Illumination 250
Shining a Light on Creativity, Discovery, and Community
Illumination 250 celebrates the transformative power of creativity to connect, inspire, and illuminate. As America marks its 250th anniversary, the 2026 Spotlight on the Arts Festival will shine a light on the ideas, stories, and innovations that define Fairfax’s rich cultural identity.
This year’s theme highlights:
- Creativity expressed across music, theatre, dance, film, literature, and visual arts
- Discovery through both artistic exploration and emerging technologies
- Community through shared experiences, participation, and collaborative imagination
The festival will bring together local artists, students, performers, makers, technologists, and the public, united by light, motion, sound, and the joy of creative expression and discovery.
- April 24 – May 3, 2026
Upcoming from Spotlight on the Arts
Fairfax Uncorked – Jazz and Wine Festival
Saturday, May 6, 3:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Historic Blenheim
As a part of the annual Spotlight on the Arts Festival, this event will highlight the amazing talent of our Mason Jazz musicians while participants enjoy the fine fruits of local Virginia Wineries. There will be food available for purchase on site, so please do NOT bring any additional food or alcohol to the event. Feel free to bring your blankets and lawn chairs!