Sunday, August 24th, 2025
Good morning, Charlottesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 24th of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Gordonsville will host its Famous Fried Chicken Festival on October 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the new Town Hall northside parking lot, where visitors can join a chicken and pie contest, shop craft and artisan vendors, and sample wine for a fee (pets are not allowed). Cville Right Now
- ➤ Charlottesville is preparing for the traditional Wertland Block Party as UVa students get ready to begin classes—this longstanding event brings incoming first-year and returning upperclassmen together on Wertland Street. The Daily Progress
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Charlottesville motorcyclist Joey Owings got no jail time but must complete a yearlong restorative justice program for a March crash near Foxfield racetrack that killed his friend and housemate, Jake Martel—his sentence includes a reckless driving conviction and a suspended 180-day jail term. The victim's parents approved the deal, saying it honors his memory and helps everyone heal. The Daily Progress
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Author Deborah Baker visited Jefferson Madison Regional Library on Saturday, August 23 to talk about her book 'Charlottesville: An American Story' that explains the city’s history before summer 2017. She said the talk showed how people can make a difference—she hopes her story inspires local readers. 29 News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Charlottesville police chief Michael Kochis said he remains supportive of the Civilian Police Oversight Board despite executive director Inez Gonzalez resigning and four board members leaving, which left the board without a quorum. He praised Gonzalez for her work and stressed that strengthened safeguards and record access systems still keep the department accountable—helping maintain trust in the process. Cville Right Now
- ➤ U.S. Attorney Todd Gilbert resigned after 37 days and Robert Tracci was named interim U.S. Attorney for Western Virginia—he is a familiar face in Charlottesville. The Daily Progress
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Today, the Showtime at the Post boxing event brought Charlottesville community members together as local amateur fighters raised money and awareness for mental health support through Wartime Fitness. The event ran through the afternoon and showed boxing can unite and empower the community—each fight aimed to make a lasting impact. 29 News
- ➤ Charlottesville toddler Julius Johnson II — known as J2 — celebrated his second birthday at home on Saturday as his family marked the day amid his fight against a rare disorder. The close-knit celebration brought together his loved ones in an intimate setting. CBS 19 News
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Tuesday Rumba Night with Vincent Zorn
7-9 p.m. — The Bebedero — Free entry — Enjoy lively gypsy rumba music every Tuesday evening.
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Runaway Gin Concert
8:30 – 10:00 PM — The Southern Café and Music Hall — Tickets starting at $37 — Catch the lively tribute to Phish with fellow music lovers in Charlottesville.
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Berto & Vincent Wild Gypsy Rumba
7 PM – 1 AM — The Bebedero — Check for ticket prices — Experience the electrifying blend of Gypsy Rumba and Latin rhythms by Berto & Vincent.
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Gasolina Reggaetón Party
9-10:30 p.m. — The Jefferson Theater — 18 & Over Only — Experience the vibrant energy of reggaetón and Latin music at this exciting community event.
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Chatham County Line and The Mammals Concert
7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Southern Café and Music Hall — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening of engaging live music from Chatham County Line and The Mammals.
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Cars & Coffee Charlottesville
8-10 a.m. — Barracks Road Shopping Center — Free entry — Explore a diverse collection of cars in a casual and vibrant atmosphere.
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Ramona Martinez Concert
2-8 p.m. — Glass House Winery & Brewery — Check venue for entry cost — Experience the heartfelt honky tonk tunes of Ramona Martinez inspired by classic country music.
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Hash Concert
7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Jefferson Theater — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening with The Barons and HASH the Band featuring Chloë Ester.
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Cville Veg Fest
11 AM – 4 PM — IX Art Park — Free entry — Enjoy vegan food, speakers, live entertainment, and activities for all ages at this community celebration.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
If you want to remember something, write it down. If you want to understand something, explain it to someone else.
~ Richard Feynman
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