Beyond Loudoun County’s wine country and horse farms, this picturesque region in Virginia attracts visitors with its passion for art, history and world-class entertainment. Whether you’re spending an afternoon exploring Leesburg’s Arts and Cultural District, rocking out to a cover band at the Tally Ho Theater, or learning about agricultural history in Sterling, Loudoun County is home to must-visit cultural attractions and venues just 25 miles west of Washington, D.C.
Take a Self-Guided Art Walk
Your first stop should be the Leesburg Arts and Cultural District for a self-guided tour of the town’s public art displays. From sculptures to murals, these works of art add to Leesburg’s charm. Highlights include the Discover Charm Mural, a mix of cartoon drawings in black, white and teal painted on one of the town’s public buildings, and the eye-catching Journey to Freedom Mural – a riveting depiction of the town’s Underground Railroad history painted on the side of the Loudoun Museum. Of course, you must pose for a picture in front of the famed LOVEwork sculpture. This 7-foot-tall sculpture crafted from bike parts and steel spells out the word ‘LOVE.’ You’ll find multiple LOVEwork sculptures throughout Loudoun County, so keep your eyes peeled.
Discover Spectacular Art at Loudoun’s Galleries
Whether you’re a collector or simply an art enthusiast, Leesburg is home to two galleries offering beautiful prints – the perfect opportunity to take a piece of Loudoun County home with you. For fine art prints and original works, head to the Gleedsville Art Gallery. The Medlin Art Gallery offers an extensive collection of paintings for sale, from original works to limited-edition and antique prints. The gallery also features rotating exhibits. The most recent showcase celebrated the 50th anniversary of the moon landing with artwork from former astronaut and artist Alan Bean.
In Middleburg, spend some time at the Byrne Gallery. Opened in 1995, the museum strives to feature a diverse collection of artists in every medium and style. The gallery is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday and features an array of rotating and permanent exhibits. For example, a recent Winter Landscapes exhibition showcased breathtaking snow-covered scenes from the contributing artists’ hometowns. The gallery also displays jewelry, accessories and gifts from local artisans.
Experience a Blast from the Past at Loudoun’s Museums
If you love history, Leesburg’s Loudoun Museum is considered the “official repository” for Loudoun County’s rich past. No two visits to the museum are the same, thanks to the rotating exhibits. Recent exhibitions include “Caught in the Maelstrom of Civil War: Loudoun County Divided” and “Vintage Pursuits: Cultivating A Virginia Wine Industry.” You can also check out the museum’s virtual exhibits online, from a story map of Loudoun’s cemeteries to a video series detailing how some of the county’s small towns have changed throughout the years.
Don’t leave Leesburg without visiting Morven Park, home to the historic Davis Mansion, two museums, scenic gardens and sprawling nature trails. Take a guided tour of the mansion, a 240-year-old estate that belonged to former Virginia Governor Westmoreland Davis. As you explore the various rooms in the estate, you’ll see the personal quarters and the library – all still furnished with original 16th-century items such as tapestries and silver. Be sure to visit The Winmill Carriage Museum, home to 40 antique carriages, coaches, sleds and carts, or learn about foxhunting history at The Museum of Hounds & Hunting of North America.
Calling all sports enthusiasts – if you love unique sporting history, from horse racing to foxhunting, Middleburg’s National Sporting Museum and Library is a must-visit. Free to the public, the museum features collections of art and literature preserving the history of equestrian, angling and field sports. Featured art includes paintings, sculptures and artifacts showcasing the thrill of the hunt, Loudoun’s horse heritage and polo history. Rotating exhibitions keep the experience fresh, with past exhibits highlighting equine art, celebrations of nature and the history of African American horsemen in racing.
History lovers shouldn’t miss the Lovettsville Historical Society Museum. Located off the beaten path in an unassuming white-plank building with a tin roof, this tiny museum showcases Lovettsville’s German heritage. Perfect for a brief detour, the museum houses photographs, historical documents, genealogy records and artifacts, from various tools to household items such as an antique quilt and a working vintage telephone.
In Sterling, the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum puts a fun twist on agricultural history with interactive exhibits perfect for the whole family. Explore 100 years of Loudoun County history through displays featuring newspaper clippings, clothing and other artifacts. Learn how to milk a cow and collect eggs at the interactive Children’s Farm, or tour the Waxpool General Store, an authentic recreation of the stores of the past. In addition, the museum routinely hosts interactive stations that allow guests to learn the art of corn shelling, pressing cider, and making apple butter.
There’s No Business, Like Show Business at Loudoun’s Theaters
From Broadway-style musicals and concerts to laugh-out-loud comedy performances, Loudoun County offers a variety of options for a perfect night at the theater.
In Ashburn, the StageCoach Theatre Company enjoys being the only dinner theater in Loudoun County, offering a mix of traditional stage productions, interactive performances, magic shows and more. Play detective for the night at one of their murder mystery dinner shows. Expect the unexpected with Sly Magic at his Las Vegas-style magic show. Or, enjoy classic musicals such as The Wizard Of Oz. You’ll laugh until you cry when the theater’s improv troupe, the StageCoach Bandits, take the stage. And for adults-only humor, sketch comedy group Rated S delivers shock-level laughs – this isn’t your mama’s comedy show.
If you love cover bands, indie rock and musical tributes, head to the Tally Ho Theater in downtown Leesburg. Located in a renovated concert hall, the venue may be small, but the performances are larger than life. Whether you’re singing along with an AC/DC cover band or grooving to the ’70s greatest hits, Tally Ho delivers a great night out on the town. Even better, the theater is home to four bars serving craft brews, wine and cocktails. Need a late-night bite? The theater recently expanded to include a restaurant.
The Franklin Park Arts Center in Purcellville is Loudoun County’s premier venue for professional and community performances, from riveting plays to musicals, concerts, dance recitals and puppet shows. Established in 2008, the center continues to grow into a cultural hub for Loudoun County. It’s home to the Cabin Film Fest, which celebrates local filmmakers and films shot in Purcellville. During your visit, stop by the art gallery highlighting local artists and the outdoor sculpture garden.
Events for All Seasons in Loudoun County
No matter the time of year, visitors can celebrate art, culture and entertainment in Loudoun County.
Kick off the fall Bavarian style at Lovettsville Oktoberfest. Taking place in late September, this event celebrates Lovettsville’s businesses, heritage and traditions over two fun-filled days with live music performances, craft beer and over 100 vendors selling local wares and food such as homemade jerky, handcrafted jewelry and pottery. Also, don’t miss out on the Weiner dog races for a good laugh!
In October, the Middleburg Film Festival attracts film lovers worldwide with its charming setting, high-profile films and events. Recent guests include director Rian Johnson (Knives Out) and actor Brendon Fraser (The Whale). For four days, you’ll wine, dine and celebrate the art of cinema while rubbing elbows with celebrities.
There’s no better way to celebrate the holidays than Christmas in Middleburg Parade every December. Perfect for the whole family, the event will surely get you in the Christmas spirit with tree lightings, a Christmas parade featuring Santa Claus, and live caroling throughout the city.
As winter turns to spring, Loudoun County rings in the warmer weather with the Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival on the third weekend in April. Over 125 vendors come together to showcase their wares, from gardening supplies to local plants, flowers and outdoor furniture. In addition, live musical performances will keep you entertained while you sip a craft brew at the rooftop beer garden.
Purcellville is the place to be in the summer when some of the best wineries, distilleries and restaurants come together at the Purcellville Wine and Food Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors every July. Sip fine varietals from wineries such as Bluemont Vineyard. Sample spirits from cideries like Henway Hard Cider Company and Winchester Ciderworks. Or, dine on local flavors from vendors featuring mouthwatering cuisine, from barbecue to sweet treats.
As summer continues, music lovers should head to Leesburg, which hosts two popular music festivals. From July through September, visitors can enjoy music from various genres and decades at Tarara Summer Concert Series. In September, Crossroads Musical Festival takes over downtown Leesburg and lets guests rock out for a good cause. All proceeds from the event benefit charities serving children throughout Loudoun County.
