ArtsFairfax invites you to “fall into the arts” with artoberVA, a month-long celebration of local arts & culture in Fairfax!
From October 1-31, 2026, ArtsFairfax wants you to stay curious and stay local to take advantage of arts and culture deals and free events for National Arts and Humanities Month.
2026 artoberVA Offers
October 1, October 8, October 15, October 22
The Meet the Artists series are a joint venture between Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University (OLLI Mason) and Reston Community Center. Experience live performances from RAYMI (October 1), Mark Irchai (October 8), Sopranessence (October 15), and the Tallwood Trio (October 22).
artoberVA Offer: Free admission
October 1-31
The Bold Bakery in Chantilly creates fresh, specialty goods that exude warmth in every bite. With a unique selection of handcrafted muffins, cookies, and cakes, enjoy pastries made with the finest ingredients.
artoberVA Offer: Use “ART26” online or mention “artober” in person at the Ashbrook or Reston EatLoco Farmer’s Markets to enjoy 10% off purchases of $10 or more.
October 1-31
Liz Edelson Design is a graphic design studio based in the Washington, D.C. area providing custom branding, print, and digital design services to socially responsible and impact-oriented businesses.
artoberVA Offer: 15% off graphic design services for arts nonprofits.
October 1-31
Established by Pat Macintyre, Reston Art Gallery and Studios is a privately owned cooperative gallery located at Lake Anne. The Gallery’s artworks represent a variety of styles and mediums, including oil, pastel, watercolor, acrylic, collage, photography, printmaking, and sculpture.
artoberVA Offer: Mention ArtsFairfax for 10% off purchases of $100 or more
October 1-31
Squill Calligraphy Studio brings beauty to life with classic calligraphy and lush watercolors. A cornerstone of the studio is protecting resources and the natural beauty around us. Printed products are either on renewable 100% cotton paper or recycled paper, when possible.
artoberVA Offer: 50% off all pre-printed cards, gift tags and bookmarks
October 2, October 9, October 16
Happy Hour with Darden & Friends
Enjoy crisp autumn evenings at the Reston Town Center with this longrunning favorite live jazz series. Experience sets from top-tier musicians curated by Darden Purcell, including Bloom (October 2), Emily Davies (October 9) and Stephen Phillip Harvey (October 16). Presented by Reston Community Center and Reston Town Center Association in partnership with Darden Purcell.
artoberVA Offer: free admission
October 2
Conservatory Ballet
Join Conservatory Ballet at their Great Falls studio to meet their instructors and learn more about their ballet and dance programs, class levels, and enrollment.
artoberVA Offer: Free admission
October 2-11
NextStop Theatre
The Second Best School Shooting is a U.S. Premiere comedy about grief, friendship, and what happens when one tragedy is eclipsed by another. Presented by NextStop Theatre, a nonprofit professional theater based in Herndon, producing intimate, boundary-pushing theatrical experiences.
artoberVA Offer: $30 tickets with code ARTMONTH30
October 3
City of Fairfax
Fiesta Fairfax! is a community celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month in Fairfax City featuring cultural performances, music, food, and artisans. Enjoy folkloric dances and live band performances at Old Town Square in the heart of Old Town Fairfax.
artoberVA Offer: Free admission
October 3
Fall Tall Oaks Art Show
Whether you’re hunting for the perfect new piece to brighten up your living spaces, to gift someone, or just want to spend a Saturday soaking in some incredible local talent, stop by the Fall Tall Oaks Art Show.
artoberVA Offer: Free admission – Use code ERECO for discounts on original artwork created by Eric Ndofor (ERECO Art)
October 4
McLean Community Center with McLean Project for the Arts
McLean Artfest is a juried festival showcasing over 30 local & regional visual artists from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. This one-day fine arts show, sale and festival features contemporary art, Children’s Art Walk, children’s art tents, gourmet food trucks, a beer and wine garden, interactive art experiences, a live stage and more.
artoberVA Offer: Free admission
October 5,
October 12
Community Studio
Join ArtLords director Omaid Sharifi for a night of therapeutic art using the practice of body mapping, where paint and paper help you express what words can’t yet reach—through color, symbol, and story. ArtLords is an artivist organization that uses public art to turn conflict and trauma into shared expression.
artoberVA Offer: 20% off with code “Artober20”
October 5, October 21
Reston Community Center
Experience captivating films that move you, transporting your imagination to new worlds from the comfort of The Leila Gordon Theatre.
artoberVA Offer: Free admission
October 6
Community Studio
Remember when you were younger and you hummed and sang all day long and didn’t care what anybody else thought? Discover how humming helps ease emotional stress. Spend 90 minutes in a safe and comfortable environment with Heidi Henyon, an applied kinesiologist who studies Energy Medicine, movement practices and sound healing.
artoberVA Offer: 20% off with code “Artober20”
October 6-10
Fall for the Book
Northern Virginia’s largest festival of literature and the arts returns October 6-10. All Fall for the Book events are FREE. Registration is advised, especially for festival headliners and New York Times best sellers Stephen Graham Jones (The Buffalo Hunter Hunter, The Only Good Indians) and Celest Ng (Little Fires Everywhere, Everything I Never Told You).
artoberVA Offer: Free admission
October 6
October 13
October 20
October 27
OLLI Mason
OLLI at George Mason University presents “Music Sampler” from the Dewberry School of Music, featuring professors alongside some of their most promising students. Varied, lively, informative, and entertaining, these presentations are open to the public.
artoberVA Offer: Free admission
October 8 – 25
1st STAGE
An award-winning regional theatre in Tysons, 1st Stage produces thought-provoking performances in an intimate setting. Catch their season-opening production of Betrayal by Nobel Prize-winning playwright Harold Pinter.
artoberVA Offer: $25 tickets with discount code ARTOBERVA.
October 8 – November 1
Creative Cauldron Stage
The Helen Hayes Awards-recommended Monsters of the Villa Diodati at Creative Cauldron Stage was originally commissioned as part of their “Bold New Works for Intimate Stages.” Discover the professional theatre in Falls Church dedicated to providing affordable, enriching, and diverse experiences in the performing and visual arts to Northern Virginia audiences.
artoberVA Offer: $25 tickets with the code ARTOBER (excluding opening night).
October 9
Resonance Improv Alliance
In Dark & Stormy, the line between who is solving the crime and who is haunting the scene is blurred… Resonance Improv Alliance will put on a brand-new, completely unscripted mystery to be created, unraveled, and solved right before your eyes—and then never performed again.
artoberVA Offer: 2-for-1 tickets with ARTOBERVALAUGH
October 9
October 11
OLLI Mason
Join artist Brianna Camp on Community Paint Days to help shape the “Tree of Learning Community Mural,” a vibrant public artwork that will welcome visitors to OLLI Mason and celebrate lifelong learning, creativity, and connection.
artoberVA Offer: free admission
October 9-18
McLean Community Players
The Addams Family, presented by McLean Community Players, is a laugh-out-loud musical comedy that celebrates love, loyalty, and embracing what makes each of us unique.
artoberVA Offer: Get 15% off tickets using code artober26
October 9-24
Providence Players
Providence Players of Fairfax, an award-winning, community-supported membership theater company, brings Cactus Flower to vibrant life with wit, romance, and irresistible fun. A charming tangle of love, lies, and unexpected truths, this classic screwball comedy reminds us that love has a way of blooming when we least expect it.
artoberVA Offer: 15% off ticket orders with code ARTS15
October 10
Workhouse Arts Center
On the second Saturday of each month, the Workhouse campus comes alive! Meet artists in their studios, explore vibrant galleries, shop local art, and enjoy food, drinks, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or just out for a night of fun—there’s something here for everyone.
artoberVA Offer: free admission
October 10
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra
Experience an evening of bold new voices and sweeping symphonic melodies as the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra presents RACHMANINOFF & SAXOPHONE NOIR with Russell Peterson on saxophone for the regional premiere of Noir Concerto No. 1 for saxophone and orchestra by film composer Adam Hochstatter.
artoberVA Offer: select Orchestra seats for $30 with code ARTSFAIRFAX
October 11
Virginia Ballet Company
Come watch the written word coalesce with movement in Poetry in Motion, Virginia Ballet Company’s fall contemporary performance. Since 1950, the Virginia Ballet Company and School in Fairfax has provided exceptional, authentic classical ballet and contemporary dance training in the Washington metropolitan area.
artoberVA Offer: 10% off with code “artoberVA”
October 14
Tysons Creamery
Tysons Creamery is an award-winning artisanal ice cream company creating distinctive, handcrafted flavors made with premium ingredients. Join ArtsFairfax for the artoberVA Social Hour to experience their colorful and memorable ice cream experience.
artoberVA Offer: Free concession with admission to the ArtsFairfax artoberVA Social Hour.
October 14
City of Fairfax
Join the opening reception for AB EX FFX, a powerful exhibition dedicated solely to the raw energy and profound emotional depth of abstract expressionism. On view in the Rotary Gallery at Sherwood Center in the City of Fairfax.
artoberVA Offer: Free admission
October 16
City of Fairfax
This concert by Alfred Yun, a Korean-American jazz pianist and composer whose music is influenced by his upbringing in both Korea and the United States, is part of the Old Town Hall Performance Series.
artoberVA Offer: Free admission
October 17
Fairfax Jubil-Aires
The Fairfax Jubil-Aires, with support from ArtsFairfax and Fair Oaks Mall, will lead a public singalong for “World Singing Day.” Join local singing groups to sing fan favorites and meet new friends. All singers welcome – no singing experience necessary! The first of its kind in Fairfax, this free public sing-along will join over 100 communities across 28 different countries in a global celebration of song and music.
artoberVA Offer: Free admission
October 17
Mason District Arts Council
The Mason District Arts Council, formed in 2024 as a volunteer effort by a local group of artists and supporters in the Mason District, will put on a festival featuring over 50 booths, including local artists, community art projects, kids activities, an art supply exchange, and live performances.
artoberVA Offer: Free admission
October 17
Workhouse Arts Center
Potomac Music is hosting the 5th annual Fall Fest in collaboration with Workhouse Arts Center. Bring the whole family out to enjoy live music, food trucks, local small business vendors, and family friendly activities!
artoberVA Offer: Free admission
October 17
Better Said Than Done
Better Said Than Done, whose mission is to educate and provide opportunities for performance, discussion, and community building through the art of storytelling, invite you to “Ghost in the Machine: Terrifying Tales of Technology,” featuring Jason Howard, Jenn Kamara, Joe Morice, Jack Scheer and others.
artoberVA Offer: Get 2 tickets for $20
October 17-18
Great Falls Studios
For two days, visit the private studios down the beautiful back and main roads of scenic Great Falls with the 23rd annual Great Falls Studios Art Tour. From remodeled barns and converted garages to group studios, view artists working and displaying in a variety of spaces.
artoberVA Offer: Free admission
October 17-18
Voce Chamber Singers
Voce Chambers Singers explores the themes of voting, democracy, and civic engagement through music that uplifts the power of individual and collective voices. “Sounding the Vote” celebrates the importance of speaking out, listening together, and strengthening community through song.
artoberVA Offer: $20 tickets with code ARTSFFXFRIEND
October 18
Vienna Choral Society
Vienna Choral Society presents The Shared Table: Sounds of CommUNITY for a night of rich with live choral music that unites people from all walks of life. Whether you are a devoted arts supporter or stepping into the concert hall for the first time, share in an evening where music brings people together.
artoberVA Offer: Use artoberBOGO (when prompted) to buy one adult ticket and get one free.
October 18
Woodbridge Flute Choir
The Woodbridge Flute Choir (WFC) opens its 30th anniversary season with a free concert featuring music that reflects the ensemble’s history, creativity, and community. Recent winner of the National Flute Association 2027 Flute Choir, WFC is comprised of 30 members who play flute, piccolo, alto flute, bass flute, and contrabass flute.
artoberVA Offer: Free admission
October 18-24
Conservatory Ballet
From October 18–24, Conservatory Ballet is inviting new dancers to experience a class completely free of charge. Whether your dancer is taking their very first steps into ballet or looking for a new studio to call home, this is the perfect opportunity to meet the teachers and explore Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and more.
artoberVA Offer: Free admission
October 19,
October 26
Community Studio
Discover gel printmaking—a playful way to create one-of-a-kind prints using paint, texture, stencils, and everyday objects. Led by Rev. Casey Wait, experiment with color, layers, and happy accidents, then transform your prints in unexpected ways. No experience needed; all materials provided.
artoberVA Offer: 20% off with code “Artober20”
October 20
Community Studio
Rage Dancing is a dynamic, therapeutic movement practice that channels anger, frustration, and intense feelings into grounding, liberating full‑body expression. Led by applied kinesiologist Heidi Henyon, this class offers a non‑violent somatic outlet for stress and emotional overload.
artoberVA Offer: 20% off with code “Artober20”
October 21
McLean Project for the Arts
Join McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) Artistic Director Nancy Sausser in conversation on MPA’s 15th (Not) Strictly Painting, our juried biennial exhibition celebrating the depth and breadth of paintings–or works related in some way to painting–from artists throughout the mid-Atlantic area.
artoberVA Offer: Free admission
October 23
City of Fairfax
ARTScreen is a film series celebrating the arts. Visit the Sherwood Center for free popcorn, refreshments, candy, and a showing of “Knives Out,” a murder mystery with modern day twists.
artoberVA Offer: Free admission
October 24
Nova Labs
Get ready for an epic Halloween adventure in high tech and creativity. Dress up in your scariest or most creative costume and roam around decorated trunks, collecting treats along the way.
artoberVA Offer: Free admission
October 25
Herndon Regional Wind Ensemble
Fall for Music with Herndon Regional Wind Ensemble, which offers local musicians a professional environment to assemble and play for their mutual enjoyment, provide cultural and educational enrichment for the community through public performances, and promote further development of musical skills in musicians of all ages.
artoberVA Offer: Free admission
October 26
Conservatory Ballet
Families of all ages are invited to dress up and enjoy a afternoon of dancing, a costume contest, Halloween games, treats, and a short introductory ballet class for Conservatory Ballet’s Spooktacular Ballet Bash — a Halloween Open House & Costume Party in Great Falls!
artoberVA Offer: Free admission
October 27
Community Studio
Using a combination of Crystal Singing Bowls, metal singing bowls and a variety of other sound producing instruments, applied kinesiologist Heidi Henyon creates unique sound baths that calm the mind and soothe the body creating a deeply relaxing and restoring experience.
artoberVA Offer: 20% off with code “Artober20”
October 29
McLean Project for the Arts
Join McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) Artistic Director Nancy Sausser in conversation with exhibiting artists Sally Veach, Freya Grand, and Ian Husting discussing their work, themes, and methods.
artoberVA Offer: Free admission
October 29
Mary Voutsas
Praised as a “powerful” and “enthralling pianist” by Washington City Paper, Dr. Mary Voutsas presents Gods & Dances, a solo recital tracing a path through Hellenic piano music, at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage.
artoberVA Offer: Free admission
November 5-29
NextStop Theatre
Step into the ring for The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity, a Pulitzer-Prize finalist comedy that body-slams the world of pro-wrestling, pop culture, and the performance of identity. Presented by NextStop Theatre, a nonprofit professional theater based in Herndon, producing intimate, boundary-pushing theatrical experiences.
artoberVA Offer: $30 tickets with code ARTMONTH30
November 7
Reston Community Orchestra
The Reston Community Orchestra (RCO) opens their 39th season with favorite patriotic and symphonic works by American composers. A pre-show aperitif will feature selections from Chadwick strin quartets.
artoberVA Offer: Receive 10% off season tickets with the RCO Season Ticket Package
November 13
Great Falls Philharmonic
Join the Great Falls Philharmonic at Capital One Hall’s The Vault for Igor Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale. Blending music, theater, and dance, this fully staged this timeless tale in a brand new production by acclaimed director Corinne Hayes.
artoberVA Offer: Seniors can purchase discounted tickets at $35
November 14
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra
Acclaimed harpist Yolanda Kondonassis joins the FSO for Ginastera’s virtuosic Harp Concerto, a work that has become one of the most iconic pieces in the harp repertoire and showcases the instrument in all of its brilliance.
artoberVA Offer: select Orchestra seats for $30 with code ARTSFAIRFAX
December 11-19
City of Fairfax Theatre Company
A hallmark of City of Fairfax Theatre Company productions is the opportunity for many generations to appear onstage together. Buy in advance for Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, featuring a dazzling score and well-known standards including the perennial title song,
artoberVA Offer: Mention artoberVA to receive $5 off tickets purchased in October.
December 11-20
Shakespeare Opera Theatre
Menotti’s heartwarming one-act opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors, follows a young shepherd boy with a disability, his caring mother, and three travel-weary kings. Presented by Shakespeare Opera Theatre, a professional company presenting classical theatre with classical music.
artoberVA Offer: BOGO Deal – Purchase one ticket to Amahl and the Night Visitors and get a Winter Nights Recital Ticket of equal or lesser value FREE!
January 16
Reston Community Orchestra
The annual weekend honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. features music by African-American composers Florence Price, George Walker, Scott Joplin, and local composer Brian Scarbrough. Arrive early for a pre-show, jazz aperitif.
artoberVA Offer: Receive 10% off season tickets with the RCO Season Ticket Package
March 11
Greater Washington Chinese Dance
Based in Herndon, Greater Washington Chinese Dance offers rigorous and comprehensive training in ethnic, contemporary, and classical genres of Chinese dance. This Spring, see their ensemble at When Seasons Bloom at Capital One Hall.
artoberVA Offer: 20% off tickets with code ARTS20
March 13
Reston Community Orchestra
The Reston Community Orchestra (RCO) spring concert features youth composers, players, and soloists. The NoVa Youth Ensemble will join the RCO to play the winning composition by a local youth composer. Young pianist Juan Diego Molina will also be featured.
artoberVA Offer: Receive 10% off season tickets with the RCO Season Ticket Package
May 15
Reston Community Orchestra
Dance the evening away for the grand finale of Reston Community Orchestra (RCO) in their 39th season with lively music from around the world that will have you tapping and clapping nonstop.
artoberVA Offer: Receive 10% off season tickets with the RCO Season Ticket Package
Are you a local artist, arts-centered business, or arts organization? Fill out the artoberVA interest form to participate.
Check back here for newly added arts partners, or click on the button below and use the “artoberVA” filter on our events calendar to view offers by date.
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