Experience Vibrant Arts and Culture Festivals in Fairfax!

Virginia is renowned for its history, scenic landscapes, and a thriving arts scene. Celebrate creativity, talent, and the region’s rich heritage by attending the lively arts and culture festivals that take place in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church. Whether you’re a lover of fine arts, literature, or culinary delights, check out these festivals to experience the vibrant cultural tapestry of Northern Virginia.

^{Courtesy of the City of Fairfax}

City of Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts Festival, April 21 – May 7, 2023

Spotlight on the Arts, sponsored by the City of Fairfax in cooperation with George Mason University, is an extensive celebration of arts and culture. This week-long festival features a diverse range of events, including live music performances, theater productions, dance shows, art exhibitions, and film screenings. With venues scattered throughout the city, attendees have the opportunity to explore different corners of the City of Fairfax while enjoying the artistic offerings from local and regional talent.

In a dark movie theater with stadium seating the faces and bodies of the audience are lit by a screen out of frame. — ^{Courtesy of JXJ DC Film and Music Festival}

JXJ Washington Jewish Film and Music Festivals, May 11-21, 2023

Presented by the Edlavitch DCJCC, JxJ encompasses the Washington Jewish Film and Music Festivals alongside a year-round film and music program. The annual Festival is presented on stages and screens throughout DC, Virginia, and Maryland, including several events at Cinema Arts Theatre in Fairfax. Head to Fairfax City to catch Exodus 91 and The WIld One on May 18, The Seven Years of Absalon and The Other Widow on May 20, or Kosher Rehab, The Camera of Dr. Morris, and Schächten on May 21.

A colorful oil on canvas by Lauchlan Davis entitlted "Neighbor Pool" — ^{Lauchlan Davis, Neighbor Pool, 2022}

Tephra ICA Arts Festival, May 20-21, 2023

Now in its 32nd year, the Tephra ICA Arts Festival features the original works of over 200 contemporary artists and artisans from across the country. Stroll the Festival grounds at Reston Town Center to meet the artists, catch a concert, or try a free and fun art project at the Family Art Park. This year, you can catch Hoesy Corona in Hacia la Vida, a featured performance that explores migration and displacement caused by climate change. A Latinx Queer artist, Hoesy created intricate sculptural costumes for this site-specific performance about climate migration.

An adult in a blue shirt and black pants and an adult in a black shirt and khaki paints look at art hanging on three walls around them — ^{Courtesy of Great Falls Studios}

Great Falls Spring ArtFest, May 6-7, 2023

Bring home some local art when you visit the Great Falls Spring ArtFest. Mingle with the artists, learn about their work, and purchase unique art, cards, and gifts. Established in 2003, Great Falls Studios is an organization of more than 100 independent artists working in Great Falls, Virginia. Discover a unique and diverse group of painters, potters, photographers, jewelry makers, fiber artists, sculptors, and others representing a variety of media.

a large crowd is lit by stage lights from off-frame, standing and dancing outdoors — ^{Courtesy of Capital One Center}

PerchFest, May 19-21, 202

Perchfest returns to Capital One Center with its live music, craft beer from Starr Hill Biergarten, and multigenerational entertainment offerings. Guests can enjoy putt putt in the sky, local music, community vendors, lawn games and inflatables, appearances by local personalities, and even a morning fitness class. Plus, you can help out our four-legged friends by supporting the festival’s charity partner, Lucky Dog Animal Rescue. This free event is open to the public and guests are recommended to register in advance and make a donation.

It is dusk. People sit on blankets on a lawn in front of Mount Vernon, which has its porch lit against a sunset sky — ^{Courtesy of Ingleside Vineyards}

Mount Vernon Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour, May 19-21, 202

Bring a blanket and enjoy the view of the Potomac River when you visit George Washington’s estate for the Spring Wine Festival, one of Mount Vernon’s most popular events of the year. Sample from Virginia’s finest wineries and explore the historic property after hours. Three floors of the Mansion will be open until 8:30pm and you can peruse The Shops at Mount Vernon until 8:45pm. Concessions will be available for purchase from Mount Vernon Inn.

A lion dance troupe presents a colorful lion beneath hanging chinese lanterns on an outdoor street — ^{The Choy Wun Lion Dance Troupe, Courtesy of Old Town Fairfax Business Association}

Asian Festival on Main, May 21, 2023

This is a one-day, outdoor family event you won’t want to miss! Main Street in Historic Old Town Fairfax City goes car-free for pedestrians to enjoy Asian heritage through food, arts & craft, education, and performances. Featuring more than a dozen artists from traditional art forms to modern dance, hip hop, and K-Pop, the Asian Festival on Main will get you moving. If you get hungry, check out the event’s more than 30 food and drink vendors.

Together, Fairfax County, City of Fairfax, and City of Falls Church form a vibrant cultural region in Northern Virginia. Whether you explore masterful artworks, indulge in literary discussions, or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere, these festivals offer an enriching and unforgettable experience for all lovers of arts and culture.

Experience Vibrant Arts and Culture Festivals in Fairfax!

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Experience Vibrant Arts and Culture Festivals in Fairfax!