Established in 1742, Fairfax County and its history is deeply connected to America’s 250th anniversary. What better way to recognize this semiquincentennial celebration than to “stay curious & stay local” with arts events!
Check out the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar or explore the listings below to experience the artistry, culture, and traditions that shape our community. These are just some of the events by local artists that make Fairfax County a must-see destination in celebration of America’s 250th.
2026 Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts: “Illumination 250”
Through May 3
Take part in the closing weekend of “Illumination 250,” the 2026 Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts Festival. Choose from over 30 events inspired by this year’s theme of “shining a light on creativity, discovery, and community.” The annual City of Fairfax festival brings together local artists, students, performers, makers, technologists, and the public.
American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra
May 9
Celebrate the United States’ semiquincentennial year with an evening of stirring music. The Flute Ensemble opens with sparkling melodies, followed by the Concert Orchestra performing Morton Gould’s triumphant American Salute. The Symphonic Orchestra offers William Grant Still’s moving In Memoriam – The Colored Soldiers Who Died for Democracy and Shostakovich’s intense October, Op. 131. The program also features dazzling performances by the winners of the annual AYPO Concerto Competition, showcasing the talent of your young musicians.
Virginia Chamber Orchestra: “Music of America”
May 10
The program features the premiere of Virginia composer Rob Vuono’s “Improvisations on a Theme for Violin and Viola”. Mr. Vuono will be at the concert and will talk about his new work. Other works in the program will include a string quintet by the revolutionary era American composer Johann Friedrich Peter, George Gershwin’s “Lullaby”, “Two Sketches” by Charles Griffes and “Danzas de Panama” by William Grant Still.
Creative Cauldron: “Little Women”
May 14 – June 7
Based on Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic, this Civil War era story of love and family stands the test of time. Little Women follows the adventures of sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March as they navigate adolescence, each determined to live their lives on their own terms. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but publishers reject them, until she finally begins to weave the personal story of herself and her sisters’ experience growing up in Civil War America. The powerful score of this Tony Award-nominated musical soars with the sounds of personal discovery, heartache and hope – the sounds of a young America finding its voice.
“Star Spangled Songs of America”
Fairfax Jubil-aires
May 16
“Evolving Craft at 250”
Tephra ICA Arts Festival
May 16 & 17
“Lift Every Voice”
Vienna Choral Society
May 17
“Built to Last”
National Concert Band of America
May 17
This program celebrates music and ideas that endure. Some works become timeless because of their craftsmanship, others because of the emotions and stories they carry across generations. “Built to Last” highlights pieces whose strength, beauty, and resilience have secured their place in the repertoire, reminding us that while trends may change, true artistry stands firm.
The Reston Chorale: “A Star-Spangled Salute”
May 24
Bring a lawn chair and join The Reston Chorale and Brass Band of Northern Virginia at Reston Town Center Pavilion on Sunday, May 25th, for “A Star-Spangled Salute.” This free, family-friendly event will honor the men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Vocal Arts of Fairfax: “From America with Song”
May 31
As a musical prelude to our country’s 250th anniversary, Vocal Arts of Fairfax presents a celebration of the people, stories, and songs that give voice to the American spirit and our unique and varied musical identity. The program begins with the traditions of Indigenous peoples and continues through the hymns of early settlers and the spirituals born from slavery. Following songs of unity and resilience from the Civil War through World Wars I and II, the journey continues to Broadway tunes and concludes with Randall Thompson’s “The Testament of Freedom.”
American Journeys
McLean Symphony
June 6
America’s 250
NoVA Lights Chorale
June 7
Mason Arts 250: “Reimagining the ideas of the American Revolution”
June (multiple dates)
This summer, the Mason District Arts Council will sponsor a community-wide commemoration of the Declaration of Independence. Explore a series of events in the month of June to reimagine the ideas of the American Revolution through the arts. Through music, poetry, theater, oratory, and visual arts, each project will take as its starting point one of four central American texts: the Declaration of Independence, “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus, “America the Beautiful” and “What to a Slave is the Fourth of July” by Frederick Douglass. The Mason District Arts Council is composed of artists, art lovers, and organizers in our community, elevating arts and culture in our hometown.
Choralis: “America 250!”
June 28
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a tour of American music from the days of our founding through our rich history. Featuring moving choral and instrumental arrangements of classic Americana, well-known patriotic favorites, Copland, Bernstein, and Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.”
Shakespeare Opera Theatre: “Susannah”
July 10 – July 19
Susannah Polk is a young woman whose beauty and independence make her stand out in her tightly-knit mountain community. When she’s accused of immoral behavior by the valley’s self-righteous elders, rumor quickly hardens into judgment. Even the well-meaning Reverend is torn between compassion and desire, creating turmoil that drives the drama to bitter tragedy.
Carlisle Floyd’s score fuses Appalachian folk sounds with soaring lyricism, creating one of the most unforgettable American works of the 20th century.
1776
McLean Community Players
July 17 – August 2
Meredith Wilson’s “The Music Man Sr.”
Stars Performing Arts
July 24 & 25
