Charlottesville's Tom Tom Founder's Festival
Charlottesville has a few distinguishing markers: an array of historic homes, a truly exquisite restaurant selection, and an outdoor pedestrian mall to boot. However, there is nothing more Charlottesville than Thomas Jefferson. From his stately home, Monticello, down to his influence on the University of Virginia, the founding father is all over the town. The Annual Tom Tom Founder’s Festival is a yearly birthday bash to celebrate the favorite founding father’s legacy.
Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743, and his birthday has been celebrated annually at UVA, the university he helped found, since 1819. The holiday was traditionally used by university faculty to recognize outstanding student scholars, and while that tradition still exists, Founder’s Day has grown to mean much more than that.
Since 2012, the Tom Tom Founder’s Festival has highlighted innovation, culture, and arts by bringing together resources and people for one week. During the week of April 10-16, there will be talks by experts, murals by local artists, documentary screenings, discussions on the environment, block parties, and live music. There’s a youth summit, community workshops, and something called “Innovations in Democracy” in which experts discuss the presidency thus far.
Oh, and then there’s the food.
This year marks the 4th Annual Farm to Table Restaurant Week. If you’re not salivating yet, you should be. Seriously, check out the 17 amazing restaurants participating this year. If you don’t get a chance to make reservations at one of these elite restaurants, have no fear. There will be plenty of local vendors and picnics happening around town during the festival. Charlottesville truly is the land for foodies.
Some of the events at the festival are free, but a number require the purchase of a badge. There’s also an option to plan your time at the festival by selecting from a list of itineraries. Click here for more information.
As always, come stay with us! Give us a call or click here to check our availability during the festival. We look forward to seeing you!
