Bright Beats offers a bi-weekly afterschool music program featuring sing-alongs, rhythm activities, movement, and instrument play at Franklin Sherman ES. In these Enhanced Autism Classrooms, we support children with diverse learning and communication needs while having lots of fun!

Session Time: 3:15 - 4:00pm Mondays
Session Dates:  October 2026 - June 2027

Family sign up here.
Volunteer sign up here.

Bright Beats brings an engaging, inclusive music program to Dolley Madison Library! Families are invited to join us for monthly sessions featuring sing-alongs, rhythm activities, and instrument exploration. This program is designed for children of all abilities, including those with developmental needs. Siblings are welcome. 

Session Days: Fridays or Saturdays
Session Dates: October 2026 – June 2027
Session Times: Follow us on Instagram for the latest schedule updates

Family sign up here.
Volunteer sign up here.

Bright Beats is excited to spread holiday cheer through our 2026 Christmas Gift Program! In partnership with local schools and community organizations, we hope to bring joy to children and families in our community by providing thoughtful Christmas gifts.

Participation is completely free and voluntary. Gifts are limited and subject to availability. Interested in participating? Please email Bright Beats to request the signup link.

📅 Registration Deadline: November 8, 2026

Bright Beats is excited to join the 2026 Special Education Family Conference as a community partner. Organized by Fairfax County Public Schools, this no-cost, in-person event brings together families, staff, and community partners to explore special education services, supports, and resources and to build meaningful connections. 

Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026

Time: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Bright Beats is excited to join the Annual ASNV–POAC Holiday Party again this year, one of the most loved community events of the season! Bright Beats will host an interactive music session filled with singing, instrument play, and joyful opportunities for kids and families to connect through music. 

Date: Sunday, December 6, 2026

Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Bright Beats brings inclusive, interactive summer music experiences to Dolley Madison Library! Families are invited to join us for summer sessions featuring sing-alongs, rhythm activities, movement, and instrument exploration. Children of all abilities are welcome, including those with developmental needs. Siblings are encouraged to participate.

📅 Dates: July 10, July 24, August 7, August 21, 2026

⏰ Time: Fridays, 3:00–4:00 PM

📍 Location: 1244 Oak Ridge Avenue , McLean, VA 22101

Family sign up here.
Volunteer sign up here.

Bright Beats returns for a third summer at Pimmit Hills Early Childhood Center's Preschool Autism Classrooms! Through sing-alongs, musical movement, and hands-on instrument exploration, children will enjoy fun, engaging, and inclusive music experiences.

📅 July 2 - 30, 2026
📍 7510 Lisle Ave, Falls Church, VA 22043

High school and middle school students interested in making a difference through music are encouraged to volunteer. 

Bright Beats offers a bi-weekly afterschool music program featuring sing-alongs, rhythm activities, movement, and instrument play at Franklin Sherman ES. In these Enhanced Autism Classrooms, we support children with diverse learning and communication needs while having lots of fun!

Session Time: 3:15 - 4:00pm Mondays
Session Dates: 

01/26,  02/09,  02/23,  03/09, 03/23, 04/13, 04/27, 05/11, 05/18, 06/01  

06/15  (year-end celebration and award ceremony)

Family sign up here.
Volunteer sign up here.

Bright Beats brings an engaging, inclusive music program to Dolley Madison Library! Families are invited to join us for monthly sessions featuring sing-alongs, rhythm activities, and instrument exploration. This program is designed for children of all abilities, including those with developmental needs. Siblings are welcome. 

January session: Saturday 4:00 -5:00pm January 24, 2026  

February session: Friday 5:00 - 6:00 pm February 27, 2026 

March session: Friday 5:00 - 6:00 pm March 27, 2026 

April session: Autism Acceptance Month - see special events below 

May session: Saturday 4:00 - 5:00 pm May 23, 2026 

Summer sessions: Friday 3:00 - 4:00 pm 07/10, 07/24, 08/07, 08/21

Fall sessions: upcoming

Family sign up here.
Volunteer sign up here.

This year’s theme, “What Brings You Joy,” invites children and teens (ages 3 –17) with disabilities and/or special educational needs to express what brings them joy, connection, and inspiration through art. Our goal is to celebrate each child’s unique perspective and create an inclusive event that encourages creativity and self-expression.

🗓   Submission Window: March 1 – March 31, 2026
🔗 Judging Period: April 1 – April 30, 2026

🏆 Award Announcement: by May 31, 2026 - follow our Instagram for award announcements and featured young artists
🌐 Competition Details: https://www.brightbeats.org/news-and-events/art-competition

Participation is completely free, and every participant will receive a digital certificate and award badge. Selected artworks will receive additional recognition as Featured Artists.

Bright Beats is excited to join the 2026 Special Education Family Conference as a community partner. Organized by Fairfax County Public Schools, the conference brings together families, educators, and community organizations under the theme “Stronger Together: Connecting Families & Schools.” 

Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026

Time: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Bright Beats will participate in the ASNV Autism Walk & Family Funfest as a community partner at this year’s resource fair. Hosted by the Autism Society of Northern Virginia, the event brings together families, community organizations, and supporters to celebrate inclusion and raise awareness for the autism community.

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Bright Beats will participate in the 2026 Summer Extravaganza as a community partner and exhibitor. Hosted by Fairfax County Public Schools, this event brings together families and community organizations to connect and explore summer learning opportunities. Stop by to learn more about our inclusive music programs and enjoy interactive activities. 

Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM