For a second consecutive year, Capital One’s headquarters campus in Tysons will transform for a weekend into a showcase for the arts.
The Celebration of the Arts is set to return to Capital One Center (1820 Capital One Drive South) this fall, bringing workshops, entertainment, food, an artisan market and more.
Organized by Capital One Center staff and the company’s Capital One Arts program in partnership with Reston’s Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art (Tephra ICA), the free outdoor festival will unfold across Capital One’s 35-acre development from noon to 6 p.m. on Sept. 19 and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sept. 20.
“We are thrilled to welcome the community to Capital One Center for this significant festival, which celebrates experiential art and the spirit of Tysons,” Capital One Center Managing Director Steve Stavropoulos said. “From local artists to world-renowned visionaries, this festival reflects our continued commitment to elevate Capital One Center as an arts and entertainment destination through innovative experiences that inspire and connect, and further strengthen our partnership with Tephra ICA.”
Capital One Center introduced the arts festival last year as part of a push to encourage more activity at the street level, which has gradually become busier with the addition of restaurants like Sisters Thai and Starr Hill Brewpub as well as the opening of Metro Park outside the McLean Metro station.
A similar goal also inspired the creation of a Culinary Week showcase for the development’s dining establishments that’s returning for a second year this week.
The second annual Celebration of the Arts will feature “more intentional, curated spaces that allow for different artists’ forms to be celebrated and highlighted,” according to Erin Mical, Capital One’s vice president of global workplace services.
“With our kids’ park across the street, we’re starting to make connections to the other spaces outside of Capital One Center that are newer to our project,” Mical told FFXnow, referring to the Capital One East Park playground that opened last September.
Making their debut this year will be an “Art Bark” pop-up for dogs and their humans, a “Kids Park” and other activities at Metro Park.
Attendees can also expect a return of the popular “Battle of the Artists” competition, live musical performances, plenty of activities for kids, workshops allowing them to learn different crafts, and curated food and drinks available for purchase from food trucks and Capital One Center’s restaurants.
“There is something for everyone at every age, and we are really glad to be continuing this fabulous tradition,” Mical said.
A full line-up of performers and participating artists hasn’t been released yet, but Capital One Center is encouraging interested attendees to register in advance for free through Eventbrite.
