Fairfax City is in the running to be ranked among the nation’s best small town arts scenes.
USA Today’s panel of independent editors nominated Fairfax for Best Small Town Arts Scene in its 10Best awards. There are 20 communities across the U.S. nominated in the category, including Abingdon in Southwest Virginia.
ArtsFairfax, Fairfax County’s arts agency that also promotes the arts in the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church, is encouraging the public to support Fairfax in the public voting process.
“The recognition from USA Today truly celebrates our hundreds of local artists and organizations who tirelessly bring their talent, skill, and commitment to our community year-round,” Stuart Holt, president and CEO of ArtsFairfax, told FFXnow. “Naming the City of Fairfax in particular puts a spotlight on how arts and culture events, as well as an investment in public art, can create a vibrant sense of character and place.”
Fairfax City is home to a variety of arts events, from its Funday Monday family programs, Old Town Hall Performance Series and Mini Art Vending Machine to major festivals like the Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts the Asian Festival on Main and City of Fairfax Fall Festival with hundreds of arts and crafts vendors.
Here’s what USA Today said about Fairfax in the 10Best nomination:
Fairfax, Virginia, blends small‑town charm with a vibrant arts scene. Local galleries, public art, and community‑driven programs flourish thanks to strong cultural support from organizations like ArtsFairfax, which expands access to diverse performances and visual arts across the region. Engaging events such as ARTScreen film nights and family-friendly programs at Old Town Hall help foster a warm, community-centered arts atmosphere that welcomes both locals and visitors to experience Fairfax’s creative spirit.
Voting is underway through noon on Monday, Feb. 16 for USA Today’s 10Best rankings.
