Easter Sunrise Service
One Sunrise. One Savior. One City. Many Churches
Weather Update:
We’re on as scheduled. See you at the UVA Amphitheater!
He’s Alive!
For the Community & for the Church
Join UVA students, local churches, and neighbors from across Charlottesville as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus at sunrise. We’ll gather in the heart of the city for worship, testimonies, and a message of hope — then continue the celebration in churches across Charlottesville.
In a divided world, this is a simple way for the Church across Charlottesville to begin Easter morning together in visible unity around the risen Jesus.
Join us at 7-8am Sunday, April 5th
UVA Amphitheater
This service is not meant to replace your local church. It’s a shared beginning to Easter morning before Christians across Charlottesville head to worship in their local congregations.
Stay updated with the latest information on our Instagram @ aiauva
Parking Directions
1) Behind New Cabell Hall/Clarke Hall (2-3 min walk)
141 Cabell Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22903
2) Central Grounds Garage (5-8 min walk)
400 Emmet St S, Charlottesville, VA 22903
3) Street parking as available
Additional Information
Still have questions? Reach out directly at our Instagram @ aiauva
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Everyone! This service is open to the entire Charlottesville community — UVA students, faculty, staff, and neighbors from across the city. Whether you're a lifelong Christian or simply curious, you are warmly welcome here.
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In the event of rain, the service will be held at the UVA Chapel. Follow us on Instagram @aiauva for any weather-related updates as Easter Sunday approaches.
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The Easter Sunrise Service is designed to be a beginning, not a replacement. It's a chance for the Church across Charlottesville to gather together to worship the risen Jesus as one body before heading to celebrate Easter at your local church. We'd love for this to be the first moment of your Easter morning!
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The service will include worship music, testimonies from UVA student-athletes, and a homily. It will run from 7–8am, giving you plenty of time to continue celebrating Easter at a local church afterward.
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No registration required — just show up! Donuts, bagels, and coffee will be available starting at 6:45am on a first come, first served basis.
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Dress warmly — it's an early April morning outdoors! There's no dress code, so casual is perfectly fine. We'd recommend bringing a blanket to stay comfortable, and checking the weather forecast beforehand so you're prepared.
Plan to arrive at 6:45 am on April 4th to enjoy free donuts, bagels, and coffee before the service begins!
The service will begin promptly at 7 am ET and conclude at 8 am ET
We encourage you to use this time to kick off your Easter Sunday before continuing to celebrate at a local church
Frank Birckhead
Michael Gutherie
The 10th UVA/Charlottesville community Easter Sunrise Service will take place in the UVA amphitheater on 4/5 at 7 AM.
Frank Birckhead dreamed of the sunrise service as an accessible event for all people to encounter the love of Jesus on Easter morning. After he passed away unexpectedly, Michael Guthrie provided leadership to his vision and the first service happened on Easter, 2016.
The first participants were mostly friends and family. Now, hundreds of folks throughout the community come back year after year and welcome everyone to join.