Sure, classes are in full swing, and it seems like there’s just constantly exams on exams, but every once in a while, we need to all take a break and do something fun! So other than the usual releasing stress by going out to bars or parties with your friends, here’s a list of fun things to do this fall semester. Because sometimes, we just all need to take a day off and Charlottesville, Virginia, in the fall is so great!

1. Attend an A Capella Concert

Fall means that a cappella groups are back in season! They’ve recruited new members, practiced new songs, and there’s practically a different a cappella concert every week. Whether you want to see male groups, female groups, Broadway music, rock music, or hip hop, you name it, and you got it. Two weekends ago, we saw The Hullabahoos donning classic patterned robes perform their fall concert. The Virginia Glee Club, Virginia Womens Chorus, and University Singers perform on Family Weekend on Saturday, Oct. 24, providing for different music practically every weekend. Looking for some spooky music for Halloween weekend? The Academical Village People (AVP) holds their concert, Nightmare on 14th Street on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30 and 31.

2. Go to a TEDxCharlottesville Talk

Everyone should experience TED Talks at least once in their time at UVA. This fall, TEDxCharlottesville is hosting a talk with the theme, “What if…” at The Paramount Theater downtown on Friday, Nov. 13. The theme explores how we can look at the world from different viewpoints by considering new ways of thinking and challenging status quos. Some of the announced speakers are Geoff Luck, a filmmaker and executive producer at National Geographic TV, Elliott Woods, a writer and photographer, and Deirdre Enright, the director of investigation at the Innocence Project Clinic.

3. See an Art Show

In downtown Charlottesville, each of the first Fridays of every month offers a First Friday event. This is a monthly art event featuring exhibit openings at various downtown art galleries and exhibits to promote the arts. These exhibits are free and open to the public, and often include galleries such as the exhibits at IX Art Park, Vinegar Hill Theater, Second Street Gallery, The Fralin Museum of Art, and Radio IQ.

3. Pick Apples at Carter’s Mountain

While Carter’s Mountain is a fun afternoon getaway all throughout the spring and summer, October means it's official apple-picking season, so you can pick apples of your choice with your friends or family! Prepare for tons of homemade apple pies, apple cakes, apple cider, apple everything. Some of the best apples in season right now include Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Winesap, Fuji, and Jonagold apples. Not to mention, fall at Carter’s Mountain is full blown with pumpkins, gourds, corn, and hayrides to start out your family-friendly fall.

4. Participate in a Sorority or Fraternity’s Philanthropy Event

Fall means the start of philanthropy season! Participating in sorority or fraternity philanthropies is an excellent way to have fun while helping out in the local community. You're also helping raise money and awareness for a variety of good causes. Whether you are involved with Greek life or not, there are plenty of fun philanthropic events to choose from. Whether you want to play soccer to help young girls build self-esteem, pie someone in the face to raise awareness for domestic violence, eat on The Corner to raise money to prevent child abuse, or have a barbecue to benefit the Make-A-Wish foundation, you can have fun with your friends while knowing that it’s for a great cause of your choosing!

5. See a Concert at The Jefferson

The Jefferson Theater downtown has an excellent lineup of artists and bands performing each weekend. From Waka Flocka Flame to The Chainsmokers to Carbon Leaf, there’s every type of music for your taste. For a complete lineup of performers, and to get tickets, check out their website.

6. Do a Wine Tasting

For those of us who are over 21 years of age, the crisp fall air provides the perfect weather for a visit to one (or more) of the 30 wineries along Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello Wine Trail. Many of these wineries not only host wine-tasting events, but also wine festivals concerts, and other evening attractions. Some of these wineries include Pippin Hill Farm, Afton Mountain Vineywards, Jefferson Vineyards, and Grace Estate. For a full list of wineries and events, go here.

7. Have a Photoshoot on the Lawn

Despite the seemingly never-ending Rotunda construction, The Lawn remains one of the UN’s designated World Heritage Sites, and never fails to be a relaxing location for a picnic with friends, playing frisbee with your dog, or just sitting down to read a book. When the leaves start changing color, The Lawn can be a wonderful location for hosting fall-themed photoshoots with your family, friends, or a group or organization.

8. See a Play

From student productions to professional theater groups, and from broadway musicals to Shakespeare plays, there’s always opportunities to expand your artistic horizons and see a play in Charlottesville. The American Shakespeare Center puts on various plays this fall, from "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" to "Antony and Cleopatra." For more low-key UVA student productions, First Year Players is putting on the musical "Merrily We Roll Along." UVA’s drama department is also putting on "Our Town" at the Ruth Caplin Theatre, as well as "The Sweetest Swing in Baseball" at Helms Theatre.

9. Trick-or-Treating on the Lawn

Perhaps one of the most exciting events to look forward to in the fall is trick-or-treating on The Lawn! Whether you have children you want to bring to this fun afternoon ordeal, or you are a student volunteering to pass out candy, it’s an amazing way for the Charlottesville and UVA community to come together, dress up, admire kids’ costumes, and have a bit of innocent, family-friendly fun.

10. Virginia Film Festival

This year’s Virginia Film Festival, presented by The University of Virginia, will be from Nov. 5-8. This year. VFF is showcasing various features including documentaries, foreign films, and special guests such as acclaimed directors and actors. The film festival is not just about going to see some interesting movies, but is meant to spark discussion about culture, arts, and the world we live in. For the festival lineup, click here.

With all these endless opportunities, you won't have another boring Sunday afternoon sitting at home trying to procrastinate on homework! Get up off your couch, call up some friends, and take advantage of all that Charlottesville has to offer in the fall.