Your Creative Culture Itinerary: Music, Art, Dance+ at Tom Tom
- 22 hours ago
- 3 min read
Here. Now. Tomorrow.
At Tom Tom, we believe that the courage to build a brighter future for our community grows from what’s good about today. That’s why this year’s Festival is packed with events celebrating the creative culture and bonds that make Charlottesville strong.
From high-energy beats to low-key vibes, the 2026 Tom Tom COURAGE Festival spans a whole spectrum of music, art, dance, and more. Here are a few highlights – be sure to check out the full schedule and build your personal itinerary today!
WED April 22, 5:30pm– 9:30pm
Celebrate new and experienced musicians as they take the stage at The Southern Cafe and Music Hall to show off skills honed through classes at The Front Porch, a local nonprofit that connects people through music.
THUR April 23, 6pm–8pm
Meet up at Central Place on the Downtown Mall for high energy beats and an atmosphere that welcomes all ages to dance, connect, and enjoy the rhythms of the evening.
THUR April 23, 7pm-9pm
Cheer on your favorite team as they answer questions on pop culture, history, and literature. Hosted in the Paramount Theater to benefit the nonprofit Literacy Volunteers, this ticketed event is friendly competition for a meaningful cause.
THUR April 23, 8pm–11pm
Raise a glass with Tom Tom’s artists, speakers, and community leaders at the Bradbury & Vault Virginia. Expect vibrant conversations, music, and performances at this ticketed event.
FRI Apr 24 & SAT Apr 25, 5pm–10pm
Two days. 4 stages. 40+ performances. Charlottesville’s iconic Downtown Mall buzzes with national headliners and local favorites, including the DJ Williams Band, Elby Brass, Skank, Bad Hat Fire, Elite Empire & DND Dancers, and Capoeira Resistência Cville—just to name a few. For interactive fun, put on headphones and dance your heart out in a Silent Disco to benefit SARA and test out fire-spinning props at the Rusty Iris Art Bus (fire not included).
SAT April 25, 11am–12:30pm
Join local poets at the Botanical Garden of the Piedmont as they share their original work exploring nature and courage. Discover the power of words in community—and the power of community in nature.
SAT April 25, 1pm–4pm
Dive into the creative process with 20+ working artists who will open their McGuffey Art Center studios for exploration, conversation and hands-on participation. Try experiences from painting to woodworking—materials provided!
SAT April 25, 4pm–6pm
Explore the world of collaborative songwriting in this interactive workshop at The Front Porch. You’ll start with stories of courage then collaborate to turn them into song lyrics with the guidance of experienced musicians.
SAT April 25, 9pm–1am
The prom you actually wanted, with all of the fun, none of the drama. Hosted at Common House, this 21+ ticketed event invites you to come as you are, dance how you want, and celebrate alongside a welcoming community.
SUN April 26, 4pm–8pm
Stroll the Belmont neighborhood just off downtown for an easygoing evening of acoustic front porch concerts by The Virginia Belles, Travis Elliott & Tucker Rogers, Boxed Lunch, Another Mother, and 20 more acts ranging from funk to indie rock to blues and beyond.
Get a Free Community Ticket to Build Your Personal Itinerary!
To create your own custom schedule using the Tom Tom 2026 mobile app, sign up for the FREE ticket Create Your Personal Schedule on the Tom Tom App. This will allow you to log into Sched, the platform which hosts Tom Tom's schedule, to build your itinerary and download the app so you can carry your Festival wherever you go.
