Plan Your Visit: Classes, Theatre, Events & Room Rentals
McLean Community Center is a cultural and educational community hub offering children’s classes, adult learning, summer camps, arts programs, senior activities, live performances and event rentals.
Whether you’re visiting the Alden Theatre, registering for a class or reserving a room, find the address, operating hours, fees and next steps here.
Quick Facts: Address, Hours & Contact
McLean, VA 22101
Regular building hours
Fri from 8 AM; Sat from 9 AM
Regular hours
Main phone: 703-790-0123
Email: mail@mcleancenter.org
Class registration: 703-744-9365
Facility rentals: 703-744-9362
McLean Community Center Opening Hours
| Day | Opening | Closing |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Thursday | 8 AM | 11 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM | Midnight |
| Saturday | 9 AM | Midnight |
| Sunday | Noon | 6 PM |
These are the main building’s published operating hours. Individual classes, theatre performances, art-gallery visits and rentals follow their own schedules.
Holiday Closures
The center publishes closures on major holidays and certain local government observances. These include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, George Washington’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and the following Friday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and McLean Day.
On New Year’s Eve, the center normally closes at 5 PM rather than following its standard evening schedule.
For 2026, the official calendar lists Election Day on November 3, Veterans Day on November 11, Thanksgiving closures November 26–27 and Christmas closures December 24–25.
What Is Inside McLean Community Center?
383-seat theatre hosting comedy, music, dance, family shows and film.
McLean Project for the Arts exhibitions and creative programs.
Spaces for dance, music, workshops, lectures and hands-on learning.
Divisible rooms for receptions, meetings, classes and gatherings.
Available with applicable event-rental arrangements.
A separate facility at 1440 Chain Bridge Road.
Do You Need a Membership to Visit?
There is no published all-purpose gym-style membership required simply to enter the main Community Center. Admission, program registration and fees depend on the activity.
Some community events and exhibitions are free, while paid classes, camps and performances require separate registration or tickets.
Is There a Swimming Pool or Fitness Gym?
The main McLean Community Center does not advertise a public indoor swimming pool or a traditional weight-training fitness gym. Visitors looking for swimming, lap lanes or fitness equipment should consider a dedicated Fairfax County recreation facility instead.
Children’s Classes, Camps & Adult Programs
McLean Community Center provides classes for young children, teenagers, adults and families. The exact schedule and tuition depend on the program season.
| Program | Examples | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Early childhood | Music Together, creative movement, preschool arts and family classes. | Child age, caregiver participation and class dates. |
| School-age children | Dance, music, theatre, arts, science and skill-building workshops. | Grade or age range, materials and availability. |
| Teen activities | Theatre, creative arts, leadership and social recreation. | Program location, age eligibility and permission forms. |
| Adults | Tai chi, dance, art, enrichment, languages and education. | Required experience and course fees. |
| Summer camps | Camp McLean, instructional camps, Shakespeare and arts programs. | Camp calendar, age, capacity and refund deadlines. |
| Special events | Festivals, performances, lectures and community celebrations. | Ticket or registration requirements. |
Published Fall 2026 Program Examples
| Program | Published Price / Details |
|---|---|
| Tai Chi I | 13 lessons, $205 standard / $187 district resident. |
| Tai Chi II | 13 lessons, $205 standard / $187 district resident. |
| Music Together Babies Only | Classes for families with infants younger than 10 months. |
| SAIL senior fitness | Stay Active and Independent for Life; fall 2026 sessions. |
| Fall arts classes | Program-specific tuition and materials requirements. |
These are examples from the published fall 2026 calendar. Some sessions started in September and may already be underway, full or closed to new registrants.
How to Register Online
- Open the official MCC registration instructions.
- Choose the Classes section or search for your preferred activity.
- Check the age range, location, dates, duration and activity number.
- Select the blue activity number or the site’s Register button.
- Sign in or create an account on the official ActiveNet system.
- Confirm the correct participant and district-resident status.
- Review fees and refund rules, then finish registration.
- Save the confirmation and any required forms.
Online enrollment usually starts at 9 AM on the published registration opening date.
Other Registration Options
- In person: At the Community Center during designated registration hours.
- By mail: Send the completed program-guide registration form and accepted payment to Registrar, McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean, VA 22101.
- By telephone: Call 703-744-9365 for registration guidance and available options.
Seniors in Action: Activities for Adults 50+
The center’s Seniors in Action program is designed for independent adults aged 50 and older who want to stay active, learn new skills and connect with other people in the McLean community.
Registration is required for participation.
Some individual activities have separate fees.
What Does the Program Offer?
- Gentle fitness and movement activities.
- Creative arts, educational workshops and enrichment.
- Social gatherings and opportunities to meet neighbors.
- Activities supporting balance, mobility and general wellness.
- Seasonal events and interest-based programs.
The fall 2026 program runs September 8–December 11, with several holiday and event-related skip dates. Class availability depends on the specific listing.
How to Join Seniors in Action
- Open the official Seniors in Action page.
- Review the upcoming activity schedule.
- Select programs based on your interests and ability.
- Follow the listed registration instructions.
- Check whether your activity is free or separately priced.
- Keep your participation confirmation and check any skip dates.
Program questions: 703-744-9359.
The Alden Theatre: Shows, Tickets & Seating
The Robert Ames Alden Theatre is located inside McLean Community Center. It presents concerts, dance, comedy, films, children’s shows, educational performances and community productions.
Intimate performing arts auditorium.
Ticketing and performance questions.
What to Check Before Buying Tickets
- Performance title, exact date and starting time.
- Ticket categories and any senior or district-resident discounts.
- Recommended minimum audience age.
- Accessible seating and accommodation needs.
- Refund or exchange policy for the selected event.
- Whether the show is at the Alden Theatre or another performance location.
How to Book Theatre Tickets
- Visit mcleancenter.org.
- Open Performances and choose your preferred show.
- Check the date, starting time and ticket prices.
- Select the show’s official ticket purchase link.
- Choose available seats or ticket quantity, as applicable.
- Review discounts and the final checkout total.
- Complete payment and keep the ticket confirmation.
For assistance, call the Alden box office at 703-790-9223.
McLean Community Center Room Rentals & Prices
The center rents rooms for private parties, professional meetings, workshops, receptions, rehearsals and community events.
The facility’s published fee sheet uses different booking categories. Pricing is based on the renter’s qualifying status, not simply whether they have a McLean mailing address.
Published Community Center Rental Rates
| Room | Local Private | Nonlocal |
|---|---|---|
| Full Community Hall | $90/hr | $180/hr |
| Community Hall A, B or C | $30/hr | $60/hr |
| Community Hall AB or BC | $60/hr | $120/hr |
| DuVal Studio | $25/hr | $50/hr |
| Maffitt Room | $25/hr | $50/hr |
| McLean Room | $25/hr | $50/hr |
| Rehearsal Hall | $25/hr | $50/hr |
| Stedman Room | $25/hr | $50/hr |
| Swinson Room | $10/hr | $20/hr |
| Commercial Kitchen | $10/hr | $20/hr |
The listed Community Center rooms require a published three-hour minimum rental. Certain government entities and qualifying local open-community organizations have separate nominal-fee arrangements.
How Large Are the Rooms?
| Space | Published Area | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Full Community Hall | 3,000 sq ft | Larger gatherings and receptions. |
| Individual Hall A, B or C | 1,000 sq ft each | Mid-sized meetings and events. |
| Combined Hall AB or BC | 2,000 sq ft | Larger workshops or celebrations. |
| DuVal Studio / Rehearsal Hall | 1,100 sq ft each | Creative classes and rehearsals. |
| Maffitt / Stedman | 846 sq ft each | Meetings and smaller gatherings. |
| Swinson | 375 sq ft | Small meetings. |
| Kitchen | 883 sq ft | Approved food preparation. |
The full Community Hall can accommodate up to approximately 250 guests in theatre-style seating. Actual occupancy depends on the event layout and the approval of facility staff.
Who Qualifies for Local Rental Prices?
| Category | Who It Covers |
|---|---|
| Category 1 | Qualifying government entities conducting relevant government business. |
| Category 2 | Qualifying locally based, open 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) community organizations meeting district requirements. |
| Category 3 | Qualifying local private individuals, businesses and organizations within the district. |
| Category 4 | Other individuals and organizations outside the qualifying local categories. |
Category 3 pricing is displayed as local private pricing above. Category 4 is the standard nonlocal pricing. Category 1 and 2 arrangements are available only where the detailed qualifications are met.
The McLean Community Center tax district is also called Dranesville Small District One. Living elsewhere in Fairfax County does not automatically establish Category 3 eligibility.
How to Book a Room or Event Space
- Select the event space. Choose the Community Hall, a smaller room, commercial kitchen, Alden Theatre or Old Firehouse Center based on your event.
- Estimate attendance. Determine guest count, seating layout, date, times and equipment requirements.
- Check rental category. Confirm whether you qualify as a local private renter, a nonlocal renter or an eligible community organization.
- Estimate the cost. Apply the hourly rate and required minimum hours, then allow for any approved equipment and staffing charges.
- Open the booking form. Visit the official MCC Preliminary Booking Form.
- Submit your request. Enter the event and contact information requested.
- Wait for staff confirmation. The form is an inquiry, not proof that the room is reserved.
- Review the rental agreement. Confirm available dates, deposits, additional costs, insurance requirements and any catering or alcohol rules.
- Finalize the booking. Complete the approved contract and required payment before notifying guests.
Rental office: 703-744-9362.
Old Firehouse Center Party Rentals
The Old Firehouse Center is a separate MCC-operated facility at 1440 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA 22101. It offers a dance floor, game tables and kitchenette for parties and events.
| Group Size | Local Private | Nonlocal |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 50 guests | $100/hr | $150/hr |
| More than 50 guests | $125/hr | $175/hr |
The fee schedule lists a three-hour minimum, plus a $250 deposit for private individuals or other applicable Category 3 and 4 rentals.
Old Firehouse Booking Rules
- Reservations are first-come, first-served.
- Requests may be accepted up to six months ahead.
- Book at least two weeks before the event.
- Reservations must be completed at the facility, not booked by telephone or email.
- A parent or legal guardian must be present for children’s parties.
- Provide at least one adult chaperone for every 20 guests.
- Alcohol is not permitted.
- The published cancellation policy includes a $25 processing charge and additional charges depending on notice.
Old Firehouse phone: 703-448-8336
Email: oldfirehouse@mcleancenter.org
McLean Community Center Map, Parking & Directions
McLean Community Center
1234 Ingleside Avenue
McLean, VA 22101
Is Parking Free?
Yes. The center provides free parking in its upper and lower parking lots. Additional overflow parking is available at the nearby Dolley Madison Library.
Arrive early for ticketed Alden Theatre performances, community festivals and popular events, when nearby parking may fill.
Public Transportation
The nearest Metrorail station is McLean Station on the Silver Line. However, the station is not directly adjacent to the Community Center.
Check WMATA for current bus connections, walking routes and transit service before your visit.
Accessibility
The center lists accessibility accommodations for visitors with disabilities. For seating arrangements, access needs, hearing assistance or other accommodations, contact the appropriate event organizer or MCC staff in advance.
Before You Go: A Practical Visitor Checklist
| Reason for Visiting | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Children’s class | Participant age, program dates, caregiver rules and registration. |
| Summer camp | Camp location, age eligibility, forms, pickup rules and refund deadline. |
| Adult class | Skill level, class materials, start date and resident discount. |
| Senior activity | Seniors in Action membership, activity fee and skip dates. |
| Alden performance | Tickets, show time, age recommendation, parking and accessible seating. |
| Art exhibition | Current gallery hours and exhibition location. |
| Meeting room | Booking category, room size, minimum hours and written confirmation. |
| Old Firehouse party | Guest count, chaperones, alcohol rule and in-person booking. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing McLean Community Center with a conventional swimming or fitness recreation center.
- Assuming all Fairfax County residents qualify for MCC tax-district discounts.
- Using the main building address when the event is at Old Firehouse Center.
- Assuming a class is available because it appears in an older program guide.
- Using the older rental rate PDF as a guaranteed current booking quote.
- Arriving without registration for a class or ticket for a performance.
- Failing to confirm parking and accessibility needs before a busy event.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is McLean Community Center located?
McLean Community Center is located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean, VA 22101, in Fairfax County, Virginia.
2. What are McLean Community Center hours?
Regular hours are Monday–Thursday 8 AM–11 PM, Friday 8 AM–midnight, Saturday 9 AM–midnight and Sunday noon–6 PM. Holiday and individual program schedules can differ.
3. Is parking free at McLean Community Center?
Yes. Free parking is available in the upper and lower center parking lots. Overflow parking may be available at Dolley Madison Library.
4. Does McLean Community Center have a swimming pool?
No public indoor swimming pool is listed among the main Community Center’s facilities. It primarily offers classes, arts, performances, meetings and cultural activities.
5. What kinds of classes does McLean Community Center offer?
Offerings include children’s music, dance, arts, summer camps, adult education, tai chi, fitness-related classes and seasonal enrichment programs. Specific classes vary by season.
6. Is there a senior program at McLean Community Center?
Yes. Seniors in Action is a recreation program for independent adults ages 50 and older. Membership is free, although certain individual activities may have fees.
7. What is the Alden Theatre?
The Robert Ames Alden Theatre is a 383-seat performing arts theatre inside McLean Community Center. It hosts concerts, dance, theatre, films and family entertainment.
8. Can I rent a room at McLean Community Center?
Yes. The facility offers the Community Hall, smaller meeting rooms, rehearsal spaces, art studios and a commercial kitchen. Rates depend on room and rental category.
9. How much does a room rental cost?
The official published fee schedule lists local private rates from $10 to $90 per hour for various rooms and nonlocal rates from $20 to $180 per hour. These rates are from a schedule effective May 2023; confirm current rates before reserving.
10. How do I register for a class or reserve an event space?
For classes, use the official MCC registration instructions and ActiveNet portal. For room reservations, complete the MCC Preliminary Booking Form and follow up with the facility rental office at 703-744-9362.