Brewery, 5391 Three Notched Rd., Crozet. starrhill.com/ipa-jambeeree 

FOOD & DRINK

Thursday Evening Sunset Series
Thursday, May 4

An evening of live music from Jon Spear Band, wine and hard cider, hayrides and one of the best sunset views around. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, or come early for a picnic table. Free, 5:30-9pm. Carter Mountain Orchard, 1435 Carters Mountain Trl. 977-1833.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Green Market at Stonefield
Thursday, May 4

Your one-stop destination for an array of seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs, fresh-cut flowers, potted plants and homemade breads and pastries from dozens of local artisans. Free, 4-7pm. The Shops at Stonefield, 2100 Hydraulic Rd. stonefieldgreenmarket.com/