September 1 - 30, Sunday through Wednesday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Thursday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Artists & Artisans' - last month!

Final month to see photographer Philip Ulanowsky's "Artists & Artisans—15 portraits" at the Visit Loudoun Visitors' Center. A traditional black-and-white film photographer for decades, Ulanowsky crafts his silver-gelatin prints by hand. The mostly traditional and representational artists portrayed were selected for the exceptional quality of their work. The portraits evolved through collaboration over the course of 2025, to attempt to reflect in some way their relationship to their outlook and work. Philip has included artists’ website addresses with the exhibit, allowing visitors to see their work as well and draw a connection to the portrait.

  • Loudoun Visitor Center, 112 South St SE Ste 100, Leesburg
  • Visit the artist's website at imagesinsilver.art/
  • Free

Select Wednesdays, September 9 - November 4, 7 p.m.

Music for Dessert Subscription

Music For Dessert is a live music series meant to “sweeten” your evening with a mid-week performance for in-person and livestreaming audiences. Each week is a different genre of music and with the subscription, you get tickets to all 7 concerts at a reduced rate. Concerts are Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. (see schedule below for dates) All ticket holders will be sent a link to the livestream via email before the concert. See our website for the full performance schedule.

October 1 - November 1, Gallery Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Monday and Tuesday, by appointment only

Harvest: Celebrating Gatherings & Memories

This month, artist Sandra Iafrate will depict the beauty of the harvest season and the enduring connections between food, memory, family, and place. All are invited to see her work displayed throughout the month of October, as well as attend the artist's reception on Saturday, October 17th, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

  • Byrne Gallery, 7 West Washington St, Middleburg, VA
  • Contact us at byrnegallery@aol.com, (540) 687-6986, or visit our website thebyrnegallery.com for more details.
  • This show is free & open to the public.

October through Dedember, Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

B&W Photographs: A Focus on Life

This special selection of new and previous years’ work by award-winning photographer Philip Ulanowsky includes portrait, ballet, landscape, and interiors. These exclusively non-digital, traditional B&W silver-gelatin prints are crafted by hand in the darkroom directly from the film negatives he creates in his cameras. Rather than seeking to grab attention with high contrast, Philip’s vision and printing seek to impart a sense of timeless values in the human experience, sometimes through ironic juxtaposition, offering the viewer an opportunity to slow down and think more deeply about what matters most in life.

October 1 - 3, October 1 at 5:00 p.m., October 2 at 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., October 3 at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival

(Ages 18+) ONE WORLD – ONE WEEK – ONE FESTIVAL. Be part of more than 100,000 film lovers across the world who will unite in over 500 cities on six continents for one reason…to view and vote on the Finalists’ Films in the 29th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival. These short films can be any subject, style and in any language, but what they have in common is the amazing quality of filmmaking. You will be moved, you will laugh, you will be changed — and you will be part of a global audience! Your votes on best film and best actor will contribute to Festival winners and all films are eligible for Oscar nominations. Run time is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes with an intermission. General Admission seating. *These films are not rated and may contain strong language and content not suitable for children.

October 3 and 4 - Opening Reception: Saturday, October 3rd from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Paths Converge

"Paths Converge", an exhibition which brings three women together, each bringing a distinct visual language, perspective and creative process. Their work intersects through a shared commitment to exploration and celebrating the space where different paths converge. Join Lizzy, Dorian, and Leily for an experience in connection through Art.

Saturday, October 3, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Live Music at the Library: Simone Baron's Musical Apothecary Quartet

Experience a blend of accordion, cello, trumpet, and percussion in original chamber music that weaves playful grooves, cinematic harmony, folk textures, and spontaneous interplay.

Sunday, October 4, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Live Music at the Library: Kevin Dudley Trio

Dudley is a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter whose rich baritone and dry humor shape songs steeped in blues and western swing, hinting at influences from Merle Haggard to Robert Johnson.

  • Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road Northwest, Leesburg, VA 20176
  • For more information, please visit our website at loudoun.libnet.info/event/16560874
  • Free, no ticket required

October 7, Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.

Music For Dessert: “Coming Home” - The Music of James Taylor

Music For Dessert is a live music series meant to “sweeten” your evening with a mid-week performance for in-person and livestreaming audiences. Each week is a different genre of music — pick one concert or attend the whole series at a discount. "Coming Home: The Music of James Taylor" is a tribute performance by musician James Gedeon. He and his guitar perform these classic songs with no fanfare – just the pure music and lyrics from a beloved American singer-songwriter. Stories and interesting facts about the music connect audiences to the performance.

Friday, October 9, 7:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Zauq-e-Sukhan: An evening of Ghazals

From the vision of acclaimed chef, poet, and polymath Uday Kamath—renowned for his culinary artistry and for writing numerous ghazals—in collaboration with Musikala, comes Zauq-e-Sukhan: a one-of-a-kind evening celebrating the timeless traditions of poetry, music, and the Nawabi dastarkhān (royal cuisine). It takes place Friday, October 9, 2026 in Ashburn, VA.

Sunday, October 11, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Live Music at the Library: Guitarist Osvaldo Gold

This Uruguayan-born guitarist presents a rich and varied repertoire of classical guitar works by Latin American composers, drawing on the region's distinctive rhythms and melodies.

  • Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls, VA 20165
  • For more information, please visit our website at loudoun.libnet.info/event/17267903
  • Free, no ticket required

Tuesday, October 13, 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Poetry Workshop with Loudoun Youth Laureate Teaching Artist Margaret Banks

The Loudoun Youth Laureate Program invites youth poets between the ages of 12 and 18 to join Teaching Artist Margaret Banks at the Brambleton Library for a poetry writing workshop. All levels are welcome.

October 14, Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.

Music For Dessert: Terry O’Neill and Mike Henry

Music For Dessert is a live music series meant to “sweeten” your evening with a mid-week performance for in-person and livestreaming audiences. Each week is a different genre of music — pick one concert or attend the whole series at a discount. Terry O’Neill and Mike Henry have been performing Traditional Irish music together since meeting in 2024. Terry was drawn to Irish music growing up outside of Washington D.C., where he played alongside legendary bands such as The Irish Tradition and Celtic Thunder. Mike got his start as a guitarist in his native Pittsburgh, sharing the stage with artists such as Vince Gill and John Hartford. This year the two collaborated on a CD titled “Come Here To Me” along with several other musical friends. In concert Terry and Mike present fresh takes on a variety of lively tunes, played with skill in an authentic style.

October 15, Thursday, 6:00 p.m.

Storytelling Open Mic: Still Life

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. Your story can be something that brings the theme to life in your own interpretation. This month’s theme is “Still Life” and we welcome stories about being still, life in general or even a still life painting that affected you. The theme is meant to be encouraging, not limiting, so all stories are welcomed. Reception afterwards in the gallery to enjoy the art exhibit and build community with other tellers.

Sunday, October 18, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Live Music at the Library: KAZ - with Keith Butler Jr., Abe Mamet and Zoe Jorgenson-Speirs

Featuring three vanguards of the East Coast's creative music scenes, this trio weaves their deep roots in jazz, rock, improvisation, and folk into a soft, lush tapestry of peace and togetherness.

  • Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls, VA 20165
  • For more information, please visit our website at loudoun.libnet.info/event/17215270
  • Free, no ticket required

October 21, Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.

Music For Dessert: Kristin Rebecca

Music For Dessert is a live music series meant to “sweeten” your evening with a mid-week performance for in-person and livestreaming audiences. Each week is a different genre of music — pick one concert or attend the whole series at a discount. Kristin Rebecca plays original and traditional folk songs and tunes alternating between playing the Celtic harp and the acoustic guitar to back her vocals. She has performed with concert series, listening rooms, art centers and major festivals, over 1,000 shows in more than 160 cities in 35 states, D.C. and Canada.

Sunday, October 25, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.

Live Music at the Library: Franklin Park Big Band

Listen to iconic themes from movies and television shows as the Franklin Park Big Band brings their high-energy jazz and big band sound to the library. Founded in 2009, the Franklin Park Big Band is a community group that performs throughout Loudoun County, captivating audiences with instrumental and vocal tunes.

Friday, October 30, 11:00 a.m.

Make a Collagraph Print

Participant will learn how to create a collagraph print using recycled cardboard. Then print collagraph on paper. Bring a 10" x 10" piece of cardboard and an X-acto cutter. I provide instructions, printing ink and paper.

Saturday, October 31, 3:00 p.m.

Loudoun Symphony Presents Halloween at Hogwarts

Magical spells, wizards and more! Our program includes spooky classics, music from the wondrous world of Harry Potter and dramatic interludes by Stone Bridge High School theatre students. Come in costume and arrive early for fun pre-concert activities!

  • Stone Bridge High School, 43100 Russell Branch Pkwy., Ashburn
  • Visit www.loudounsymphony.org for all the details.
  • Tickets: $40 Adults, $35 Seniors, $15. Students $15, Youth (12 and under) $5

Saturday, October 31, 4:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Visionaries at the Art Gala

Join us for a multi-stage, immersive experience as a choose-your-own-adventure evening filled with art, music, ideas, and connection. Explore live performances, a curated art gallery, interactive installations, creative workshops, inspiring talks, food & sips, and a crafting of a world that's uniquely your own.

Saturday & Sunday, November 7-8, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Annual Purcellville Artisan Tour

Local artisans will put out the welcome mat from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8, for the 7th annual Purcellville Artisan Tour, sponsored by the Purcellville Arts Council. Find unique and beautiful pieces of art for people on your holiday shopping list! Watch for the list of participating artists, agri-artists, and tour stops.

Saturday, November 14, 7:00 p.m.

Loudoun Lyric Opera presents: Così fan tutte

Dive into the wit and wonder of human comedy with "MainStage Series: Così fan tutte" on November 14, 2026, at 7:00 PM. One night only, prepare to be swept away by Mozart's ingenious work, brought to life in a captivating semi-staged concert production. This exquisite presentation, accompanied by live orchestra, will delight families of all ages and is a great way to get to know one of the finest works in the operatic repertoire.

  • St. David's Episcopal Church 43600 Russell Branch Pkwy, Ashburn, VA 20147
  • Visit us at loudounlyricopera.org or contact us at admin@loudounlyricopera.org
  • $39.99 Adult, $29.99 Senior/Teacher/Veteran/First-Responder, $24.99 Industry Professional/Student, Free for Youth (Under 10). Use code LoudounArtsCouncil for 10% off your order.

Saturday, December 5, 7:30 - 8:15 p.m.

Loudoun Symphony Presents Holiday Stories

Gather your loved ones to make holiday memories at our concert that includes beloved classics, holiday movie themes, the annual singalong and everyone’s favorite – Sleigh Ride!

  • St. David's Episcopal Church, 43600 Russell Branch Pkwy., Ashburn, VA
  • Visit www.loudounsymphony.org for program details and tickets.
  • Tickets: $40 Adults, $35 Seniors, $15 Students and $5 Youth (12 and under).

Sunday, December 6, 3:00-4:15 p.m

Loudoun Symphony Presents Holiday Stories

Gather your loved ones to make holiday memories at our concert that includes beloved classics, holiday movie themes, the annual singalong and everyone’s favorite – Sleigh Ride! Arrive early at 2 PM for fun pre-concert activities including photos with Santa, craft-making and more!

  • Lightridge High School, 41025 Collaboration Drive, Aldie, VA
  • Visit www.loudounsymphony.org for program details and tickets.
  • Tickets: Adults $40, Seniors $35, Students $15 and Youth (12 and under) $5

Sunday, February 14, 3:00 - 5:15 p.m.

Loudoun Symphony Presents Love, Legacy and New Voices

Bring someone you love to experience a sweeping concert featuring lush and emotional music including Prokofiev’s Suite No. 2 from Romeo and Juliet, a passionate work highlighting the dramatic tension, romance and tragedy of Shakespeare’s play. Award-winning cellist James Bail will join the LSO to perform Haydn’s most famous cello concerto, Cello Concerto No. 1. The concert also features Wild Iris by Alan Hankers, which was commissioned to commemorate the LSO’s 35th anniversary.

  • Lightridge High School, 41025 Collaboration Drive, Aldie, VA
  • Visit www.loudounsymphony.org for program details and tickets.
  • Tickets: $40 Adults, $35 Seniors, $15 Students and $5 for Youth 12 and under.

Saturday, March 13, 7:00 p.m.

Loudoun Lyric Opera presents: Cendrillon (Cinderella)

Everyone knows the girl named Cinderella — overlooked, overworked, and dreaming of something more. But in the hands of Pauline Viardot, one of the nineteenth century's most dazzling musical talents, the Cinderella story becomes something intimate and enchanting: a jewel-box opera brimming with wit, warmth, and irresistible melody. Cendrillon follows our heroine from hearth to ballroom, where a lost slipper and a smitten prince set everything right — but the real magic is Viardot's sparkling score for solo piano and voices, written with the elegance of the salon and the heart of a fairy tale.

  • St. David's Episcopal Church 43600 Russell Branch Pkwy, Ashburn, VA 20147
  • Visit us at loudounlyricopera.org or contact us at admin@loudounlyricopera.org
  • $39.99 Adult, $29.99 Senior/Teacher/Veteran/First-Responder, $24.99 Industry Professional/Student, Free for Youth (Under 10); Use Code LoudounArtsCouncil for 10% off your order

Saturday, April 3, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Loudoun Symphony Presents Between Stage and Sky

Join the LSO for a concert featuring inspiring works both old and new. The program includes Mozart’s well-loved Overture to the Magic Flute and Mendelssohn’s glorious Symphony No. 5, famous for tracing a journey from religious struggle to triumph culminating in a powerful portrayal of Martin Luther’s chorale, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” The LSO will also perform the dynamic work, "To the Point" by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, Jennifer Higdon.

  • St. David's Episcopal Church, 43600 Russell Branch Pkwy., Ashburn, VA
  • Visit www.loudounsymphony.org for program details and tickets.
  • Tickets: $40 Adults, $35 Seniors, $15 Students and $5 for Youth (12 and under)

Sunday, June 6, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Loudoun Symphony Presents Portraits of America

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the LSO will present a program by American composers including Samuel Barber and William Grant Still. Pianist Jeffrey Biegel who has performed as soloist for major orchestras around the world will join the LSO to perform Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Peter Boyer’s Rhapsody in Red White and Blue.

  • Lightridge High School, 23115 Learning Circle, Ashburn, VA
  • Visit www.loudounsymphony.org for program details and tickets.
  • Tickets: $40 Adults, $35 Seniors, $15 Students, $5 Children (5 and under).