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Explore the Fairfax Stage Door Canteen with us!

  • 6 Days
  • 40+ Performances
  • and an Art Contest, too!
Imagine it’s 1942 and you are a young GI on twenty-four hour leave in New York City.  You are looking for a place to dance, have a sandwich and maybe meet someone famous.  You end up at the Stage Door Canteen on Broadway, run by the American Theatre Wing, which featured “No liquor but damned good anyways.” By November 1945, Stage Door Canteens were operating in eight US cities and London and Paris. Together, they entertained and fed 11 million Allied servicemen.

To celebrate 40 years of supporting the arts the 2025 Spotlight on the Arts Festival will capture the vibe and energy of the Stage Door Canteen right here in Fairfax!  We will turn the Performance Space of the Sherwood Center into our very own Stage Door Canteen.  Over the weekends of April 25 – 27 and May 2-4, you will be able to see some wonderful concerts and shows! In addition to the great line up at Sherwood you can go to Old Town Square to hear DC Starlight Orchestra play the big band hits of the era.  Spend an evening under the stars with the City of Fairfax Theatre company at Veterans Amphitheater.  Check out the finalists of the Spotlight on the Arts Art Contest, sponsored by Capital One Hall.  And so much more to attend and see in Fairfax!  For the full schedule click below!
Schedule of Events

It’s back! Spotlight is thrilled to host the 2nd Annual Capital One Hall Art Contest, where you will select the winners. The contest is open to everyone and there is no fee to enter.  The top three artists will each be presented with a cash award (and bragging rights!) at the Spotlight Opening Reception.  Check out our Art Contest page to find out all the contest details and information on how to submit artwork.

Art Contest

Spotlight on the Arts is celebrating its 40th year and you are the reason for its continued success.  Your event attendance, and financial support, ensures that the arts will continue to thrive in the City of Fairfax.

Thank you so much for your support. Donations of any size are welcome!

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  • April 25 – April 27 & May 2 - May 4, 2025

Upcoming from Spotlight on the Arts

Spotlight Accent
Fairfax Uncorked

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! 

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