Fairfax County is fortunate to have an incredible performing arts scene with some world-class venues. Whether you are seeking outdoor concerts under the stars, intimate indie concerts, or cultural productions, you’ll find it here.

One of those venues is the Center for the Arts at George Mason University, the performing arts venue located at the largest public university in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Year after year, the Center hosts an eclectic lineup of artists and ensembles that span genres – and the 2025/2026 season has just been announced.

Here’s what you’ll find on the Center for the Arts stage this season. Subscription sales go on sale May 30, 2025 and individual event tickets are on sale August 1, 2025.

 

ARTS by George! Fundraiser supporting Mason Arts

Center for the Arts at George Mason University - Lea SolangaPhoto Courtesy of Center for the Arts at George Mason University

The entire season kicks off with George Mason University’s annual ARTS by George! fundraiser, which supports student scholarships at the University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, as well as the Mason Community Arts Academy, Green Machine Ensembles, and the Great Performances at Mason season. The 2025/2026 event on September 27, 2025 will be headlined by Darren Criss, a Tony-nominated and Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor and singer, who will perform songs from his extensive career, including those from Glee and from his stints on Broadway.

 

Virginia Opera
CFA 2024/25: Virginia Opera Carmen

​Photo courtesy Center for the Arts

Virginia Opera returns to the Center for the Arts stage this Fall. This season is bringing compelling and artistic operatic performances to audiences with two new productions:

 

Family Series

Copy of CFA 2025/26: Family Series - Peppa Pig
Photo courtesy Center for the Arts

The beloved Family Series continues this year with a selection of theatrical and musical performances that will delight and educate youngsters, in addition to garnering giggles and wide eyes.

 

Orchestra & Brass

CFA 2025/26: Symphony Orchestra with Yo-Yo Ma
Photo courtesy Center for the Arts

Classical music aficionados will enjoy dazzling performances by internationally renowned artists paired with some of the world’s most celebrated orchestras.

 

World Culture

CFA 2025/26: Les Ballets Africains - World Culture​Photo courtesy Center for the Arts

Find inspiration in themes and music from around the world with some unique cultural performances, in the genres of music, dance, acrobatics, and advanced puppetry.

 

Holidays

CFA 2025/26: Chanticleer
​Photo courtesy Center for the Arts

Celebrate the warmth of the holiday season with cheerful vocalist ensembles, virtuoso fiddlers, holiday orchestral favorites, and traditional carols.

 

Piano

CFA 2023/24: Brian Ganz - Theatre and Arts - Piano
​Photo courtesy Center for the Arts

Relax to the sounds of the ivories with returning favorites and award-winning voices.

 

Dance and A Showcase of Performances

CFA 2025/26: 360 All Stars
​Photo courtesy Center for the Arts

You’ll be blown away by the irresistible, revolutionary, and impossibly complex dance performances to grace the Center for the Arts stage.

 

For even more performances and special events, be sure to keep tabs on https://cfa.calendar.gmu.edu as Mason's School of Dance, Dewberry School of Music, and the Mason School of Theatre also put on shows throughout the year.

Who are you most excited to see on the Center for the Arts stage? Tell us in the comments below and share your experiences with us on social media using #FXVA and @VisitFairfax.