Morning
Charlottesville
Thursday, November 20th, 2025
Good morning, Charlottesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Rugby Avenue shared path is now open, giving pedestrians and cyclists a safer lane after years of planning. The project will help improve local travel safety as residents choose the new route. 29 News
- ➤ ReadyKids is asking Charlottesville community members to donate new, unwrapped gifts for kids and teens until December 8 to help families this holiday season—donations can be mailed or dropped off at the Scrappy Elephant. The drive comes after the nonprofit lost federal funding for its child trauma counseling program, showing local support in times of need. 29 News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On Sunday, students and community members gathered at the Amphitheater for SWAP’s Big SWAP Under the Big Top—an event that promoted sustainability with clothing exchanges, live bluegrass music, and circus-themed fun. SWAP plans a holiday Vendor Day market on Dec. 6—an effort built on months of donation drives and group work to support eco-friendly fashion. The Cavalier Daily
- ➤ Todd Bullard, a 1979 graduate, has sung and played guitar on the Lawn for 15 years during sunny afternoons, sharing his own songs and folk tunes from Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel, and the Beatles. He prefers his unscheduled style so he can enjoy the day—he said he will keep giving these free shows as long as he is able. The Cavalier Daily
- ➤ Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns’ six-part, 12-hour series The American Revolution debuted on November 16 and features Monticello in several segments with historic Jefferson-era content. Monticello’s president and CEO Jane Kamensky worked on the production since 2018 as one of about 20 advisors and said she helped unite viewers with Jefferson’s ideals (she described her role as an honor). 29 News
- ➤ Charlottesville will host its 28th annual Grand Illumination on December 5 at 5 p.m.—the free event offers music, food, and games along with a countdown to light up a holiday tree with 20,000 lights and free parking until 10 p.m. Attendees will also join a processional along the Downtown Mall to continue the celebration. 29 News
- ➤ Creator Hub (a home for artists and tech professionals) has opened in Charlottesville today in a renovated former Peoples National Bank building (once a dust bowl) that now gives local creatives a new workspace. The Daily Progress
- ➤ The Jefferson School African American Heritage Center was denied a $200,000 NEH grant because its application used words flagged as controversial (and IMLS also rejected its funding) but the center will move ahead with its project to research local Black history by partnering with residents to build a K-12 curriculum (Cox’s Row). Charlottesville Tomorrow
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UVA Interim President Paul Mahoney told 29News today—explaining the university's priorities and challenges amid turbulent conditions on Grounds. He outlined plans to address campus issues as the year unfolds. 29 News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The National Park Service reopened parts of Skyline Drive and the Appalachian Trail near Rockfish Gap Tuesday night after firefighters contained 80% of a wildfire on Bear Den Mountain with help from rain. The reopened drive runs (from mile 104.6 to mile 79.5) and the trail now opens (near the Turk Gap parking lot). Cville Right Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Today, the Tobacco Free Community Coalition will be at Downtown Mall near Violet Crown from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. offering quit tools and expert guidance for anyone interested in a smoke-free future—visitors can get quit cards or simply pick up information without any pressure. 29 News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Virginia swimming will compete in the inaugural CSCAA Dual Meet Challenge in Knoxville, Tenn. from Friday through Sunday — the Cavaliers’ men’s and women’s teams will face Tennessee, Arizona State, and Michigan, with Friday’s 3 p.m. session setting the stage for further races. The meet introduces a new format that boosts head-to-head competition ahead of the postseason. The Cavalier Daily
- ➤ Virginia's no.1 women's soccer team built strong unity on a cold October night at Klöckner Stadium during a movie night with blankets and snacks; they advanced in the NCAA Tournament with a first-round win over High Point—showing a bond that helped them overcome pressure— and will face No. 8 seed Penn State next. The Cavalier Daily
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Thankful Dead
7:30-9 p.m. — The Jefferson Theater — Check event page for pricing — Enjoy live music from Thankful Dead Sisters & Brothers with special guests and more.
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44th Annual Boar's Head Turkey Trot 5K
9 a.m. — Boar's Head Resort — Entry fee required — A Thanksgiving tradition benefiting UVA Health Children's featuring a scenic and hilly 5K run.
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Johnnyswim Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — The Jefferson Theater — Ticketed event — Experience harmonious melodies from the captivating duo Abner and Amanda Ramirez.
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Atlanta Rhythm Section Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Jefferson Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the classic sounds of southern rock from Atlanta Rhythm Section.
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Tab Benoit Live
8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Jefferson Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful Delta swamp blues from Grammy-nominated artist Tab Benoit.
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Cirque Dreams Holidaze
7:30-9:00 p.m. — John Paul Jones Arena — Family-friendly event — Experience a dazzling holiday spectacular filled with breathtaking performances.
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Ramona & The Holy Smokes with Hannah Juanita
7-9 p.m. — The Southern Café and Music Hall — Ticket prices may vary — Enjoy a lively Honky Tonk Night with great music from local talents.
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Shakey Graves Solo Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — The Jefferson Theater — Tickets available — Experience the unique musical journey of Shakey Graves up close and personal.
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