60+ Community-Led Programs Announced at Tom Tom 2025

The Tom Tom Festival 2025 is set to bring the Charlottesville community together with over 60 diverse and engaging community-led programs. These events, organized by local organizations, businesses, and passionate individuals, offer something for everyone—whether you're looking to explore arts and culture, engage in meaningful discussions, or participate in hands-on experiences.

Community Partner Programs You Don’t Want to Miss:

A Dozen Official Afterparties with Starr Hill Presents

Iconic local venues The Jefferson Theater and the Southern will host a slate of Official Concert Afterparties each day of the Festival. Some highlights include: Bumpin Uglies with Wax and Sons of Paradise (reggae/punk/ska), Dogs In A Pile with Houseplant (jam band), Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel (southern rock), Sarah Kinsley with Charlotte Rose Benjamin (pop), La Luz with Color Green (indie rock), and Fruition (americana). The Southern Cafe & Music Hall will also host accessible community events like LYAO Presents: Kyle Gordon (comedy), Music Open Mic , and Beyond the Book Karaoke

An Urban Winery Experience 

April 16, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Eastwood Farm and Winery invites guests to an immersive wine-tasting event at The Virginia Wine Collective. This intimate round-robin tasting allows visitors to engage in meaningful conversations with winemakers while sampling Virginia’s finest wines.

The Firebird: Storytime with Charlottesville Ballet  

April 16, 10:30 - 11:00 AM

An enchanting reading event at the Central Library Swanson Room. Ballerinas will glide into the library for a special interactive storytelling and dance class featuring The Firebird, a tale brimming with adventure, romance, and magic, captivating audiences of all ages.

Jail Tours & Restorative Justice Discussions

April 16 & 17

 Equal Justice USA offers a rare opportunity to explore the justice system through guided discussions and jail tours at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.

The Climate Change Film Challenge  

 April 19, 4:00 PM

Light House Studio presents powerful environmental storytelling at Vinegar Hill Theatre. The event highlights films produced during the Climate Change Film Challenge workshops, developed in collaboration with C3 and various schools and organizations.

McGuffey Art Center Open Studios & Workshops 

April 19, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Explore Charlottesville’s vibrant art scene at McGuffey Art Center. Artists will open their studios, many offering free workshops centered on collaborative projects.

A Dance Score Celebrating 20 Years  

April 20

Albemarle Ballet Theatre honors two decades of artistic excellence with a special performance at the Downtown Mall.

Creativus  

April 20, 3:00 PM

A dynamic arts showcase at Studio IX. This event highlights the creativity and innovation of student artists, featuring an exciting display of their work across multiple artistic disciplines.

Brave Hearts, Calm Minds: A Community Event for Veterans 

April 20, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Holistic Outreach for Veterans fosters connection and support at Eastwood Winery. This unique community event is designed to honor our veterans by providing a welcoming space that fosters a sense of camaraderie and mutual support.

Build Your Own Person Schedule!

For those interested in building a schedule for free events at the Tom Tom Festival, including community partner programs, you can create your own personal schedule using our scheduling platform, Sched. Simply visit Eventbrite and select the free ticket labeled 'Create Your Personal Schedule' to start planning your festival experience.

Experience the Magic of Charlottesville

This year’s festival lineup ensures that every attendee can find an event that resonates with their interests. Whether you're drawn to the arts, social justice, wellness, or community engagement, Tom Tom 2025 is a celebration of collaboration, creativity, and civic pride.

Join us as we come together to learn, connect, and be inspired by the passionate individuals shaping our community!