2 Best Performing Arts in Charlottesville, Central and Western Virginia

has hosted such notable authors as Garrison Keillor and Michael Ondaatje. Thousands attend, and it is open to the public. Most of the events are free.

Every autumn, Charlottesville hosts the Virginia Film Festival, with screenings of important new movies, panel discussions, and appearances by stars of the cinema. The movies are shown at four sites throughout the university and downtown.