Mclean Community Center: Hours, Programs, Rentals & Map

McLean Community Center Opening Hours

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.

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.

Published Fall 2026 Program Examples

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

1. Open the official MCC registration instructions.
2. Choose the Classes section or search for your preferred activity.
3. Check the age range, location, dates, duration and activity number.
4. Select the blue activity number or the site’s Register button.
5. Sign in or create an account on the official ActiveNet system.
6. Confirm the correct participant and district-resident status.
7. Review fees and refund rules, then finish registration.
8. 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.

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.

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

1. Visit mcleancenter.org.
2. Open Performances and choose your preferred show.
3. Check the date, starting time and ticket prices.
4. Select the show’s official ticket purchase link.
5. Choose available seats or ticket quantity, as applicable.
6. Review discounts and the final checkout total.
7. Complete payment and keep the ticket confirmation.

For assistance, call the Alden box office at 703-790-9223.

How to Book a Room or Event Space

1. Select the event space. Choose the Community Hall, a smaller room, commercial kitchen, Alden Theatre or Old Firehouse Center based on your event.
2. Estimate attendance. Determine guest count, seating layout, date, times and equipment requirements.
3. Check rental category. Confirm whether you qualify as a local private renter, a nonlocal renter or an eligible community organization.
4. Estimate the cost. Apply the hourly rate and required minimum hours, then allow for any approved equipment and staffing charges.
5. Open the booking form. Visit the official MCC Preliminary Booking Form.
6. Submit your request. Enter the event and contact information requested.
7. Wait for staff confirmation. The form is an inquiry, not proof that the room is reserved.
8. Review the rental agreement. Confirm available dates, deposits, additional costs, insurance requirements and any catering or alcohol rules.
9. 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.

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

Before You Go: A Practical Visitor Checklist

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