Events in Charlottesville & Central Virginia This Weekend (Nov. 16-18, 2007)

At Albemarle Family's calendar I found these events and more this weekend:

- Jeffersonian Thanksgiving Festival, come give thanks as people did in Jefferson's day, also battle reenactments, period music, games and craft demonstrations, carriage rides, dancing, concerts, lectures, and more. Downtown Charlottesville, Market or Water Streets, Friday-Sunday.

- Family Art Jam - Sense of Place: Exploring the art of William Christenberry at the UVA Art Museum, make-and-take art for families, now available on a regular basis in the Museum's new and growing hands-on space. Saturday 1pm-3pm for 4 to 7 year olds and their families, 3pm-5pm for 7 to 12 year olds and their families.

- Free-Bridge Jazz Quintet, some of the finest jazz musicians in the country at Old Cabell Hall, UVA, Saturday at 8pm.

- The Lipizzaner Stallions, "the greatest equine ballet in history", at the JPJ Arena Friday 3pm & 7:30pm, and Saturday 2pm & 7:30pm.

- Ash Lawn-Highland Annual Open House, celebrate the anniversary of the Monroe's arrival at Highland, includes a visit from Presiden James Monroe, admission is free Sunday only for residents of Albemarle and the surrounding counties (Augusta, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Nelson, Orange and Rockingham). Sunday, 11am to 5pm.

- Charlie And The Chocolate Factory at Old Michie Theatre, Friday 7pm, Saturday 7pm, and Sunday 3pm.

- Simon Mall's Evening of Giving at Fashion Square Mall, private shopping with all ticket proceeds benefiting local charities and non-profit organizations. Entrance is by ticket only on Sunday night, not open to the general public. Most restaurants and kiosks will be open with special one-time sales and activities. There will be door prizes and seasonal entertainment for adults and kids. Tickets available at the information desk at Charlottesville Fashion Square Mall, Sunday 6pm to 9pm, $10.

I found these and more events on The Hook's calendar:

- Charlottes Web musical, The Black Box Players, Friday 7pm, $8 reserved seating, at Burnley Moran School Auditorium.

- Bellydance Showcase: "Alexandra" hosts a showcase of several belly dancing styles. After the performances, enjoy open dancing and drumming. $10; $8/student. Friday, 7pm at Live Arts Upstage.

- Thanksgiving Sides Cooking Class: from sweet potato soup to roasted Brussels sprouts. $50. Friday at 7pm, 921 Preston Ave.

- Funny Family Portraits: Children ages 6-10 are invited to bring family photos for this drawing project at the Kluge-Ruhe collection. Free, Saturday 1:30-3pm, registration required.

- The Holiday Bazaar at the Starr Hill Brewery, hot soup, beer tasting and brewery tours, live music, children's activities, and 20 artists and crafters will keep the whole family happy. Free admission. Saturday 10am-6pm, 5391 Three Notch'd Road in Crozet.

- The Charlottesville Writing Center invites would-be writers to join them for a Writers Walkabout, followed by writing time, sharing time, and snacks, explore mysteries along the Rivanna Trail. Saturday 9am-11:30am. $10/adults, $5/children under 12.

- Create a Victorian holiday ornament, Saturday 9am-1pm, $35. Later in the day, learn to make an "endless necklace", Saturday 2pm-4:30pm, $35. Studio Baboo.

- Monticello presents "Saturdays in the Garden: Making Vinegar," and the uses of vinegar in preparing vegetables, meat, and dressings. $10, reservations required. Saturday 9:30am.

- Charlottesville Swing Dance Society offers a high-energy evening of swing dancing. At 6:30pm Saturday, Kevin Sumter and Lisa Morales teach a beginner country two-step lesson followed by intermediate lesson 7:15-8pm Saturday. Lessons included with the dance admission. Singles and couples welcome; no partner required. Saturday 8-11pm, $12/person, $6/students (with ID), $9/members at Greek Orthodox Church Fellowship Hall.

There's more fun at the Louisa Arts Center this weekend:

- Decorating Creatively for the Holidays. Learn how to creatively decorate using wreaths, arrangements, trees and greenery. Saturday 10:00 am – 12:30 pm. Outdoors, teens and adults. Design Packet for arrangements $8.00.

- Saturday Kid’s Quest ~ The Rhythm and Rhyme of History. Native American storytelling, music and more! Saturday 1:30–2:30pm. $3.00 child + parent; or $8 family of four.

- Purcell Gallery is Open Sunday 10am - 4pm; the Historyland Barbershop Chorus in the gallery from 1pm-3pm.

The Virginia is For Lovers web site has some great events as well, including these:

- Shakespeare Festival in Fredericksburg, Saturday 2pm-11:30pm, at James Monroe High School Auditorium. Tickets: $20.00 Adults; Students free. Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to see Shakespeare as it was meant to be performed by the American Shakespeare Company's Touring Group.

- Holiday Open House in Downtown Culpeper, Sunday, 12pm-5pm.

- Capital of the Confederacy Civil War Show at the Richmond Raceway Complex, Saturday & Sunday 9am-3pm.

Have fun!

Karen
www.move2va.com