Friends of Franklin Park Arts Center

Plein Air Sketch & Hike
2026-04-02 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | VA
(Ages 18+) Meet at a different Loudoun County Park each month, take a guided hike to a beautiful site, and sketch your surroundings! Hikes will be 1-3 miles round trip. Dress for hiking and pack your backpack with sketching supplies, a water bottle and snack. Contact Franklin Park Arts Center for details.
Thursday, April 2 Bles Park 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Friday, May 1 Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve 9:00 – 11:00 am
Click here to register for this free program

Tanglewood Marionettes: The Fairy Circus
2026-04-01 10:00 - 11:00 | VA
(Ages 2+) Featuring over twenty beautifully hand-crafted marionettes, The Fairy Circus is a showcase for turn-of-the-century-style trick puppetry. The puppets will dance, play instruments, juggle, contort, transform, and fly through the air with the greatest of ease, all to the best-loved music of favorite composers. This title is perfect for younger children and family audiences.
The presentation includes a lively puppetry demonstration prior to the show, and a Question and Answer session following the performance. Part of our monthly puppet shows series to introduce young children to the theater. All ages are welcome; under 2 years admitted free with paying adult.
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Life Model Sketching Workshop
2026-03-30 11:00 - 14:00 | VA
(Ages 21-100) Artists can further develop their skills in sketching the human form. With some guidance from instructor and professional artist Carmen Barros Howell, participants will sketch from both short and long poses. Bring your own supplies; a limited number of easels will be provided and tables/chairs will be set up for those not able to use an easel. Class is limited to 9 students. You must be 21+ to participate in this class.
Thank you to the Friends of Franklin Park Arts Center for sponsoring the model fee.
New to our on-line registration system? Give us a call or watch video below.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Click here for tips on using PRCS Connect

Planetarium Program: Gassy Giants
2026-03-29 13:00 - 17:00 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
(Ages 4+) Step inside our inflatable dome planetarium to travel to the coldest parts of our solar system to learn about our four gas planets! We will visit Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune and learn about their fascinating history and mysterious moons. Programs begin promptly on hour and late arrivals will not be admitted.
Show times are 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm
Click here to purchase tickets

Last Ham Standing Comedy Improv
2026-03-28 20:00 - 21:30 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
Don’t miss this hilarious show full of laughs for the entire family. A group of talented performers take suggestions from the audience to create wacky scenes and funny improv games. If you like Whose Line Is It Anyway? you’ll love Last Ham Standing…the other comedy meat!
Tickets are also available “At The Door.”
Click Here to Purchase Tickets
For “At The Door” purchase exact change is required. $14 Adults, $12 Seniors, $10 Kids

Storytelling Open Mic: Courage & Bravery stories
2026-03-26 18:00 - 20:00 | VA
(Ages 12+) The mic is yours! Bring a prepared story that is 5-7 minutes in length in any format and step up to the mic to share it the others in this community series. Listeners and storytellers are welcome — everyone needs a ticket. Let’s hear your stories about courage and bravery — your personal tales, stories about others or even stories from your imagination.
Storytellers will sign up when arriving and if there are more tellers that time, we’ll draw names at random for a turn at the mic.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A TICKET

Call for Entry: Courage and Bravery
2026-03-23 - 2026-03-24 | VA
Artists in all mediums are invited to enter artwork that explores, depicts or celebrates the theme of Courage and Bravery. What do these words mean to you and how can you reflect them in your artwork? Will you bravely try a new technique or courageously explore a new inspiration? This exhibit can be artwork that visually shows bravery or courage – or artwork that shows your bravery or courage in creating.
Entry fee $20/artist for up to 3 pieces: pay at drop off by cash, credit card or check (payable to County of Loudoun).
Exhibit dates: March 25 – April 12, 2026
Drop off dates: Monday, March 23 and Tuesday, March 24 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Artwork pick up: Monday, April 13 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Courage and Bravery Entry Form

Arts For All: Alice in Wonderland JR
2026-03-19 - 2026-03-22, 2026-03-13 - 2026-03-15 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
When young Alice finds herself slipping down a rabbit hole into a strange world where everything seems upside down, she must find her way home…and find herself along the way. As she travels through Wonderland, she encounters all of the iconic characters that audiences have come to love: including the ever-tardy White Rabbit, the grinning Cheshire Cat, a cool Caterpillar, the wacky Mad Hatter, and the hot-tempered Queen of Hearts. Visit the Arts For All visual arts exhibit while you are here! ” Arts For All Loudoun’s mission is to provide exceptional opportunities in Loudoun County, VA, for artists and performers with disabilities to participate in a creative, inclusive community. Run time approximately 60 minutes, plus intermission.
Friday & Saturday performances at 7:00 pm, Sunday performances at 3:00 pm
Thursday, March 19 performance 7:00 pm
Click here to Purchase Tickets

Plein Air Sketch & Hike
2026-03-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
(Ages 18+) Meet at a different Loudoun County Park each month, take a guided hike to a beautiful site, and sketch your surroundings! Hikes will be 1-3 miles round trip. Dress for hiking and pack your backpack with sketching supplies, a water bottle and snack. Contact Franklin Park Arts Center for details.
Sunday, March 1 Lovettsville Park 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Thursday, April 2 Bles Park 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Friday, May 1 Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve 9:00 – 11:00 am
Click here to register for this free program

Last Ham Standing Comedy Improv
2026-02-28 20:00 - 22:00 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
Don’t miss this hilarious show full of laughs for the entire family. A group of talented performers take suggestions from the audience to create wacky scenes and funny improv games. If you like Whose Line Is It Anyway? You’ll love Last Ham Standing…the other comedy meat!
Price: $14 Adults, $12 Seniors, $10 Kids
Tickets are also available “At The Door.”
For “At The Door” purchase exact change is required.
Thank you

Lunar New Year Celebration
2026-02-28 15:00 - 17:00 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
This event will include drumming, music demonstrations and cultural education on the traditions surrounding Lunar New Year and the Year of the Horse. Make a craft and sip hot tea in our lobby after the show while viewing the art exhibit “Freedom”. All ages welcome.

Music For Dessert: Scott Ainslie
2026-02-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
Steeped in traditional music from both sides of the color line, Scott Ainslie is a renowned acoustic blues guitarist, singer and songwriter. He learned southern old-time ballads, banjo and fiddle from senior musicians in North Carolina and West Virginia and blues from his black elders in North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia and Mississippi: his roots are deep. He is a masterful and thoughtful historian, storyteller, and musician.
Ainslie transcribed the original recordings and published a book on Delta blues legend Robert Johnson [Robert Johnson/At The Crossroads (Hal Leonard, 1992)], and has an instructional DVD on Johnson’s guitar work [Robert Johnson’s Guitar Techniques (Hal Leonard, 1997)]. Ainslie has six solo CDs to his name and maintains an active recording, performing, and teaching schedule that carries him around the country, to Canada, and to Europe.
The concert will be 45-60 minutes without an intermission. No refreshments are served — let the music be your dessert!
We welcome audiences in-person and those watching our livestream from home. All ticket holders will be emailed a livestream link prior to the concert.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Start Lunch with the Arts: Freedom
2026-02-18 12:00 - 13:00 | VA
(Ages 13+) Bring your own lunch to our gallery and get to know Gita Far, one of the exhibiting artists in “Freedom”. Learn about her process and inspiration for creating her art. End the time with a short meditation that invites you to experience the exhibit in a more mindful way. Limited space at our table — reserve your spot today!
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE

Freedom Art Days
2026-02-18 11:00 - 15:00, 2026-02-04 11:00 - 15:00 | VA
(All Ages) Embrace your creative freedom – we’ll provide the supplies; YOU provide the imagination. use our “Freedom” gallery exhibit as inspiration for this open studio. February 4 and 18 from 11:00am – 3:00pm.
Register using PRCS Connect for class#263744-01 or 263744-02. New to our on-line registration system? Call us 540-338-7973
REGISTER HERE USING PRCS Connect

Music For Dessert: Brandon Kennedy
2026-02-11 19:00 - 20:00 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
An international performer, multi-instrumentalist, and award winning songwriter, his dynamic act harnesses the magic of the Emerald Isle. From blazing reels to melancholy ballads, this “modern Celtic master” uses a loop pedal to create ethereal arrangements of vocals, guitar , bouzouki and fiddle. Having cut his teeth in the pubs of Galway and County Clare, his modern take on Celtic classics weaves a majestic tapestry that will leave you awakened and spirited.
The concert will be 45-60 minutes without an intermission. No refreshments are served — let the music be your dessert!
We welcome audiences in-person and those watching our livestream from home. All ticket holders will be emailed a livestream link prior to the concert.
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Exhibition On Screen: Michelangelo -Love and Death
2026-02-06 17:00 - 19:00 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
The spectacular sculptures and paintings of Michelangelo seem so familiar to us, but what do we really know about this Renaissance giant? Michelangelo’s genius is evident in everything he touched. Beautiful and diverse works such as the towering statue of David, the moving Pietà in the Papal Basilica of St. Peter and his tour-de-force, the Sistine Chapel ceiling, still leave us breathless today.
Spanning his 88 years, Michelangelo – Love and Death takes a cinematic journey through the print and drawing rooms of Europe through the great chapels and museums of Florence, Rome and the Vatican to seek out a deeper understanding of this legendary figure’s tempestuous life, his relationship with his contemporaries and his incredible legacy.
Through expert commentary, stunning visuals and Michelangelo’s own words, this film takes a fresh look at a master artist whose life and genius are celebrated in every mark he made. Returning to cinemas to celebrate this iconic artist’s 550th birthday.
Sculptor, painter, architect, poet, genius – discover why Michelangelo is without a doubt one of the greatest artists of all time. Directed by David Bickerstaff – Produced by Phil Grabsky. Runtime 91 minutes.

5:00 – 6:30pm Film
6:30 – 7:00pm Reception

After the film enjoy refreshments and post-film discussion while you take in the exhibit “Freedom” in our gallery. Presented by Exhibition On Screen and sponsored by Friends of Franklin Park Arts Center.

Exhibit: Freedom
2026-02-05 - 2026-03-08 | VA
Celebrating 250 years in 2026!
We are excited to begin a 6-month count down to the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with art exhibit themes in 2026. Please note that the themes are related to concepts in the Declaration, but artwork can reflect the artist’s own interpretation of the word or theme.
You are invited to view this exhibit of original artwork that that explores, depicts or celebrates the theme of Freedom. While there are many patriotic viewpoints that may come to mind, this theme can also relate to experiencing freedom in thought or action or creating art. Most artwork is available for sale.
Gallery is open Monday – Friday from 9:00am – 5:00pm and during public performances.
****Join us in the Gallery for FREEDOM ART DAYS on February 4 and February 18 from 11:00 am – 3:00pm. Drop-in and create something using the variety of supplies we provide. FREE for all******

Music For Dessert: Loud 'N Clear
2026-02-04 19:00 - 20:00 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
Rock Band Loud ‘N Clear was formulated in November 2023 at Dulles South Senior Center. Today, the band has 13 members including guitars, bass guitar, drums, along with cajon drums, trombone, keyboard, harmonica, ukulele and sitar. They play a variety of popular songs from the 1960’s, ‘70’s and ‘80’s with an occasional current song thrown into the mix. Warning: you may be compelled need to stand up and dance during this performance!
The concert will be 45-60 minutes without an intermission. No refreshments are served — let the music be your dessert!
We welcome audience members in-person or to watch our livestream from home. All ticket holders will be emailed a livestream link prior to the concert.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Beech Tree Puppets: The Hollow Stump
2026-02-04 10:00 - 11:00 | VA
Seven very different animals seek shelter from the winter cold and snow in a large hollow stump. The cuddly, hand-crafted rod-puppets will enchant any child as the characteristics of each animal are revealed through a unique and descriptive poem and song. When the animals let newcomers enter and the space inside the stump grows tighter, these songs interweave. Adapted from the popular tale, The Mitten, this tale celebrates community, as the animals learn to share one space.
Check out this cute video preview of the show!
Purchase Tickets Here

Cabin Fever Film Festival - Saturday
2026-01-31 10:00 - 12:30 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
CLICK HERE FOR SATURDAY TICKETS
The ninth annual Cabin Fever Film Festival, co-hosted by the Franklin Park Performing and Visual Arts Center and the Town of Purcellville Arts Council, highlights films made by Loudoun County residents. Break that cabin fever and enjoy the 9th year of Purcellville’s only film festival! Please note that while we promote this as a family film festival, these films are not rated. We will add information in the film descriptions about sensitive material so audiences can make informed choices.
Tickets are $10 for Friday (including reception after screening) and $5 for Saturday.
Here is the Slate of Films, the schedule for films being screened at our Festival on Friday and Saturday.
Friday, January 30, 2026 7:00 pm
The films who opted for consideration for the “Best Friend in Nature” film will be shown on Friday evening in this order:

“Blue Between Us” Evan Jackson, 17 minutes
“John Muir’s Story” Tara Roberts Zabriskie, 11 minutes
“Just Driving” Josh Ryan, 3 minutes
“Treasure Hunt – Misfortune” Josh Ryan, 23 minutes

Screening time: 54 minutes total
The prize for “Best Friend in Nature” will be awarded on Friday evening and then there will be a small reception in the lobby. In addition, audiences will be able to vote for one of these films as “Audience Favorite” at the conclusion of the screening and these films are not excluded from consideration for other Festival prize categories.
Saturday, January 31, 2026 10:00 am- 12:30 pm

“But Did It Happen” Jonathan Wymer, 12 minutes
“Joanna Sanders Documentary” Josh Ryan, 15 minutes
“A Rook’s Tale” Bakhtawar Chaudhary, 7 minutes
“The Impossible Stitch” Phil Erickson & Penny Hauffe, 18 minutes

Screening time: 52 minutes
*****Intermission 5-10 mins******

“Isabel Mayer Testimony & RAW Ministries” Josh Ryan, 4 minutes
“My Friend Margaret” JoJo Apfeldorf, 24 minutes
“An Honest Conversation” Josh Ryan, 4 minutes
“Bandida” Rikki Elizabeth Stinnette & Drew Broadhurst, 11 minutes

Screening time: 43 mins
Voting for Audience Favorite (to be combined with votes from Friday evening) and Remarks, as well and presentation of awards will follow.

Best in Theme – Independence
Audience Favorite
Most Likely to Break Cabin Fever

Cabin Fever Film Festival- Friday Evening
2026-01-30 19:00 - 21:00 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
CLICK HERE FOR FRIDAY NIGHT TICKETS
The ninth annual Cabin Fever Film Festival, co-hosted by the Franklin Park Performing and Visual Arts Center and the Town of Purcellville Arts Council, highlights films made by Loudoun County residents. Break that cabin fever and enjoy the 9th year of Purcellville’s only film festival! Please note that while we promote this as a family film festival, these films are not rated. We will add information in the film descriptions about sensitive material so audiences can make informed choices.
Tickets are $10 for Friday (including reception after screening) and $5 for Saturday (see separate listing)
Here is the Slate of Films, the schedule for films being screened at our Festival on Friday and Saturday.
Friday, January 30, 2026 7:00 pm
The films who opted for consideration for the “Best Friend in Nature” film will be shown on Friday evening in this order:

“Blue Between Us” Evan Jackson, 17 minutes
“John Muir’s Story” Tara Roberts Zabriskie, 11 minutes
“Just Driving” Josh Ryan, 3 minutes
“Treasure Hunt – Misfortune” Josh Ryan, 23 minutes

Screening time: 54 minutes total
The prize for “Best Friend in Nature” will be awarded on Friday evening and then there will be a small reception in the lobby. In addition, audiences will be able to vote for one of these films as “Audience Favorite” at the conclusion of the screening and these films are not excluded from consideration for other Festival prize categories.
Saturday, January 31, 2026 10:00 am- 12:30 pm

“But Did It Happen” Jonathan Wymer, 12 minutes
“Joanna Sanders Documentary” Josh Ryan, 15 minutes
“A Rook’s Tale” Bakhtawar Chaudhary, 7 minutes
“The Impossible Stitch” Phil Erickson & Penny Hauffe, 18 minutes

Screening time: 52 minutes
*****Intermission 5-10 mins******

“Isabel Mayer Testimony & RAW Ministries” Josh Ryan, 4 minutes
“My Friend Margaret” JoJo Apfeldorf, 24 minutes
“An Honest Conversation” Josh Ryan, 4 minutes
“Bandida” Rikki Elizabeth Stinnette & Drew Broadhurst, 11 minutes

Screening time: 43 mins
Voting for Audience Favorite (to be combined with votes from Friday evening) and Remarks, as well and presentation of awards will follow.

Best in Theme – Independence
Audience Favorite
Most Likely to Break Cabin Fever

Music For Dessert: Rigatoni Quartet
2026-01-28 19:00 - 20:00 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
The theme of this Rigatoni Quartet concert is Italian Serenade – a perfect date night preview for Valentine’s Day! Featuring mandolins, guitar, accordion and voice, the Rigatoni ensembles explore traditional Italian folk melodies and songs enjoyed by early 20th-century Italian American communities.
The concert will be 45-60 minutes without an intermission. No refreshments are served — let the music be your dessert!
We welcome audience members in-person to watching our livestream from home. All ticket holders will be emailed a livestream link prior to the concert.
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Storytelling Open Mic: Snowy Adventures
2026-01-22 18:00 - 20:00 | VA
The mic is yours! Bring a prepared story that is 5-7 minutes in length in any format and step up to the mic to share it with others in this community series. Listeners and storytellers are welcome!
January theme: Snowy Adventures! Sleigh rides, sledding disasters, catching snowflakes on your tongue, traveling nightmares — we know you have had some snowy adventures (or misadventures?).
Storytellers will be assigned a time upon arrival – everyone needs a ticket.
Purchase Tickets Here

Music For Dessert: Quentin Walston Trio
2026-01-21 19:00 - 20:00 | VA
We are pleased to welcome Quentin Walston Jazz Trio once again to our stage. Quentin Walston is a active pianist, composer, and music educator active in the Mid-Atlantic region. He performs with his jazz trio and as a solo pianist, blending memorable melodies and striking rhythms with adventurous improvisations. His original music has been featured on NPR, PBS, and multiple radio stations and podcasts. He is a Virginia Commission for the Arts “Teaching Artist” with a Jazz Studies degree from James Madison University and has over a decade of professional teaching and performing experience.
The concert will be 45-60 minutes without an intermission. No refreshments are served — let the music be your dessert!
We welcome audiences in-person and watching our livestream from home. All ticket holders will be emailed a livestream link prior to the concert.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Music For Dessert 2026 Subscription
2026-01-21 - 2026-02-06 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
One ticket – 6 concerts!
Your subscription to the Music For Dessert series includes six live music concerts that you can enjoy in-person or watch our livestream from home. We’ll have your name on the list, so no need to worry about a ticket — just join us each Wednesday night at 7:00 pm for a different music concert. Here is the schedule:
January 21 — Quentin Walston Trio, jazz
January 28 — Rigatoni Quartet, Italian Serenade
February 4 — Loud ‘N Clear, Dulles Senior Center rock n’ roll band
February 11 — Brandon Kennedy, one man Irish band
February 18– Scott Ainslie, acoustic blues guitarist
February 25– Junwen Liang, classical piano
Single tickets to each concert are $15, so this is a savings of $30 if you buy the subscription.
CLICK HERE TO PUCHASE SUBSCRIPTION

Exhibit: Independence
2026-01-08 - 2026-02-01 | VA
Celebrating 250 years in 2026!
We are excited to begin a 6-month count down to the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with art exhibit themes in 2026. You are invited to view this exhibit of original artwork that explores, depicts or celebrates the theme of Independence. Most artwork is available for sale.
In addition, we have arranged a special exhibit of pen and ink drawings from renowned artist Vinton Liddel Pickens, on loan from the Loudoun County art collection through the Art Advisory Committee. These 7 works depict rural scenes in Loudoun and showcase this independent artist who was one of the founders of Loudoun’s vibrant art community.

Gallery is open Monday – Friday from 9:00am – 5:00pm and during public performances.

Barefoot Puppets: Little Red & the Gingerbread Man
2026-01-07 10:00 - 11:00 | VA
(Ages 2+) This show combines two well-loved, classic tales to create an original, fun-filled romp through fairy tales. Join Little Red and she pursues a mischievous Gingerbread cookie through the woods to Grandma’s house. Original music, snowy scenery, and everyone’s favorite Big Bad Wolf make up this seasonal favorite for our youngest audiences.
Photo Credit: Warren Johnson (photo is of the wolf puppet with the cookie)

Purchase Tickets Here

Laser Light Show: Winter Holiday Adventure
2025-12-30 15:00 - 16:00 | VA
Step inside our theater for this 40-minute laser sing-along show. The stage will be bursting with colorful animations set to a medley of holiday classics and recent smash hits! Meet the star of the Winter Holiday Adventure, our friend Squeaky the laser penguin. Wear your New Year’s Eve party attire and start the count down early.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
