‘Flavors of Fall’ Serves Up Cuisine, Family Fun on Saturday

Local restaurants will offer up their favorite fall menus on Saturday during Flavors of Fall, a free annual festival that includes live entertainment, dancing and family activities at Reston Town Center.

The outdoor festival, formerly known as Reston Oktoberfest and run by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, will take place from noon to 11 p.m.

New to the festival this year is a cornhole tournament, which will feature regional teams who will compete for prizes, including travel and weekend getaway packages. Another addition this year is a craft beer and VIP lounge, where attendees can purchase tickets to experience 18 different craft beers.

The event, one of the largest outdoor festivals in Northern Virginia, draws around 35,000 attendees, according to Mark Ingrao, president and CEO of GRCC.

“The whole idea is two things. It’s an opportunity to give back to the community and it’s an opportunity for us to showcase our businesses and restaurants to the community,” Ingrao said.

Confirmed restaurants include Barcelona Wine Bar, Choolaah Indian Barbecue, Clyde’s of Reston, GreenFare, The Melting Pot, Mom’s Momo, Pittsburgh Rick’s and Tavern 64 Regional Kitchen.

Entertainment includes Scott Kurt & Memphis 59, The Fabulous Dialtones, and The VIPS.

The next day, attendees can debut their Halloween costumes at the Reston Pumpkin 5K and Kids’ Pumpkin Dash. Races begin at 8:15 a.m.

For more information, visit RestonFlavors.com. Admission is free.

Food tickets are $1 per ticket or $20 for 24 tickets. Tickets to taste three 5-ounce drinks from craft beer vendors are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Participants must show valid identification to drink.

Proceeds will benefit the INCspire Education Foundation, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce’s 501(c)(3) education initiative, which provides a mentor network, business education and business training. The chamber represents more than 650 businesses in the Dulles Business Corridor, according to its website.

File photo of 2015 festival