Good morning, Charlottesville.

Local restaurants in Charlottesville are preparing for a surge in business as thousands of visitors are expected for UVA Final Exercises this weekend.

UVA published a guide on May 15 to help students with final exercises happening this weekend—students can review key details such as exam times, locations, and rules to prepare effectively.

Shenandoah National Park has temporarily closed several trails because heavy rain washed out sections and caused flash flooding—officials warn that additional rain may lead to more closures.

Local elections heat up as the Free Enterprise Forum will host two candidate forums this month — one on May 21st at Journey Middle School with Board of Supervisors candidates Sally Duncan and Dave Shreve and another on May 28th at the Hillsdale Conference Center featuring city council contenders Juandiego Wade, Brian Pinkston and Jen Fleisher.

The City of Charlottesville is inviting residents aged 18 and older to complete an anonymous survey on services, safety, the natural environment, and community inclusivity to help shape its future strategic plan.

City Manager Sam Sanders said the feedback will guide efforts to assess community strengths and plan improvements—responses remain confidential.

Apex Performance Center opened on May 3 in Charlottesville's Rose Hill neighborhood to break down barriers for underserved tennis players.

The center offers memberships with private lessons, group workouts, yoga — and physical therapy for athletes aged 5 and up.

Virginia baseball beat Virginia Tech by a score of 12 to 2 in Blacksburg as timely hitting and strong pitching from senior Jay Woolfolk helped secure the win.

The Cavaliers will play again Friday at 3:00 p.m. to continue the final regular season series.

Virginia baseball began its three-game series at Virginia Tech on May 15 and will play its second game today at 3 p.m. as part of the Smithfield Commonwealth Clash.

Starter Bradley Hodges (2-1 record) will pitch against Jake Marciano (4-2 record) in a game that could affect their NCAA Tournament hopes.

Virginia Baseball takes on Virginia Tech in a three-game series starting tonight as the team aims to secure a NCAA tournament bid and improve its ACC seeding—losing the series could allow the Hokies to steal their tournament spot.

The Hokies have shown strong play against teams like Louisville and Wake Forest and are eager for a series win that could change their postseason fate.

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.

Healing in the Garden

Register to join Cultivate Charlottesville and The Women's Initiative Sister Circle for Healing in the Garden this Saturday, May 17 from 12 to 2 pm. This FREE event will be held at the City of Promise garden on the corner of Page and 8th Streets and is open to all Black women and femmes interested in practicing mindfulness in a community growing space and taking home their own plants.

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.

Ramona and the Holy Smokes Live

5-9 p.m. — Ting Pavilion — Free entry — Enjoy classic country vibes with Ramona and the Holy Smokes at a local favorite venue.

Piano Accordion Book Workshop

12-3 p.m. — Virginia Center for the Book — $25/$30 fee — Create a playful accordion booklet while exploring best crafting practices.

The Arcadian Wild Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — The Jefferson Theater — $ — Experience an evening of connection and community with The Arcadian Wild.