Provided by Hylton Performing Arts Center
Building on the legacy of the former Prince William County Arts Council, the Hylton Performing Arts Center and Prince William County join forces to cosponsor the annual Arts Alive! Festival, which returns this fall to the Hylton Center on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Arts Alive! reflects what makes the Hylton Center so special, serving as a home where our community comes together through shared creative experiences,” stated Carolyn Hays, executive director of the Hylton Center. “We’re thrilled to cosponsor this event alongside Prince William County to present this free festival, which has expanded this year with two additional hours of programming and a headlining act. With everything from beach balls and bubbles to karaoke to hands-on activities, there truly is something for everyone. We look forward to welcoming neighbors of all ages this September!”
The free, family-friendly festival showcases performances and visual arts from across the region. Children and adults alike can enjoy multiple stages of performances, hands-on makerspace workshops, karaoke, and a Bubbles and Beach Balls Dance Party, as well as a Book Nook with special guest readers, spoken word poetry readings, food trucks, a wine and beer garden, and a local artist showcase and sale.
“We’re proud to partner with the Hylton Performing Arts Center to cosponsor this year’s Arts Alive! Festival,” said Seth Hendler-Voss, director of Prince William County Parks and Recreation. “The arts serve as more than entertainment—they help create connection, strengthen local identity, support the economy, and make a community a more vibrant place to live.”
This year’s Arts Alive! features a special headliner performance by political satire comedy troupe Capitol Fools, who will entertain audiences with irreverent song parodies, over-the-top impressions, and fast-paced takes on the day’s news that reach across the aisle to skewer politicians of all persuasions. Recommended for ages 13 and up, the performance will take place at 12 p.m. in Merchant Hall. The event is free and no tickets are required. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Visit the Arts Alive! Festival webpage for a full schedule of activities and events.
Event Sponsors:
Ron Harris, Katherine Nelson-Tracey Voice and Piano Studio and New Dominion Choraliers of Prince William County, Whitlock Wealth, NOVEC, Loveless Porter Architects, LLC, Connery Strategies, CAREvolution, artWORKS Collaborative — Didlake Foundation and ARTfactory Partnership
About the Hylton Performing Arts Center
Dedicated to bringing a world-class performing arts venue to the Prince William region, the Hylton Performing Arts Center was born out of a partnership among Prince William County, George Mason University, the City of Manassas, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and individuals and businesses in the private sector. Soaring more than nine stories with a stunning mix of copper, glass, and masonry, the 102,000-square-foot center features three stunning performance venues and a gallery, alongside spaces for rehearsals, classes, and events that support the full life cycle of artistic creation for local arts groups, global performers, and university-related activities. A Mason Arts venue, the Hylton Performing Arts Center is managed by George Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts. Situated within Innovation Park, the Hylton Center serves as the cultural hub of Prince William County and surrounding communities, providing a vibrant community focal point for the corporate, academic, and scientific facilities located throughout the Park.
About George Mason University
George Mason University, Virginia’s largest public research university, is located near Washington, D.C., and enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. George Mason has grown rapidly over the last half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched Mason Now: Power the Possible, a one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. gmu.edu.
