Coming into town early or extending your stay? Here are a few of our favorite ways to spend a day in Charlottesville.
* Denotes BAW 2024 sponsor
- Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library
Stop by Special Collections to take in their current exhibition: Their World As Big As They Made It: Looking Back at the Harlem Renaissance. This exhibit features the visionary works of writers, artists, and thinkers of the Harlem Renaissance whose creative and intellectual pursuits reflected the diversity of contemporary discourses that defined Black American identity and political consciousness — and shaped the ideas and arts of a time and place that would profoundly influence future generations. - Charlottesville Albemarle Visitors Bureau
There’s no better resource for exploring Charlottesville than the Charlottesville Albemarle Visitors Bureau’s website. From hiking to family-friendly activities to vineyard hopping and everything in between, start planning your trip now with the official travel site for Charlottesville and Albemarle County. - Devils Backbone Brewing Company*
You can visit the newly opened Devils Backbone Backyard on Main St. in Charlottesville, the Devils Backbone Basecamp Brewpub in Nelson County or enjoy one of their award-winning beers at the DJ Round Robin, the Cookout and the Party. - The Edgar Shannon Library (formerly Alderman Library)
UVA’s main library building underwent a major renovation from 2020-2024 and reopened on January 8, 2024. The beautifully renovated building brings the library up to current standards of safety, accessibility, and service. Review their hours to make your plans to stop by and see what’s changed, or request a tour! - The Fralin Museum of Art
The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia encourages the spirit of curiosity and promotes diversity of thought through the study, care, and celebration of art. - Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection
The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection is the only museum outside of Australia dedicated to the exhibition and study of Indigenous Australian art. - Ralph Sampson’s American Tap Room*
An upscale sports bar experience in Barrack’s Road — brought to you by local legend, Ralph Sampson (Col ’83). Perfect for a quick bite to eat in between all the events of BAW!
Be sure to pick up the restaurant’s free branded stadium cup and coupons at check-in at Alumni Hall! Bring the cup into either The Ridley or Ralph Sampson’s American Tap Room at any point during the weekend to receive a free appetizer with the purchase of a signature Black Alumni Cocktail and/or draft beer. - The Ridley*
Located within The Draftsman Boutique Hotel, The Ridley is Charlottesville’s destination for high-quality American fare, local beer and craft cocktails. The restaurant pays homage to Dr. Walter Ridley, the first Black student to graduate from UVA and receive a graduate degree from any major historically white public university in the South. The Ridley donates a portion of its proceeds to the Ridley Scholarship Program at the UVA Alumni Association.
Be sure to pick up the restaurant’s free branded stadium cup and coupons at check-in at Alumni Hall! Bring the cup into either The Ridley or Ralph Sampson’s American Tap Room at any point during the weekend to receive a free appetizer with the purchase of a signature Black Alumni Cocktail and/or draft beer. - The Rotunda
Jefferson modeled the Rotunda after the Pantheon, a second-century temple in Rome. Together with Monticello, the Academical Village is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. But…as a proud UVA graduate, you already knew that, right? - The UVA Bookstore*
The UVA Bookstore is your one stop shop for all things Wahoo. Pick up UVA Alumni merchandise, the official 2024 BAW t-shirt, books from alumni authors, and more!
Additional Events
The Alumni Association will continue to update this page as events are confirmed. Want to share events and happenings with Black alumni coming to town on April 19–21? Email us at baw@virginia.edu!
Thursday, April 18
- Uplift Launch Party
4:30 p.m.–until
The Quirk Hotel Rooftop (499 West Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902)
How do our neighbors in Charlottesville and the surrounding counties who do not have the good fortune of working at UVA or being enrolled as a student benefit from having UVA as a neighbor? Uplift is an initiative of the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost that connects the local community with UVA faculty, staff, and alumni. Come through and learn more about how you can make a difference in the Charlottesville community.
Friday, April 19
- Daps and Donations
4-6 p.m.
Historic Downtown Mall: BEACON Pilot Kitchen (204 East Market Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902)
Join New Hill Development Corporation and UVA Alumni hosts Cheis Garrus, Lisa Hamilton and Christian West, for an afternoon of art, music, drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and giving in support of Black entrepreneurs in Charlottesville. This is a complimentary event. Register for Daps and Donations »
Saturday, April 20
- Spring Football Game
2 p.m.
Scott Stadium
The Cavalier football program will host its annual Spring Game on Saturday, April 20 at Scott Stadium. Admission to the event will be free and open to the public. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. Broadcast information will be released by the Atlantic Coast Conference later. - Saturday Soiree
8 p.m.
Jefferson Theater (110 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902)
The UVA Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will host the Saturday Night Soiree, a night of music and dancing at the Jefferson Theater. This event is free and open to all in the community. Tickets for the Saturday Night Soiree are now available online.
Sunday, April 21
- Theological Horizons Presents: 3rd annual Scoper Lecture in Christian Thought
3 p.m.
Join renowned author and New York Times commentator David Brooks for the 3rd annual Scoper Lecture in Christian Thought. David Brooks will speak on the topic “Know Better: Deepening the Bonds of Communal Life” drawing on the themes of his new book, How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen and exploring his sources in Christian thought. Melody Brooks will join him on stage in conversation. To purchase your tickets, visit the Theological Horizons website. A Charlottesville Welcome Table reception will follow outdoors! - Africa Day 2024
7:30 p.m.
The Jefferson Theater (110 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902)
Hosted by the Organization of African Students (OAS), Africa Day is an interactive showcase that embodies the wealth of Africa in terms of culture, diversity, music, drama, dance, and fashion/clothing. We want to reclaim the narratives and perceptions of the continent by showcasing the richness that Africa has to offer through various elements and hidden gems. It’ll include a fashion show, a series of videos, music performances, and various styles of African dance performed by dance teams in the DMV area. Come have a taste of Africa on Grounds and experience something truly life-changing in terms of perspective, culture, and beauty. We have so much in store for you!
Monday, April 22
- Darden’s First Black Trailblazers
5–6 p.m.
The Forum Hotel (540 Massie Rd., Charlottesville, VA 22903)
Darden’s Carter T. Whitelow, EMBA Class of 2024, will facilitate a panel discussion with six of Darden’s first Black Trailblazers. Please RSVP in advance for this in-person event.