Crozet's Annual Small Business Passport Event Returns

The third edition of the popular Yay! Crozet! program expands to more local shops and adds new features.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:09pm

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The Crozet Small Business Collaborative is hosting the third annual Yay! Crozet! Passport Event on April 18, 2026, inviting the community to explore the area's local business scene. The interactive program has expanded to include more participating merchants at Clover Lawn, Old Trail, and downtown Crozet, as well as businesses without physical storefronts represented in a Community Corner. Shoppers can collect stickers in a passport for a chance to win prizes from local businesses.

Why it matters

The Yay! Crozet! event is an important initiative to drive foot traffic and support the small businesses that are the backbone of the Crozet community. After the challenges of the pandemic, this annual celebration helps reinvigorate the local economy and highlights the diverse range of shops, restaurants, and services available to residents and visitors.

The details

The Yay! Crozet! Passport Event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 18, 2026. Participants can pick up a passport and collect stickers by visiting at least five participating merchants. Passports with five or more stickers will be entered into a grand prize drawing featuring items donated by Crozet businesses. The event has expanded this year to include more locations, including Clover Lawn and Old Trail in addition to downtown Crozet. Businesses without physical storefronts will also be represented in a Community Corner, allowing them to connect with the public. There will also be a 'Pop-Up Party' featuring local artists and makers.

  • The Yay! Crozet! Passport Event is held annually.
  • The 2026 edition of the event takes place on April 18, 2026.

The players

Crozet Small Business Collaborative

A networking and support group for local business owners in Crozet, Virginia, that organizes the annual Yay! Crozet! Passport Event.

Erica Thomas

Co-founder of the Crozet Small Business Collaborative.

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What they’re saying

“The passport event turns a regular afternoon in Crozet into a treasure hunt where visitors rediscover the shops they love while being introduced to new favorites. We can't wait to welcome everyone and show off the small businesses that keep our community vibrant.”

— Erica Thomas, Co-founder, Crozet Small Business Collaborative

What’s next

The Crozet Small Business Collaborative is encouraging local residents and visitors to pick up a passport and participate in the Yay! Crozet! event on April 18, 2026 to support small businesses in the community.

The takeaway

The Yay! Crozet! Passport Event is an innovative way for a small town to rally around its local businesses and showcase the diverse range of shops, restaurants, and services that contribute to the community's unique character. By expanding the event to include more locations and businesses, the Crozet Small Business Collaborative is doubling down on its mission to drive foot traffic and keep the local economy thriving.