Charlottesville in January is a whole vibe. Honestly, if you're looking for things to do Charlottesville VA this weekend, you’ve gotta embrace the weird mix of cozy indoor tavern sessions and that crisp Blue Ridge air that makes you feel like your lungs are finally waking up. Most people think C-ville shuts down when the temperature drops, but they're wrong. It just moves inside to the tasting rooms and the basement stages.
This weekend—January 16th through the 18th, 2026—is a perfect example. We’ve got a mix of indie rock, a legendary singer-songwriter, and enough fermented grape juice to make you forget it’s 40 degrees outside.
Friday Night: Low-Country Boils and Garage Rock
You should probably start your weekend at Eastwood Farm and Winery. They’re doing their Low-Country Shrimp Boil from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM. It’s kinda the ultimate comfort food for a Friday. Matthew O’Donnell is playing live music there from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, so you can grab a glass of their blanc de blancs and just chill.
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If you’re more of a "cider and trivia" person, head over to SuperFly Brewing Co. for trivia with Olivia at 6:00 PM. Or, if you want something a bit more soulful and unique, the Lua Project is playing at the WTJU Stage (on Ivy Road) at 8:00 PM. They do this "Mexilachian" thing—a blend of Mexican folk and Appalachian string music—that is honestly one of the coolest sounds coming out of this town right now.
Later on, the energy shifts. The Southern Cafe & Music Hall has a solid lineup of local/regional acts: Krispies, No Composure, The Coast, and Loose Champagne. It starts at 8:00 PM. Expect a loud, sweaty, high-energy room. If that's too much, The Jefferson Theater is hosting "SOS: The Recession Pop Party." It’s basically a massive 2000s/2010s dance party. Cheap drinks, loud bass, and zero judgment.
Saturday: Farmers Markets and "The Psycodelics"
Saturday mornings belong to the Farmers Market at Ix Art Park. It runs from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Even in the winter, the vendors show up with root veg, fresh bread, and local meats. It’s much more relaxed than the summer market, and you can actually talk to the farmers without getting elbowed by a tourist.
After the market, you've basically got two choices:
- Hit the trail: The Saunders-Monticello Trail is beautiful this time of year because the leaves are gone, so you can actually see the mountains through the trees.
- Hit the shops: Spend an hour at New Dominion Bookshop on the Downtown Mall. It’s the oldest independent bookstore in Virginia. The creaky floors and the smell of old paper are basically therapy.
Saturday night is all about The Psycodelics at The Southern. They bring a heavy dose of funk and soul that usually results in a full-blown dance party. They start at 8:00 PM. If you want something more "Charlottesville Classic," check out Eastwood After Dark at Eastwood Farm and Winery. They’ve got live music and dancing featuring Jackson, Pendergrass & Townsend starting at 5:00 PM.
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Sunday: Neko Case and Chill
Sundays are for recovery. Or, you know, more wine.
Potter’s Craft Cider usually has a great afternoon vibe. This Sunday, they have Cider & Strings with the Bluegrass Destroyers starting at 1:00 PM. It’s the perfect way to spend a few hours—sipping a dry cider while listening to some of the best pickers in the state.
But the real heavyweight event of the weekend is Neko Case at The Paramount Theater at 7:30 PM. Her "Neon Grey Midnight Green Tour" is stopping through, and if you’ve never heard her voice live, it’s haunting. Like, "goosebumps on your arms" haunting. Tickets are still floating around, but the Paramount is an intimate venue, so every seat is a good one.
Where to Eat (The Non-Tourist Version)
Don't just go to the first place you see on the Downtown Mall.
- Bebedero: If you want incredible margaritas and Mexican food that isn't just "taco night" at home.
- Dairy Market: Good for groups because everyone can get something different. Starr Hill has a taproom right inside.
- Dürty Nelly’s: This is a local institution. It's a divey pub near the university that has some of the best sandwiches in town. Fonville x Fribush are playing there Friday night if you want a side of jazz with your Reuben.
Important Logistics for the Weekend
Look, Charlottesville parking can be a nightmare if you aren't prepared. Use the Market Street Garage or the Water Street Garage for the Downtown Mall. The first hour is usually free. If you're heading to the University area (The Corner), good luck. Just kidding—there's a garage on 14th Street, but walking or Ubering is usually smarter.
The weather is looking chilly, so layers are your friend. Most of the wineries have fire pits or heated tasting rooms, but you'll still want a solid jacket for the walk between bars on the mall.
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Your Charlottesville Checklist
- Grab a coffee at Mudhouse to kick off Saturday morning.
- Check out the Winter Ball at Carver Recreation Center on Saturday if you're looking for a community-focused evening.
- Visit The Fralin Museum of Art at UVA—it’s free and they have a killer permanent collection.
- End your weekend with the Neko Case show; it’s the kind of performance people will be talking about at work on Monday.
The best way to experience Charlottesville this weekend is to pick one "anchor" event—like a concert or a specific winery—and let the rest of the day just happen. This town is built for wandering.
Next Step: Check the ticket availability for Neko Case at the Paramount Theater immediately, as Sunday night shows at that venue tend to sell out the remaining seats by Friday afternoon.