July 18, 2025
A Look at Local Events in Reston, VA
Fedor Kozlov

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Reston, Virginia, isn't just a place to live or work; it's a community that thrives on connection and celebration. If you're considering moving to Reston, or simply looking to dive deeper into its local charm, understanding the vibrant calendar, is your first step. These events are more than just entertainment; they're the heartbeat of the town, offering a true sense of what makes Reston such a special place to call home.

Discovering Annual Community Events in Reston

Reston’s strong community spirit truly comes alive through its annual events. These gatherings are central to life here, bringing neighbors together and showcasing the unique blend of culture, recreation, and community pride that defines Reston. Experiencing these recurring events is essential for anyone looking to truly understand and appreciate living in Reston.

Signature Reston Town Center Events

Reston Town Center is the focal point for many of Reston's most anticipated celebrations. This dynamic urban space, with its open-air pavilion and lively streets, provides a perfect setting for events throughout the year. It's a place where residents and visitors gather to enjoy the best of what Reston has to offer.

  • Summer Concert Series: As the weather warms, Reston Town Center transforms into an outdoor concert venue. From upbeat jazz to classic rock and lively tribute bands, these free outdoor concerts offer a fantastic way to spend a summer evening. They provide a relaxed atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a long week or enjoying a casual night out with family and friends. 
  • Reston Multicultural Festival: Held annually in the fall, this festival is a vibrant celebration of Reston's incredibly diverse population. It's a joyful explosion of international food, mesmerizing music, traditional dance performances, and unique crafts from around the globe.
  • Holiday Tree Lighting & Sing-Along: This cherished tradition marks the official start of the holiday season in Reston. Families gather to witness the grand illumination of the magnificent Christmas tree in Fountain Square, accompanied by festive performances and community sing-alongs. It's a truly magical event that fills the air with holiday cheer and creates lasting memories for all who attend.
  • Ice Skating Pavilion: While not a single event, the seasonal ice skating rink at Reston Town Center is a continuous source of fun and activity during the colder months. Beyond public skating sessions, the pavilion often hosts themed skating events, lessons, and even performances. It offers a wonderful opportunity for recreation and enjoyment, whether you're a seasoned skater or trying it for the first time. 

Family-Friendly Local Events in Reston

Reston truly embraces its identity as a family-friendly community, and this commitment is clearly visible in its packed calendar of events designed for all ages. Whether you have toddlers, school-aged children, or teenagers, you'll find plenty of opportunities for engaging activities and memorable experiences. 

  • Family Fun Entertainment Series: On select Saturday mornings, Reston Town Square Park comes alive with the Family Fun Entertainment Series. These events are specifically curated to delight younger audiences, featuring a rotating lineup of engaging performers. Imagine your little ones giggling at the antics of a skilled magician, being captivated by colorful puppet shows, or dancing to the tunes of a lively children's band. 
  • Lake Anne Plaza Events: Historic Lake Anne Plaza, with its charming lakeside setting and unique architecture, is another hotspot for family activities. Throughout the year, especially during the warmer months, the plaza hosts a variety of events that cater to families. You can stroll through vibrant farmers' markets, discovering fresh local produce and artisan crafts. Special craft fairs often pop up, offering creative outlets for children and adults alike. 
  • "Movies Under the Stars": There's something undeniably magical about watching a movie outdoors on a warm summer evening. Reston delivers on this classic family experience with its "Movies Under the Stars" series. Held at various parks and public spaces across the community, these free outdoor movie screenings are a popular highlight of the summer. Families bring blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic dinners, settling in to enjoy a diverse selection of films, from animated favorites to beloved classics. 

Seasonal Highlights: Reston Events Through the Year

Reston’s appeal isn't just about its annual blockbusters; it's also about the continuous stream of unique events that adapt with the changing seasons. Each time of year brings its own distinct flavor to  provide fresh reasons to explore and enjoy the community. 

Spring Events in Reston

As winter's chill fades and the landscapes begin to bloom, Reston awakens with a renewed energy, drawing residents outdoors for a variety of activities and community gatherings. Spring in Reston is a time of natural beauty and vibrant cultural experiences.

  • Farmers Markets: With the arrival of warmer weather, Reston's farmers' markets spring to life, offering a delightful way to connect with local producers and enjoy fresh, seasonal goods. You'll find multiple markets popping up in different locations around Reston, including at Lake Anne Plaza and other community spots. These markets are more than just places to buy produce; they are lively community hubs where you can find artisanal breads, homemade jams, local honey, fresh-cut flowers, and much more. 
  • Celebrate Reston! (formerly Founder's Day): This event, often held in April at Lake Anne Plaza, celebrates the rich history and founding principles of Reston. It's a day filled with family-friendly activities, local vendors, and often features discussions or exhibits about Reston's visionary founder, Robert E. Simon. 

What to Do in Reston in Summer

When the mercury rises, it truly shines as a summer destination. The community fully embraces the warmer months with an abundance of outdoor entertainment, water activities, and lively gatherings that create a dynamic and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone. Summer in Reston is synonymous with getting outside and making the most of the long, sunny days.

  • Concert Series (various locations): While Reston Town Center hosts a popular summer concert series, the musical festivities extend far beyond. The Reston Community Center (RCC) and Reston Association (RA) organize numerous free concert series at different parks and plazas across Reston. You might find jazz ensembles at Lake Anne Plaza, rock bands at Halley Rise, or classical musicians performing at Reston Town Square Park on a Sunday evening. 
  • Independence Day Celebrations: Reston goes all out for the Fourth of July, with several ways to celebrate America's independence. While exact events can vary each year, a highlight is often the fireworks display at Lake Fairfax Park. This ticketed event typically offers a full day of family fun leading up to the spectacular evening show, with food trucks, live entertainment, and plenty of space to relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Beyond Lake Fairfax, various community events and gatherings pop up, sometimes including smaller local firework displays or patriotic parades. 
  • Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole: Located within Lake Fairfax Park, The Water Mine is a western-themed water park that is a huge hit with families during the summer. It's designed specifically for younger children with a lazy river, water slides, spray features, and a large "Prospector's Splash" area. It provides a perfect escape from the summer heat and a full day of splashing fun.

Autumn Adventures: Fall Events in Reston

As the vibrant greens of summer give way to the warm hues of autumn, Reston transforms into a picturesque setting for a variety of fall-themed. The crisp air and changing leaves create a perfect backdrop for outdoor celebrations, community gatherings, and seasonal fun, making it an ideal time to explore all that Reston has to offer.

  • Reston Oktoberfest: Embrace the festive spirit of fall with Reston's very own Oktoberfest celebrations. While specific events and organizers can vary year to year, Reston often hosts celebrations inspired by the famous German festival. These typically feature traditional German music and dancing, a wide selection of fall beers from local breweries, delicious German-inspired food like bratwurst and pretzels, and often family-friendly activities. 
  • Halloween in Reston: As October draws to a close, Reston fully embraces the spooky, fun spirit of Halloween. The community comes alive with activities designed for all ages, from the youngest trick-or-treaters to those looking for a bit of a fright. A popular event is "Trick-or-Treat on Market Street" at Reston Town Center, where participating retailers and restaurants open their doors to costumed children for safe and supervised trick-or-treating, often alongside character appearances, face painting, and balloon artists. 
  • Fall Farmers' Markets & Harvest Festivals: While farmers' markets begin in spring, they continue to thrive into the fall, offering a bounty of seasonal produce like pumpkins, apples, gourds, and root vegetables. Many markets also feature special "Harvest Festival" days with added activities such as live music, craft vendors selling autumn-themed goods, and perhaps even hayrides or corn mazes at nearby farms. 

Culinary Delights: Must-Visit Restaurants in Reston

Reston’s dining scene is as diverse and dynamic as its community. From upscale experiences perfect for a special occasion to casual eateries ideal for a quick, delicious bite, the restaurants offer a true global culinary journey.

Founding Farmers Reston Station: Located conveniently at Reston Station, this popular restaurant emphasizes "farm-to-table" dining, sourcing ingredients primarily from family farms across the U.S. Founding Farmers offers a diverse menu for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, with options ranging from hearty American comfort food to lighter, healthier dishes.

Holiday and Winter Events in Reston

Even as the temperatures drop and snow sometimes blankets the ground transforms into a cozy and festive wonderland. The community continues to offer a rich array of events, focusing on holiday cheer, indoor performances, and activities that bring people together during the colder months. 

  • Winterfest: This increasingly popular event, organized by the Reston Association, is a true highlight of the early winter season. Typically held at Brown's Chapel Park, Winterfest offers a magical walk-through trail illuminated by thousands of festive holiday lights. Beyond the dazzling displays, you can enjoy fire pits for s'mores, explore an "Enchanted Forest," visit a "Grinch's Village," and even get a free photo opportunity with Santa. 
  • Reston Town Center Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting: The day after Thanksgiving traditionally marks the grand launch of the holiday season at Reston Town Center. The annual Holiday Parade is a spectacular event, featuring gigantic balloons, marching bands, dancers, and community groups, all culminating in the much-anticipated arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage. Later that evening, the focus shifts to Fountain Square for the festive Tree Lighting, a truly magical moment as the towering Christmas tree illuminates the night.

Making Your Seamless Move to Reston

It's a place where you can easily find your niche, connect with neighbors, and always have something exciting to do. This dynamic atmosphere is a huge draw for individuals and families considering a move to Northern Virginia. Relocating, whether it's across town or from a different state, can be a complex and often stressful undertaking. This is where professional moving services become not just a convenience, but a smart investment in a smooth transition.

That's precisely where Treasure Moving Company comes in, let Treasure Moving Company, Your Reston, VA, Movers handle the heavy lifting and intricate details of your move. They understand that you're not just moving boxes; you're moving your life, your memories, and your future to a new community.