Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University OLLI at GMU is a membership-based, volunteer-driven organization offering courses in Fairfax and Reston Virginia. Stay Curious - Learn Everyday!

OLLI offers over 500 college-level courses each year, special events, travel and social opportunties. OLLI Mason boasts hundreds of members from diverse backgrounds with one common goal: lifelong learning. From Latin to archaeology, religion to science, OLLI Mason offers stimulating classes, in-depth special events, and engaging social opportunities designed by members for members. You'll find no

homework, no exams, no grades, and no age threshold - just learning for the sheer joy of learning. And it is not just educational - all of this takes place in a wonderfully warm and welcoming social atmosphere. One annual fee pays for a full year of membership, including unlimited enrollment in courses and special events, subject only to class-size-limitations. Classes are held weekdays throughout the year over four terms. OLLI Mason offers virtual, real-time lectures as well as an archive of recordings. In addition, OLLI Mason has three convenient campus locations in Northern Virginia: Fairfax, Reston and Sterling. We are an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, affiliated with George Mason University and supported by the Bernard Osher Foundation.

Coming soon in 2026 fall term - the   Music Sampler free and open to the public.
08/24/2026

Coming soon in 2026 fall term - the Music Sampler free and open to the public.

It's official, we're open for fall registration!  Check out courses, events, and travel opportunities!
08/18/2026

It's official, we're open for fall registration! Check out courses, events, and travel opportunities!

REMINDER - Fall Registration starts tomorrow!
08/17/2026

REMINDER - Fall Registration starts tomorrow!

The OLLI at Mason fall 2026 catalog is now available online.  Explore hundreds of engaging courses, lectures, special ev...
08/07/2026

The OLLI at Mason fall 2026 catalog is now available online. Explore hundreds of engaging courses, lectures, special events, and travel opportunities designed for curious adults 50+

Registration opens Tuesday, August 18th at 9am!

Let's start planning your fall, browse the catalog https://view.flipdocs.com/?ID=10015627_466095

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07/31/2026

Summer Break Starts August 3rd through 14th.

OLLI office will reopen Monday, August 17th.

Enjoy your summer!

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend? 🌸Bring your mom to the first-ever OLLI Ideas Festival - ...
05/08/2026

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend? 🌸

Bring your mom to the first-ever OLLI Ideas Festival - An Open House for Curious Learners on George Mason University’s Fairfax campus! Enjoy inspiring conversations, interactive classes, demonstrations, and a fun day of lifelong learning together.

And if you’re still searching for the perfect gift, an OLLI membership is a thoughtful way to give connection, curiosity, and community all year long. 💛 Learn more: https://olligmu.augusoft.net/index.cfm?fuseaction=1050

Join us at the OLLI Ideas Festival for an inspiring, behind-the-scenes art experience:🖌 Artist Hour w/ Brianna Camp🗓 Sat...
05/07/2026

Join us at the OLLI Ideas Festival for an inspiring, behind-the-scenes art experience:

🖌 Artist Hour w/ Brianna Camp
🗓 Saturday, May 9
⏰ 12:40–1:40 PM

Meet OLLI Mason artist-in-residence Brianna Camp as she brings her large-scale oil paintings to life. During this interactive session, she’ll share insights into her creative process, discuss her upcoming exhibition, and offer a live painting demonstration.

✨ Stop by, ask questions, and experience art in the making.

View full schedule and RSVP today: https://olli.gmu.edu/ideas-festival/

🍵✨ Come for the ideas — stay for the treats!If you’re attending the OLLI Ideas Festival - An Open House for Curious Lear...
05/07/2026

🍵✨ Come for the ideas — stay for the treats!

If you’re attending the OLLI Ideas Festival - An Open House for Curious Learners this weekend, don’t miss these delicious featured sessions that combine culture, conversation, and snacks. 😋

👩‍🍳 Meet the Restaurateur
📅 Friday, May 8 | 1:50–2:50 PM
Meet Dina Daniel, founder and chef behind Fava Pot — the first Egyptian restaurant in the DMV. From launching a food truck to opening multiple locations, Dina will share her inspiring immigration and entrepreneurship journey. Plus, attendees can enjoy sample treats from Fava Pot!

🍵 Tea Ceremony Experience
📅 Saturday, May 9 | 12:40–1:40 PM
Join Jenny Yu of The Blooming Hour for an authentic Chinese tea ceremony featuring guided tastings, traditional brewing demonstrations, and snacks to enjoy along the way.

There’s still time to register for the FREE, rain-or-shine festival! Come learn, taste, and explore with us this weekend at George Mason University. 🙌

RSVP and learn more: OLLI.gmu.edu/ideas-festival/

🍴 Attending the OLLI Ideas Festival - An Open House for Curious Learners? Stop by and grab something delicious from our ...
05/07/2026

🍴 Attending the OLLI Ideas Festival - An Open House for Curious Learners? Stop by and grab something delicious from our visiting food trucks on Friday from 11 AM - 2PM!

🔥 Turkish Kabob House will be serving up fresh Mediterranean favorites including kabobs, wraps, rice bowls, and more — the perfect midday pick-me-up.

🌮 The Roaming Coyote rolls in with bold Tex-Mex flavors featuring handcrafted tacos, burritos, nachos, bowls, and housemade salsas.

Come hungry and enjoy some amazing local food with us this weekend! 🙌

The Roaming Coyote

Curious minds, this one’s for you!The first-ever Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University Ideas Fest...
05/07/2026

Curious minds, this one’s for you!

The first-ever Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University Ideas Festival kicks off TOMORROW — and there’s still time to RSVP!

📅 May 8–9
💲 FREE
☔ Rain or shine (Note: Walk & Talk may be cancelled due to rain)

Expect two days packed with inspiring classes, hands-on activities, demos, music, wellness sessions, art, history, and conversations designed for lifelong learners age 50+. Highlights include watercolor painting, tai chi, chair yoga, and a special panel on “Global Perspectives on Longevity.”

Whether you stay for one session or spend the whole weekend exploring, this is a great chance to connect, learn something new, and discover everything OLLI Mason has to offer.

RSVP + more information here: https://OLLI.gmu.edu/ideas-festival/

ArtsFairfax

Address

4210 Roberts Road
Fairfax, VA
22032

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 12pm
Tuesday 9am - 12pm
Wednesday 9am - 12pm
Thursday 9am - 12pm
Friday 9am - 12pm

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