Mt. Vernon Nights

FREE - Live Music at the Workhouse

This series of free, public concerts at the Workhouse Arts Center features a variety of musical performances reflecting Fairfax County’s diversity, culture, and community spirit.

Bring a picnic dinner and a blanket and enjoy one of Fairfax County’s special summer traditions. Food and beverages are also available for purchase. Start your evening early at the Workhouse by exploring its vibrant arts scene prior to the show.

Mt Vernon Nights FAQs

Q: What time is the concert?

A: Concerts begin on select Saturday nights (in June, July and August).  Musicians will take the stage at 8:00pm.  Concerts will run 60-75 minutes without intermission. Listings for the performers Mt Vernon Nights’ Concert Series for Workhouse Arts Center (and all Fairfax County Park venues) may be found here:  https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/mt-vernon-nights.  

Q: How do I purchase/reserve tickets? What is the cost of tickets?

A: Thanks to the generosity of the Fairfax County Park Authority and the wonderful sponsors that support this series, tickets are free-of-charge for most nights, and no reservations are necessary. (Please note that June 18 and July 2 are special engagements that do require ticket purchase.)  Mount Vernon Nights series is presented in partnership with the Mt. Vernon District Supervisor, supporters of Mount Vernon Nights, Fairfax County Park Authority, Fairfax County Park Foundation, and generous contributions from the following sponsors: Wegmans, Dominion Energy, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, and Workhouse Arts Center.

Q: Where may I park? Is there a fee?
A: There is plenty of free parking on our fully ADA accessible campus lots. 

Q: Are the concerts suitable for all ages?

A: Yes!  All of the performances are appropriate for every member of your family, including the stand-up comedy opening acts which will feature language and material appropriate for all ages.

Q: May I bring my dog?

A: Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. We do require that guests clean up after them, as necessary. (Service animals are always welcome at any time.)

Q: Will there be seating available, or should I bring my own lawn chair?

A: The Workhouse does have folding chairs available for use- these are similar to what you may find at an outdoor wedding. Guests are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs or picnic blankets from home, if they prefer.

Q: Will there be food and drinks for sale? May I bring food and drinks?

A: Guests are permitted to bring food and/or non-alcoholic beverages to the campus. Due to the nature of our ABC license, alcoholic products not purchased on site are not in compliance with our VA ABC license. The Workhouse will have some beverages and snacks available for a la carte purchase.

Q: Will you have restrooms available?

A: At least one of our buildings (building W3) will remain open throughout the concert for access and will remain open for at least 30 minutes after the concert is over.

Q: Will artist studios, galleries and the Lucy Burns Museum be open?

A: These buildings generally close by 6pm, we encourage you to arrive early to explore these parts of our campus. On the Second Saturday of every month, buildings will remain open until 9pm

Q: Will this be indoors or outdoors?

A: The concerts will be held outdoors in the large tented Rizer Pavilion in our central quad. In addition to the seating options within the pavilion, many guests do bring picnic blankets or lawn chairs to set up on the sides and front of the pavilion.

Q: What happens if it rains? Will the concert be cancelled?

A: If there is a light rain, it is likely that the performance will still go on as planned. If there is heavy rain/storm or rain with gusty winds, the performance will likely be cancelled or postponed.  Weather decisions are generally made just before 6pm each night. For last minute performance cancellations due to inclement weather, call the HOTLINE at 703-324-SHOW (7469), which will be updated at approximately 6pm.

Q: I have a band and I would like to perform in this series in the future, what should I do?

A: This series is produced and programmed by Fairfax County Park Authority and Workhouse Arts Center. For Park Authority bookings, please contact them directly for more information at: 703-324-4769  For potential Workhouse Arts Center bookings, please send an email to PerformingArts@WorkhouseArts.org or leave your business card with any Workhouse Arts Center staff member.

Support the Workhouse Arts Center

The Workhouse Arts Center, a project of the Workhouse Arts Foundation, raises funds to fuel inspiration and provide engaging, multidisciplinary community arts experiences for nearly 100,000 visitors every year. Make a tax-deductible contribution to support Workhouse and its programs today!

Workhouse Arts Foundation is grateful for the support of the following partners: