Friends of Franklin Park Arts Center

Music for Dessert: Roberta Lea
2025-03-26 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
Rescheduled from February 19th, we are happy to present Country-neo-pop songwriter Roberta Lea for an evening of acoustic music. Known as one of Hampton Road’s best kept secrets, Roberta Lea is gaining national and international momentum. She’s an award-winning songwriter, a member of the Black Opry collective, CMT’s Next Women of Country and a recent inductee to The Recording Academy’s class of 2023.
Described as “country-neo-pop”, Roberta Lea has a song and style for everyone. The Nashville Scene praises Lea’s ability to ‘score hits with her catchy, textured and beautifully sung originals.” Her live performance achieves the difficult task of crossing pop, country and jazz styles seamlessly while keeping the audience captivated with her unique storytelling.
This concert is for in-person and for livestreamed audiences viewing from home. No refreshments are served. The concert will be 45-60 minutes.

This concert is supported, in part, by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

The Latin Ballet of Virginia: Mujeres
2025-03-29 15:00 - 16:30 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
The Latin Ballet of Virginia pays homage to extraordinary women in Spanish and Latin American history with their dance program “Mujeres”. The performance will feature stories of “La Llorona”, the Native princess from the Aztec empire, Frida Kahlo, the iconic Mexican artist and Evita Peron, a powerful and passionate woman from Argentina. A dramatic program that will immerse you in stories through music and dance.
The Latin Ballet of Virginia (LBV) was founded in 1997 in Richmond, Virginia under the direction of Ana Ines King, a native of Colombia. LBV is a professional dance company and school of dance, providing multicultural dance programs, instruction and performances for a diverse community. They are a member of the Virginia Commission for the Arts Performing Artists Touring Roster.
Sponsored by the Friends of Franklin Park Arts Center and supported in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. Complimentary refreshments provided at intermission.

Live Owl Sketching Workshop
2025-04-11 16:00 - 17:30
CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION
Have you tried your hand at quick sketching live creatures? To complement our “Winging It!” art exhibit, we have invited Secret Garden Birds and Bees to our lobby gallery for this workshop. While learning about the Great Horned, Barn, Barred and Eastern Screech Owls, you will sketch these beautiful raptors. Bring your own sketch pad and pencils/charcoal. Class size is limited. Ages 13 years and up.
Class# 363720-01
For registration assistance, please contact the office 540-338-7973.

Frank Vignola Trio: An Evening of Jazz
2025-04-12 20:00 - 21:30 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
Frank Vignola will bring his trio from the current residency at the Birdland Jazz Club in New York City to our stage. He is one of the most extraordinary guitarists performing before the public today. His stunning virtuosity has made him the guitarist of choice for many of the world’s top musicians including Ringo Starr, Madonna, Donald Fagen, John Lewis, Tommy Emmanuel, Lionel Hampton, the Boston Pops and the New York Pops. Guitar legend Les Paul named Vignola to his “Five Most Admired Guitarists List” for the Wall Street Journal. Vignola has recorded over 30 CDs as a leader and has been a guest on hundred of recordings.
Sponsored by the Friends of Franklin Park Arts Center. Complimentary refreshments provided at intermission.

Goose Creek Players: Clue!
2025-04-26 - 2025-04-28
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
Goose Creek Players presents a stage adaptation of the movie “Clue”, which itself was based on the Hasbro board game of the same name. Come see a hilarious upbeat comedy, where six characters and the butler and maid try to find out who killed Mr. Body. The plot and cast are amazingly silly and the show is sure to make you laugh. A community theater production; runtime 1 hour 30 minutes with a quick 10 minute intermission with concessions.
Friday, April 25 @ 7:30pm
Saturday, April 26 @7:30pm
Sunday, April 27@2:00pm
(Show continues for a second weekend May 2- 4)

Goose Creek Players: Clue!
2025-05-02 - 2025-05-04
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
Goose Creek Players presents a stage adaptation of the movie “Clue”, which itself was based on the Hasbro board game of the same name. Come see a hilarious upbeat comedy, where six characters and the butler and maid try to find out who killed Mr. Body. The plot and cast are amazingly silly and the show is sure to make you laugh. A community theater production; runtime 1 hour 30 minutes with a quick 10 minute intermission with concessions.
Friday, May 2 @ 7:30pm
Saturday, May 3 @2:00 pm AND 7:30pm
Sunday, May 4 @2:00pm

Painted Patriotic Quilt Squares
2025-06-02 - 2025-07-01 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
Artists of all ages are invited to pick up a 1′ x 1′ wooden square to be painted in your own quilt square design using patriotic theme or colors. These painted quilt squares will be displayed throughout Franklin Park in honor of our Independence Day Celebration on July 4th.
FREE blank squares available to pick up on June 2, 2025; Please call to reserve your square 540-338-7973
Return painted squares: anytime before July 2, Mon-Fri between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm
Pick up: July 7, 2025 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm

Blue Sky Puppet Theatre: Rufus
2025-06-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
Blue Sky Puppet Theatre presents a sweet story about the dog Rufus. This lost and loney pup finds friends along his journey and gets help from the audience to prove to his teacher Mr Banana that he is a real dog. All ages welcome: under 2 years are admitted for free. This puppet show is part of our monthly series and is a perfect opportunity to introduce children to the theater in a relaxed and entertaining environment. Purchase tickets online by clicking link below or pay at door.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Western Loudoun Art & Studio Tour
2025-06-06 - 2025-06-08 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
ADMISSION IS FREE
The 18th Annual Western Loudoun Art and Studio Tour offers a weekend of art, shopping, and relaxation. Meet 40+ talented artists in 26 studios and Arts Centers as you wind through the scenic countryside and historic villages of western Loudoun County. Enjoy paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography, fiber, sculpture, and more! Franklin Park Arts Center will be hosting 4 guest artists during the tour: Anne Block, painting; Hope Hanes, pastels; Yousung Largent, ceramics; Patricia Stephenson, fiber art. Booklets and maps are available May 9th.
Click here for map and more info on all artists –use this link (www.wlast.org)
Hours: 10:00 am-5:00 pm

Call For Entry: Inspired by Frida Kahlo
2025-06-09 - 2025-06-10
Artwork in all mediums will be accepted into this exhibit honoring Frida Kahlo. She is celebrated in Mexico for her attention to Mexican and indigenous culture and by feminists for her depiction of the female experience and form. We have several special events and workshops to more fully immerse you in this artist’s story.
Artwork Drop-off: June 9 & June 10, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Artwork Pick-up: July 28, 9:00am –5:00pm
NEW! You can complete an online entry form here and your entry fee when you drop off artwork. Entry fee is $20 per artist for up to 3 pieces. Payment can be made by check (PAYABLE TO COUNTY OF LOUDOUN), cash or credit card.
CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE ENTRY FORM
Events
June 11: Bus trip to Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: Frida, Beyond the Myth exhibit & tour $105
June 20: make your own flower headband 9:00am – 5:00pm FREE
June 24 & 25: Kahlo inspired Clay Flower Head planter workshop
June 26: Exhibition On Screen film: Frida Kahlo 5:00pm FREE for exhibiting artists, $8 others

Day Trip to Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
2025-06-11 07:00 - 18:30
Twentieth-century Mexican artist Frida Kahlo continues to fascinate us with her aresting gaze, signature fashion and trailblazing legacy. At the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, VA, this singular artist and her extraordinary works are the focus of a new exhibit Frida: Beyond the Myth. The exhibition showcases many of the artist’s most important paintings and drawings from the beginning of her career in 1926 until her death in 1954. More than 60 works of art in a variety of media, many rarely seen outside of Mexico, include self-portraits, still lifes and compositions from her imagination. A book about Kahlo is included in the price of the trip and will be discussed on the bus. Price of trip includes Motorcoach transportation, exhibit ticket and guided tour.
“Best Cafe” will be open if you want to buy lunch at the Museum, or you may bring you own bag lunch. Optional driver gratuity not included. Extensive walking; trip is limited to 50 people. Ages 18+
Depart: 7:15 am from Franklin Park Baseball Field parking lot (near pond)
Return: 6:30 pm to the Franklin Park Baseball Field parking lot.
Fee: $105
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION TIPS ON USING PRCS Connect

Musical Theater Camp: Seussical KIDS
2025-06-16 - 2025-06-20 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
(Ages 7-16) Campers explore the basics of acting, singing, dancing, costumes and set design, culminating with a 30 minute musical performance for families. Each actor is cast in the musical either as a lead, supporting lead or an ensemble role and provide their own costume pieces for production. Bring a snack, lunch and water bottle each day. Instructor-SOHO Performing Arts. Registration is handled through PRCS Connect, our online class registration system. For more information, call Franklin Park Arts Center, 540-338-7973.
Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Fee: $475
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Click here for tips on using PRCS Connect

Play All Day VA
2025-06-20
Celebrate the longest day of the year (the summer solstice) on June 20! We are participating in the statewide initiative, Play All Day VA, along with other parks and recreation facilities in Loudoun County and across Virginia and we want YOU to join us for these FREE activities!
Letterbox Search: Hiking+mystery+art = Letterboxing! You have all day to search from letterboxes we have hidden on the trail at Franklin Regional Park. Stop in the Arts Center or the Franklin Park Pool desk for a list of clues, or check out our event at Atlasquest.com –>People–>Events–>Play All Day VA 2025. At the end of the day (7:00 – 8:00 pm) gather at the Hillsboro Pavilion for an ice cream party to meet other letterboxers, swap stamps and stories.
Paint a Patriotic Quilt Square: We will supply the 1′ x 1′ wooden square and paints, you supply the creativity! We will display them in Franklin Regional Park through July 4th.
Flower Headbands: Create a tissue paper flower heardband, after viewing our “Inspired by Frida Kahlo” exhibit in the gallery.
Call 540-338-7973 to reserve your wooden quilt square.

Frida Kahlo Flower Head Clay Pots
2025-06-24 - 2025-06-25
(Ages 4-12) Transform terra cotts pots into a flower masterpiece using Frida Kahlo’s style as your inspriation! Register using PRCS Connect, our online class registation system. Instructor: Don
Wednesday only, 6/25/25 3:00 – 3:45 pm
Fee $8, includes all supplies.

(Ages 13+) Create a small planter using air dry clay, inspired by the flower headwear that Frida Kahlo was famous for wearing. Create your planter on day one and decorate it on the second day. Register using PRCS Connect, our online class registration system. Instructor: Arts Center staff
Tuesday and Wednsday, 6/24 – 6/25/25 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Fee $20, includes all supplies

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Click here for tips on using PRCS Connect

Red, White & Blue Wheels Workshop, Parade and Puppet Show
2025-07-02 14:00 - 16:30 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
FREE Event
(All ages) Bring your bikes and other wheels – scooters, wheelchairs, strollers, wagons – to our decorating workshop. All materials provided to ensure your wheels are “parade ready” for the Red, White & Blue Parade. Park in the ballfields parking lot and meet at the Hillsboro Pavilion. After you decorate, you can ride your festive wheels in the Red, White & Blue parade then cool off watching a puppet show. Beale Street Puppets will present an Independence Day themed show.
2:00 – 3:15 pm Decorate your wheels workshop
3:15 – 3:45 pm Red, White & Blue Parade
3:45 pm Puppet show

Franklin Park Independence Day Celebration
2025-07-04 17:00 - 22:00
FREE Event
Gather the family and plan to spend the evening with us to celebrate Independence Day! Food trucks, face painting, giant inflatables and amusements beginning at 5:00 pm, along with tunes from DJ Bifocals. Then at 8:30 pm, live music begins while the amusements wind down. Loudoun Jazz Ensemble will play until 9:15 pm. Settle in for a spectacular FIREWORKS display beginning at 9:30 pm, accompanied by live music from the Loudoun Symphonic Winds. This is a FREE event. Parking is not guaranteed after 8:30 pm, so plan to arrive early, bring a picnic and enjoy the festivities.
Rain Date: July 5 (fireworks only)
No Alcohol. No personal fireworks (including sparklers). Please leave pets at home.

Musical Theater Camp: Lion King KIDS
2025-07-07 - 2025-07-11 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
(Ages 7-16) Campers explore the basics of acting, singing, dancing, costumes and set design, culminating with a 30 minute musical performance for families. Each actor is cast in the musical either as a lead, supporting lead or an ensemble role and provide their own costume pieces for production. Bring a snack, lunch and water bottle each day. Instructor-SOHO Performing Arts. Registration can be completed online at PRCS Connect, our online class registation system. For more information, call Franklin Park Arts Center, 540-338-7973.
Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Fee: $475
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Click here for tips on using PRCS Connect

Bob Ross Painting Worshop
2025-07-11 16:00 - 19:00 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
(Ages 16 & up) You have seen Bob Ross create his paintings on PBS and YouTube, now it’s time to paint your own masterpiece along witha certified Bob Ross instructor. Complete an original painting through guided instruction. Bring an empty pizza box to take your completed painting home and wear clothes that can get paint on them. Each workshop is limited to 10 people. All materials included in fee.
Class#463716-01
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Click here for registration tips for using PRCS Connect

CANCELED -- Innovate Theatre Co: Greekedy
2025-07-18 19:00 - 21:00
This event has been canceled by Innovate Theatre Co.
Comedy or tragedy? Why not both? Announcing Innovate Theatre Company’s debut show! Monty Python meets the Maze Runner in this modern tale based on ancient Greek myths. A community theater production.
Online Tickets $15, At-The-Door Tickets $20

EXHIBIT: Ocean Treasures
2025-07-31 - 2025-09-07 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
Welcome to an exhibit that will immerse you in the treasures of our oceans. Real and imagined beaches, underwater worlds, sea life and maybe some pirate booty! What treasures does the ocean hold for you? Sixty-two pieces of original artwork from Loudoun County and neighboring regional artists; most artwork is for sale.
Join us for the closing reception on Sunday, September 7 from 3:00 – 4:00 pm FREE

Music For Dessert Subscription
2025-07-31 - 2025-09-10
One ticket – 8 concerts!
Your subscription to the Music For Dessert series includes eight 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:
September 10 — (Eli)zabeth Owens, contemporary harp
September 17 — Marjory Serrano-Coyer and Hsin-Yi Chen, Latin composers, violin & piano
September 24 — William Feasley, Mexican Folk Songs for classical guitar
October 1 — Terra Voce, flute & cello duo
October 8 — Maddie Ettrich, indie singer-songwriter
October 29 — Caleb Nei & John Kocur, jazz piano & sax
November 5 — Northern Virginia Flute Circle, Native American flute
November 12 — Justin Lees, jazz guitar
Single tickets to each concert are $15, so this is a savings of $45 for the series if you buy the subscription.
Click here to purchase

River City Puppets: The Wonders of Wiggly River
2025-08-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
River City Puppets presents a new show, written by Paul Strickland. Join an adventurous fisherman and a chatty wish fish as they dive into a world of enchanting folktales! With a cast of fantastical puppet creatures, they unravel the mysteries of a misunderstood river monster. Together, they discover that true friendship lies just beneath the surface, waiting to be found in the most unexpected places.
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

Traditional Tea Ceremony
2025-08-07 18:30 - 20:00 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
(Ages 8+) You are invited to immerse yourself in a traditional tea ceremony to celebrate the Japanese Festival of Tanabata. (七夕) Participants can wear one of our kimonos and decorate a floating lantern on arrival. Quietly observe the tea ceremony demonstration lead by Hiromi Johnson and then participate with a hands on preparation to share matcha tea with friends. Afterwards, you can walk (or drive) to the pond to launch your water lanterns. A serene and reflective cultural experience. Limited to 30 participants.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Tanabata(七夕) in the Park
2025-08-07 19:00 - 20:30 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
Immerse yourself in this traditional celebration that is one of our favorite summer events! Connect with new cultural experiences as you try your hand at origami or kirigami, make a fish print (gyotaku), add tanzaku to the trees in our Sculpture Garden and play some games. End the evening with a lantern float on our pond for a serene and reflective end to our celebration. All activities take place outside near the Sculpture Garden and Pond.
Colorful Tanabata festivals are held across Japan in early July and August. Among the biggest ones are the Tanabata festivals of Sendai in August and Hiratsuka near Tokyo in July. Tanabata (七夕), also known as the “star festival”, takes place on the 7th day of the 7th month of the year, when, according to a Chinese legend, the two stars Altair and Vega, which are usually separated from each other by the Milky Way, are able to meet.
**Tea ceremony held at the Arts Center as a companion event; registration required – see separate listing.

Lopez Studios: High School Musical Jr.
2025-08-09
It’s the first day after winter break at East High. The Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians and Skater Dudes all find their cliques. Basketball team captain and resident jock, Troy, discovers that the brainy Gabriella, a girl he met singing karaoke on his ski trip, has just enrolled at East High. The couple cause an upheaval when they decide to audition for the high school musical. Although many students resent the threat posed to the “status quo,” Troy and Gabriella’s alliance might just open the door for others to shine as well. A community theater production with student actors; runtime 90 minutes with intermission.
Two performances: 2:00pm and 7:00pm
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Discover Your Planetarium
2025-08-13 14:00 - 17:00 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
(Ages 4+) Step inside our inflatable dome planetarium to experience the wonder of space in this short interactive program. Set up on the stage of our theater, with mostly floor seating, the program lasts about 20 minutes. You will be introduced to the constellations visible at this time of year and maybe visit a few planets. Programs beging promptly on hour and half-hour and late arrivals will not be admitted.
This discovery program is “pay-what-you-can” but each person must have a ticket as space is limited to 25 people. Seating is on the floor with cushions. If you require accommodations, please call 540-338-7973 so we can be prepared to welcome you.
Show times are 2:00pm, 2:30pm, 3:00pm, 3:30pm, 4:00pm, 4:30pm
Reserve your ticket here

The Gambler Returns: Ultimate Kenny Rogers Tribute
2025-08-22 19:30 - 21:00
Kenny Rogers had 24 #1 hits in a career that spanned 6 decades. And while Kenny is no longer with us, get ready to relive these great songs performed by a full band, with a performer who is proud to say Kenny Rogers was not only his idol but also his friend. This 90-minute show features Alan Turner, the original country artist who plays Kenny. He has been inducted into the European Academy of Country Music’s Hall of Fame and the Michigan Country Music Hall of Fame. The professionalism and musicianship of this performance will capture your heart and remind you why you have always been a fan of Kenny Rogers!
Tickets: $25 Purchase HERE

Life Model Sketching Workshop
2025-08-25 11:00 - 14:00 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
Franklin Park Arts Center hosts this drawing workshop with a life model to help artists 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 10 students.
There will be breaks, so please feel free to bring lunch/snacks; we do have a refrigerator and microwave and a water bottle filling station. This class will be held in our downstairs greenroom – if you require access without stairs, please contact us 540-338-7973 to make arrangements. Out of respect for the model, doors to the space will be locked during the class time and only class participants will be admitted. You must be 21+ to participate in this class.
Thank you to Friends of Franklin Park Arts Center for sponsoring the model fee.
Class# 463735-02
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Click here for tips on using PRCS Connect

Air Plant Jellyfish Workshop
2025-09-03 10:00 - 11:30
Create a delightful container for your tillandsia ionantha, also known as air or sky plants. We will be utilizing sea anemone shells and beads to create whimsical jellyfish. All materials are provided by NOVA Creative Reuse Center; a Loudoun County non-profit committed to providing affordable art supplies to the community and diverting usable secondhand materials from the waste stream. Air plants and care instructions are provided by Foliage Plant Shop, a local Leesburg business. Materials included in price.
Class# 163781-01
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ON PRCS CONNECT
New to our on-line registration system? Call us 540-338-7973

CALL FOR ENTRY: Patterns
2025-09-08 - 2025-09-09
(Ages 18+) Artists in all mediums, 2D and 3D, are invited to submit artwork that celebrates patterns, found or created. Perhaps you will highlight an interesting pattern of shadows, an architectural pattern or patterns on the wing of a butterfly or the planned patterns of a quilt. Anything goes for this exhibit! Artwork using or created with A.I. must be noted on the entry form. 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: September 11 – October 5
Drop off dates: Monday, September 8 and Tuesday, September 9 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Artwork pick up: Monday, October 6 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Patterns Entry Form
