Community Calendar

CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE dazzles with a brilliantly breathtaking holiday spectacular for the whole family. As the original cirque holiday theatrical event, this annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around awe-inspiring contemporary circus arts.

Guests will be on the edge of their seats as a cast of holiday characters come to life, captivating audiences while defying gravity. Reimagined for 2025, CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE features original music, fresh twists on beloved holiday favorites sung live, new sets, dazzling scenery, and stunning costumes – making it the ultimate holiday gift!

The Academy Center of the Arts is excited to announce History That Doesn’t Suck, a captivating live performance by Professor Greg Jackson, on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 7:30 PM at the Historic Academy Theatre.

Adapted from Jackson’s top-ranked podcast, this 100-minute show transforms the first century of American history into a thrilling journey. Through live music, multimedia, and dynamic storytelling, audiences will experience the Revolution, the birth of a nation, and the Civil War in a way that is as entertaining as it is enlightening.

Dr. Jackson, a PhD historian and creator of the acclaimed History That Doesn’t Suck® podcast (with millions of downloads worldwide), has made it his mission to present American history in a way that is accessible, engaging, and unforgettable. His expertise has landed him frequent appearances as a documentary commentator, including on the HISTORY® Channel’s Abraham Lincoln series, produced by Doris Kearns Goodwin and featuring President Barack Obama.

This isn’t your typical lecture—it’s history as it should be told: funny, powerful, and deeply human.

Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Grammy award-winning music and the infectious energy of its mesmerising choreography and breathtaking performances has left audiences in awe and established Riverdance as a global cultural sensation.

To celebrate this incredible 30th year milestone, Riverdance will embark on a special anniversary tour, bringing its magic to audiences around the world. This spectacular production rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new innovative choreography and costumes and state of the art lighting, projection and motion graphics. And for the first time Riverdance welcomes “The New Generation” of performers, all of whom were not born when show began 30 years ago.

This is a once-in-a-century celebration of 100 Years of Jaw-Dropping “No Way!” moves, 100 Years of “Wow!” and 100 Years Heart-Pounding Thrills! The Harlem Globetrotters are coming to your city with their most LEGENDARY TOUR EVER. From gravity-defying dunks to game-changing tricks, experience the team that redefined basketball! This is history you can feel and a celebration of 100 years of over-the-top FUN with all-new surprises like the Golden Basketball by Spalding(R). This is a fan celebration from the moment you arrive with epic new pre-game magic, unforgettable post-game interactions, and the most fan-fueled experience in sports. This is your only chance to be part of The Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour.

- 5 rounds of over-the-board chess – 20 mins plus 5 second increment per move
- Boards, pieces and clocks provided
- Trophies to the top three finishers and title of Charlottesville Scholastic Chess Champion
- No registration fee
- Any chess player grade 9-12 in the Charlottesville area in good standing is welcome to participate.
- All skill levels are welcome

Don’t miss the only opportunity to watch your favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks – Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, HW 5-Alarm™, Bone Shaker™, Bigfoot®, Gunkster™, and Skelesaurus™! Fans can also witness a special appearance by a transforming robot, plus the high-flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Freestyle Motocross Team! Special kids pricing is available for all shows providing a great value for the whole family!

Don’t miss the only opportunity to watch your favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks – Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, HW 5-Alarm™, Bone Shaker™, Bigfoot®, Gunkster™, and Skelesaurus™! Fans can also witness a special appearance by a transforming robot, plus the high-flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Freestyle Motocross Team! Special kids pricing is available for all shows providing a great value for the whole family!

Don’t miss the only opportunity to watch your favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks – Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, HW 5-Alarm™, Bone Shaker™, Bigfoot®, Gunkster™, and Skelesaurus™! Fans can also witness a special appearance by a transforming robot, plus the high-flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Freestyle Motocross Team! Special kids pricing is available for all shows providing a great value for the whole family!

The annual Open Studios Tour Roanoke takes place on last week of April. Meet local artists for the 26th annual Open Studios Tour Roanoke on April 25 & 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. This is a free, family-friendly, self-guided tour allowing the public to learn more about what, how, and where artists create by inviting them into their homes and studios.

The tour will take place across several locations throughout Roanoke City, including Downtown Roanoke.

Mediums represented will include painting, photography, prints, sculpture, fine art, jewelry, woven textiles, ceramics, and mixed media. Artists will share glimpses into their processes, work-spaces, and opportunities to purchase their one-of-a-kind pieces.

The annual Open Studios Tour Roanoke takes place on last week of April. Meet local artists for the 26th annual Open Studios Tour Roanoke on April 25 & 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. This is a free, family-friendly, self-guided tour allowing the public to learn more about what, how, and where artists create by inviting them into their homes and studios.

The tour will take place across several locations throughout Roanoke City, including Downtown Roanoke.

Mediums represented will include painting, photography, prints, sculpture, fine art, jewelry, woven textiles, ceramics, and mixed media. Artists will share glimpses into their processes, work-spaces, and opportunities to purchase their one-of-a-kind pieces.