Though it may be small solace for not knowing when their next paycheck may come, a night of music or theater could become at least a temporary escape for the thousands of workers affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown.
That’s what George Mason University hopes to provide by offering free tickets to select artistic performances for federal employees and contractors.
“In times of uncertainty, Mason Arts recognizes the importance of the arts as a source of comfort and connection,” College of Visual and Performing Arts Dean Rick Davis said. “This fall, we are glad to extend an offer of free tickets to selected shows to those affected by the current government shutdown, building on a previous initiative. With this gesture, we reaffirm our commitment to our community.”
Announced on Monday (Oct. 6), the offer includes upcoming events at the Center for the Arts and Harris Theatre on GMU’s Fairfax campus, along with ones at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on the Science and Technology Campus in Manassas:
Fairfax campus
- Great Performances at Mason
- Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel: Chopin — The Romantic (Oct. 12 at 7 p.m.)
- Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (Oct. 25 at 8 p.m.)
- Family Series
- Laurie Berkner Band (Oct. 18 at 3 p.m.)
- George Mason Student Performances
- Mason Choirs Concert: Timeless: Choral Voices Across the Centuries (Oct. 14 at 8 p.m.)
- Mason Symphony Orchestra Concert Fall 2025 (Oct. 15 at 8 p.m.)
- Mason Jazz Ensemble Concert: Fall 2025 (Oct. 23 at 8 p.m.)
- Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Oct. 30-Nov. 2)
Manassas campus
- Hylton Presents: Time for Three (Oct. 26 at 2 p.m.)
- American Roots Series: Chatham County Line (Oct. 25 at 5 p.m.)
- Matinee Idylls — Virginia Opera: A Taste of Opera (Oct. 14 at 1:30 p.m.)
Eligible workers can reserve up to two tickets per event by phone or in person. They will be asked to show proof of their employment with a government agency or contractor by the box office, according to a press release.
The College of Visual and Performing Arts made a similar gesture in March, offering free tickets as a show of support for federal workers and contractors recently fired or laid off by the Trump administration.
Yesterday, IRS workers joined the ranks of roughly 750,000 federal employees currently on furlough, as Senate Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked on an agreement to fund most agencies.
Affected Virginia residents can apply for unemployment benefits during the shutdown, but they will be required to repay any funds they receive once they return to work.
Fairfax County has also highlighted a number of resources for workers in need of assistance, including options for relief if they can’t pay for child care or other services. The Board of Supervisors has extended the deadline for paying car taxes to Nov. 5, though it’s unclear how many people will take advantage of the move, given that it came a day after the original deadline.
Many businesses around the D.C. area are offering deals to federal workers affected by the shutdown, from discounted food and drinks to free admission to museums. The Smithsonian Institution’s museums remain open, but only until Oct. 11, when their remaining funds from the previous fiscal year will dry up.
