The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection presents, “Criss-cross Bark Painting,” a hands-on art program for children ages 7-10. Participants will first look at paintings in the current show, “Timeless: Bark Paintings from Arnhem Land” and then create their own “bark” using Aboriginal art techniques. Kluge-Ruhe will supply all materials. The program is free, but space is limited, so reservations are required. To reserve a spot, call 244-0234, or make a online. 400 Worrell Dr., Peter Jefferson Place.

Rob Craighurst
PHOTO BY Linda Kobert

Mystery lovers of all ages can wander through the century-old story of the most famous murder in Charlottesville history with Rob Craighurst’s Ghost and Murder Tour. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening from April through October, Craighurst leads a two-hour, one-mile ramble along the path of the murder of Fannie McCue, wife of former mayor and prominent lawyer Sam McCue, who was killed in the couple’s Park Street home on the night of September 4, 1904. Among the sights tour goers get to see is the former McCue house at 601 Park Street, which now stands empty and suitably spooky, and the old County Jail where Sam was held and eventually executed for the murder. Along the way, Craighurst peppers his spiel with other eerie anecdotes. The journey is wheelchair accessible and appropriate for mystery-lovers of all ages. No reservations necessary…just show up at 8pm in front of Marco and Luca Dumpling Shop on the Downtown Mall. Look for the ghostly guy with a big yellow sign. 760-0525.

Historic Gordonsville invites modern folks to witness the Civil War at one of the few remaining Confederate Receiving Hospitals. Originally built as the Exchange Hotel in 1860, it served continuously as a hospital from 1862-1865. The Civil War Medical Museum Re-enactment features demonstrations of 19th century medicine, surgical amputation, military drills, and camp life with lots of interaction with appreciative spectators. And because this is the  20th anniversary of the Museum, the celebration includes an old fashion cake walk, ice cream, crafts, and entertainment by the Mosby Players and Evergreen Shade. Enjoy Gordonsville Fried Chicken, made famous by the legendary African-American female “Chicken Vendors”, who served train passengers for over 75 years. As a special treat, the Buckingham Branch Railroad will have a stop-over and offer tours on Saturday.  400 S. Main St., Gordonsville. 540-832-2944.

Fiddler on the Roof
Publicity photo

The Paramount Theater returns to its roots hosting a film series that lasts all summer. A different theme is featured each month on the largest screen in Central Virginia. Enjoy concessions, including cold beer and wine, popcorn, and candy, in the theater during the broadcast. Check out the schedule below. 979-1333.

June: Family movies:

Monday, June 1, 7:00 & 9:30 - The Goonies
Monday, June 8, 6:00 & 8:30 - The Black Stallion
Monday, June 15, 7:00 - Fiddler on the Roof
Sunday, June 21(Father’s Day), 1:00 & 3:30 - The Sandlot
Monday, June 22, 6:00 & 8:00 - Curse of the Were Rabbit

July: Academy Award winning movies:

Monday, July 20, 7:00 & 9:30 - American in Paris
Monday, July 27, 7:30 - The Godfather

August: Music documentaries:

Monday, August 3, 7:00 & 9:30 - The Last Waltz
Monday, August 10, 7:00 & 9:30 - Neil Young Heart of Gold
Monday, August 17, 7:00 - Woodstock
Monday, August 24, 7:00 & 9:00 - Gimme Shelter
Monday, August 31, 7:00 & 9:00 - Stop Making Sense

Happy Father’s Day!
PHOTO courtesy of Abundant Life Ministries

Abundant Life Ministries offers fun for the whole family at their Father’s Day Concert and Family Festival. A whole day of events features a 5K run/walk, local bands, food and refreshments, Moonbounce, bungee run, arts and crafts, face painting,  and a silent auction. Kid’s activities at Lee Park. See website for other venues.  991 5th St. SW. 970-2077.

Nelson Folk Life Festival
PHOTO courtesy of Pharsalia

Nelson County Rotary Club hosts a festive celebration of Folk Life and History at Pharsalia. The fun includes period music and dance, craftsmen at work, plantation tours, storytelling, children’s activities, docents in period costume, food, and more. Rt. 250 west to left on Rt. 151 to right on Rt. 56, 4 miles to Pharsalia Rd. 2 miles to the plantation. 434-361-1055.