Good morning, Charlottesville.

Friends of Cville Downtown is launching its Downtown in Bloom events with a flower box contest, art displays, a Downtown Express train, and a gnome scavenger hunt running through May.

The group will also plan a full-year program to celebrate the Downtown Mall’s 50th anniversary in 2026—featuring art exhibits and community talks about its future.

Downtown Charlottesville hosted the Fridays After Five free concert series as part of the VeryAsian VA celebration—mixing sounds from East and West filled the Ting Pavilion when Prabir Trio played at 5:30 p.m. and Afro Asia headlined at 6:30 p.m.—drawing local fans.

Charlottesville was selected for the Southern Cities Economic Initiative and received a grant from a program led by the National League of Cities — the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta partners on the effort — to support local economic growth.

Piedmont Virginia Community College will hold its 52nd commencement at John Paul Jones Arena Monday evening at 6 p.m., where about 740 students will graduate and earn an estimated 867 credentials for the academic year.

Pinning ceremonies for the Radiography, Sonography and Surgical Technology program will start at 9 a.m. and the Nursing program at 1 p.m. — both at the same venue.

Albemarle County is moving ahead with a public-private project to extend Eastern Avenue in Crozet as a north-south connector from Route 240 to Route 250 — county officials invite public feedback on the draft RFP until May 12.

Charlottesville City Schools learned that the U.S. Department of Education reversed its plan to give them the Federal Executive Institute property and instead awarded it to the University of Virginia on April 29.

City Manager Sam Sanders and Schools Superintendent Dr. Royal Gurley had planned to use the facility for pre-K and alternative education— a change that now leaves their plans in uncertainty.

On April 28, the Department of Justice sent a letter to the University of Virginia demanding proof that its DEI programs have been dismantled, and the school has until May 30 to meet the order.

University spokesman Brian Coy said the extension will allow UVa to certify that DEI policies have been removed from its schools, departments, and foundations.

Mitchell Hash Foundation offers counseling, crisis resources, and wristbands with affirmations (a reminder of hope) to help those in crisis and lift the stigma around suicide.

The group will host the Spark of Hope Walk on October 18 in Louisa to further support its mission.

A UVA Health Children’s study in Charlottesville tested early peanut oral immunotherapy on children under 3, with 27 out of 30 participants completing treatment and most experiencing no or only mild hives—researchers note that the program may lessen parental worry over common allergenic foods. The study also extends therapy to tree nuts and other allergens to help families safely introduce foods like peanut butter and jelly.

Mother's Day Market

12-5 p.m. — Eastwood Farm and Winery — Free entry — Enjoy live music by Jim Richardson while exploring a vibrant maker's market.

Virginia Cavaliers vs. George Mason Patriots Baseball

6-10 p.m. — Disharoon Park — Admission prices vary — Enjoy an exciting college baseball rivalry in a beautiful venue.

Captain Mike & The Shipwrecked

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Jefferson Theater — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a high-energy evening with premier Jimmy Buffett hits and deep cuts.

Cars & Coffee Charlottesville

8-10 a.m. — Barracks Road Shopping Center — Free entry — A gathering of car enthusiasts showcasing a diverse range of vehicles from Ford to Ferrari.

Spring Candle-Making Workshop

6-8 p.m. — South Street Brewery — $44 plus fees — Create two personalized candles while enjoying a vibrant brewery atmosphere.

Open House at 1317 Still Meadow Avenue

6-8 p.m. — 1317 Still Meadow Avenue — $795,000 — Explore a beautifully updated home with community amenities in one of Charlottesville's most sought after neighborhoods.

Ramona Martinez Live

1-7 p.m. — Chiswell Farm & Winery — Cost not specified — Experience a heartfelt performance by honky tonker Ramona Martinez, bringing classic country vibes to life.

Louis & Larrabee Duo Live Performance

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Batesville Market — Preorder for guaranteed entry or cash at the door — Experience a genre-blurring musical collaboration featuring heartfelt originals and classic covers.

Virtual Tour of Senior Living Community

9 AM - 7 PM — The Harbor at Renaissance of Greene County — Free entry — Explore award-winning senior living amenities and culinary offerings in a virtual setting.