Man Ray, “Noire et blanche,” 1926 ©2010 Man Ray Trust/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York/ADAGP, Paris.

The University of Virginia Art Museum presents a Family ArtJAM, “Masking with Man Ray.” Children will tour the museum’s new exhibition, “Man Ray, African Art, and the Modernist Lens,” and use various masking techniques to make cyanotype prints, also called sun prints, with Charlottesville photographer Stacey Evans. The workshop for 5-7 year olds meets 1-3pm, followed by one for 7-12 year olds, 3-5pm. All children must be accompanied by adults. 155 Rugby Road. To register call 243-2050, or write .

Goats, recently legalized in Charlottesville, appear king of the mountain at Monticello.
PHOTO BY HAWES SPENCER

The 4th annual Heritage Harvest Festival combined music and food with a love of the land and a walk through Virginia’s agricultural heritage. And the September 11 installment was the first time this Festival took place right on the West Lawn of Monticello.

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PHOTO courtesy of the Vegetarian Festival

Charlottesville’s annual Vegetarian Festival invites everyone to eat more veggies with more than 100 exhibitors including restaurants, free food samples, a dog and cat Adopt-A-Thon, nonprofits, silent auction, live music, and more. Activities for children include magicians, jugglers, vegetable-print painting, a beanbag toss, face painting, and a children’s literature table with information about animals and the environment. Downtown at Lee Park on Market St. 979-1200.

Ever dreamt of being in a parade? Now’s your chance. The Crozet Library is participating in the Crozet Volunteer Fire Department’s 100th Year Celebration Parade, and we’re looking for some fun folks to join us. All ages are welcome (strollers, wagons, bikes, and feet - anything goes!) If you have the spirit, we need you. Ask library staff for details, and come on out and support your local library. Lineup at Crozet Elementary School. 823-4050.

Beaver.
PHOTO BY Paul Stevenson - Flickr

Young naturalists ages 6 and up can learn all about our largest wet rodent at Gordon Avenue Library. Our favorite local naturalist, Nancy Newman, from the Virginia Museum of Natural History will be talking about beavers: where they live, what they eat, how they behave, and much more from educator. There’ll be lots to hold and touch, too. No registration required. 1500 Gordon Ave. 296-5544.

Presto!
PHOTO courtesy of Steve Pittella

Got a couple of amazing magic tricks up your sleeve that you’re just itching to share? Interested in adding a few new tricks to your magical repertoire? Young tricksters ages 8-12 can join some fellow young magicians for an hour of sleight of hand fun at Crozet Library.  All participants should bring a trick or two to share. Need inspiration? Stop by the library for a look in a magic book. Registration is required. In the old train station on Three Notch’d Rd. 823-4050.

Young readers and writers in grades 3-5 can meet local author Fran Cannon Slayton (When the Whistle Blows) at Northside Library. Fran shares her tips on storytelling, tales of her own publishing experience, and even a writing exercise. Registration is required. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.

Roald Dahl’s birthday is September 13th, and kids ages 6 and up can celebrate one of their favorite authors at a scrumdiddlyumptious afternoon at Gordon Avenue Library.  We’ll read from Roald Dahl’s books, have snacks, and play games related to the BFG, Matilda, Willy Wonka, and all your favorite characters. Registration is required. 1500 Gordon Avenue. 296-5544.

Señora Maria reads stories in Spanish every Tuesday at Scottsville Library. Kids of all ages are welcome. 330 Bird St.    286-3541.

Shenandoah Germanic Heritage Museum (SGHM) hosts GermanFest, an Oktoberfest-like festival featuring children’s activities; re-enactors from the Revolutionary, Civil, and French and Indian Wars; arts and crafts vendors with period craft demonstrations; authentic German and American food; and a beer and wine garden. Non-stop live entertainment includes the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps; Liz Ruffner, a Patsy Cline Tribute Singer; and The Original Elbe -Musikanten German Band. The Festival will be held at the Hottel-Keller Homestead, located at 11523 Back Road, Toms Brook, Virginia.703-799-3969.

Get reel.
PHOTO BY Roland Tanglao - Flickr

PVCC’s Student Art Club invites everyone to enjoy a showing of the feature film Toy Story 3 on the big screen in the comfortable and spacious Dickinson Theatre. Piedmont Virginia Community College, 501 College Dr. 961-5362. Email: .

Fall foliage opportunity.
PHOTO BY Steve Jurvetson - Flickr

Enjoy the beautiful weather and colorful leaves at Misty Mountain Camp Resort’s Fall Festival Weekend. Activities include trail rides, live music, free food, and bonfire. Misty Mountain Camp Resort, 56 Misty Mountain Rd., Crozet.  888-647-8900.

Meet and greet the animals
PHOTO courtesy of MPF

Pack a picnic dinner, bring a blanket or chairs, and enjoy a real country Hoe Down at MountainSide Petting Farm with your children. Live music provides the party mood. Wear your fancy Western wear and enjoy a toe “kickin” good time dancing and dining with family and friends. This is a fund raiser for the animals of the farm. Rain date is September 25. 141 Blundell Hollow Rd. (Rte 633), Afton. 361-0203. Email: .

Reel fun.
PHOTO BY Roland Tanglao - Flickr

“Faster, steeper, higher, deeper! The most daring mountain sport films from the 33rd annual Banff Mountain Film Festival will thrill and inspire you when “Radical Reels” comes to the Dickinson Theater at PVCC. Presented by National Geographic Adventure and hosted by Shenandoah National Park Trust (SNP) and Blue Ridge Mountain Sports, all proceeds from the event will benefit SNP Trust. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Blue Ridge Mountain Sports or online at http://www.snptrust.org. 293-2728.