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Charlottesville, VA Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Most parks close: 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
McIntire/Pen/Tonsler/Washington/Pavilion: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Jackson/Lee/Crow and Smith: 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
After-hours access: Requires director's written permission
Penalty class: Class 3 misdemeanor, up to $500
Enforcing office: Dept. of Parks and Recreation

Summary

Charlottesville closes most city parks between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., but the exact hours shift by park: McIntire, Pen, Tonsler, Washington and the Pavilion close at 10 p.m., while Jackson Park, Lee Park and the Crow and Smith Recreation Centers stay open until 11 p.m. City Code § 18-1 makes being on the grounds after hours a Class 3 misdemeanor.

(a)It shall be unlawful for any person to enter or remain upon the premises of the following parks between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. without the express written permission of the director of parks and recreation.(1)Azalea Park.(2)Bailey Park. ... (b)It shall be unlawful for any person to enter or remain on the premises of McIntire Park, Pen Park, Tonsler Park, Washington Park or the Charlottesville Pavilion between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. without the express written permission of the director of parks and recreation ... (c)It shall be unlawful for any person to enter or remain on the premises of Jackson Park, Lee Park or the Crow and Smith Recreation Centers or their parking lots, between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. without the express written permission of the director of parks and recreation. ... (e)Any person violating the provisions of this section or any rules or regulations promulgated pursuant to subsection (d) shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Section 18-1 of the Charlottesville City Code sets three different closing times across the city's park system. m. for a pre-scheduled event, show or performance. m. In every case, the only way to lawfully remain past closing is the express written permission of the director of parks and recreation. The director, with the city manager's approval, can also set rules governing the time, place and manner of special events and community events in the parks and charge fees or rentals for them. Being on park grounds after the applicable closing hour, or violating any rule adopted under that authority, is a Class 3 misdemeanor, punishable under § 1-11(a)(3) by a fine of up to $500 with no jail time. The section was last amended in 2007 and traces to a 1990 predecessor.

Violations & Fines

Remaining on park grounds after the applicable closing hour without the parks and recreation director's written permission is a Class 3 misdemeanor under § 18-1(e), punishable under § 1-11(a)(3) by a fine of up to $500 with no jail time. The same penalty applies to violating any special-event rule the director adopts under the section's subsection (d).

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do Charlottesville parks close?

It depends on the park. Sixteen neighborhood parks, including Belmont, Fifeville and McGuffey, close at 9 p.m. under City Code § 18-1. McIntire Park, Pen Park, Tonsler Park, Washington Park and the Charlottesville Pavilion close at 10 p.m., and Jackson Park, Lee Park and the Crow and Smith Recreation Centers close latest, at 11 p.m.

Can I stay in a Charlottesville park after closing time?

Only with the express written permission of the director of parks and recreation, or if you're attending an activity pre-scheduled with the department, such as a McIntire Park event running until midnight or a scheduled Pavilion show after 10 p.m. Otherwise, remaining past the posted hour is a Class 3 misdemeanor.

What's the penalty for being in a Charlottesville park after hours?

A violation of § 18-1 is a Class 3 misdemeanor, punishable under § 1-11(a)(3) by a fine of up to $500. There's no jail exposure for this offense, and the same penalty applies to breaking any special-event rule the parks director adopts under the section.

Sources & Official References

[1]Charlottesville City Code

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