If you are looking for a cool way to spend your weekend, then the Tom Tom Founders Festival is perfect for you. This festival is a Charlottesville staple which connects students and innovators through different events and promotes the importance of creativity. It heavily encourages the importance of supporting one’s local community. There are events going all week but here is a list of 10 events you do not want to miss this weekend.
1. Block Party
When: Friday April 15th, 5-11pm Saturday April 16th 12-7pm and Sunday April 17th 1-8pm
Where: Lee Park
What: This event is free for the public to attend and it is a good way to see live music, admire local art and buy food from food trucks.
2. Farm-to-Table Restaurant Week
When: April 11-17th
Where: Participating Restaurants
What: Chefs from Charlottesville restaurants, which are committed to using local ingredients, create dishes for a prix fix dinner menu. Some restaurants include: Citizen Burger Bar, Red Pump Kitchen, The Whiskey Jar, Threepenny café and more.
3. The Founder’s Summit
When: Friday April 15th 9am-5pm
Where: The Paramount Theatre
What: This gives people especially students a chance to listen to how speakers became successful as well as offering inspiration. Tickets for students are $25.
4. FleaVille
When: Same time as Saturday Block Party and Sunday Picnic Day
Where: Lee Park
What: An open air market for local creativity
5. Wahoowa Gala
When: Saturday April 16th 7:30-9:30 pm
Where: Old Metropolitan Hall
What: This is a good networking opportunity for students to interact with alumni and faculty members.
6. Porchella
When: Sunday April 17th 6-10pm
Where: Downtown Belmont
What: This is a small city spin on the big famous music festival. This event follows the Sunday Picnic Day and is filled with acoustic music.
7. Iron Chef Competition
When: Saturday April 16th 9am-12pm
Where: Charlottesville City Market
What: Chefs from restaurants participating in Farm-To-Table Restaurant week compete to create a meal using only locally sourced ingredients.
8. Art Attack
When: Saturday April 16th 12-7pm
Where: Lee Park
What: Local artists make art on the spot.
9. Film Screening
When: Saturday April 16th 9-11pm
Where: Lee Park
What: After the concert series, this documentary about Charlottesville’s Collective of Lady Arm Wrestlers (CLAW) will be featured.
10. Innovations in Athletics
When: Thursday April 14th 8-10pm
Where: The Paramount Theatre
What: Coaches and professional athletes will talk about innovations in training, nutrition, equipment, and more. Student tickets are $5.
For more information check out http://tomtomfest.com/
