The Diary of Anne Frank” is playing at the Reston Community Center this weekend.

The production by the Reston Community Players walks the audience through the life of a 13-year old girl who hid from the Nazis during the Holocaust, according to the event description.

“This powerful new adaptation captures the claustrophobic realities of their daily existence while Anne’s transcendent spirit is revealed as she voices her belief, ‘in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart,'” the event page said.

Showtimes take place on 8 p.m. March 6-7 at CenterStage (2310 Colts Neck Road), the website said. The sold-out Sunday matinee will begin at 2 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online.

Tomorrow (March 7)

  • Veronneau in the Wine Room (6:30-9:30 p.m.) — Lynn Veronneau and Ken Avis will be performing multi-cultural jazz at Lake Anne Coffee House & Wine Bar (1612 Washington Plaza). Reservations can be made by calling 703-481-9766.
  • Babysitting Class (11 a.m. until noon) — This event will help teenagers learn how to take care of kids while babysitting. Ages 12-14 are welcome to attend the free event at PM Pediatrics (905 Herndon Parkway).
  • ZUMBA Spring Fling (9-10:30 a.m.) — Herndon Community Center (814 Ferndale Ave) is hosting a Zumba fundraiser to benefit Parks & Recreation Scholarship Fund, which helps subsidize summer camps. People over the age of 16 are welcome, and tickets are $10. The class will be taught by instructors and there will be refreshments and door prizes, according to the event page.

Sunday (March 8)

  • Reston 10 Miler (8-10 a.m.) — Runners in the area can gather at South Lakes High School (11400 South Lakes Drive) for a competitive race. Awards will be given out for the first few people to complete the course. Online registration starts are $50. 
  • Why Native Plants (4-5 p.m.) — Certified Virginia Master Gardener Elisa Meara will be at the Green Fare Organic Cafe (408 Elden Street) to host a workshop about native plants that locals can integrate into their own gardens this summer. Tickets are free and those interested can register online.

Photo via Reston Community Players/Facebook

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Local history lovers can learn more about their community with an upcoming event at the Reston Museum.

“The Reston Story — Case Exhibit” (1639 Washington Plaza) invites people to check out an illustrated history of Reston from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., according to the Facebook page.

Illustrated pages offer guests the chance to see how people used to “live, work and play” in Reston, the website said.

This is exhibit is available for a limited time through the end of the month (Feb. 29), according to the website.

Tomorrow (Saturday)

  • Pebble to Pearl Party at Crafthouse Reston (10 p.m.) — This live musical event at 1888 Explorer Street invites people to come and enjoy live music, which brings together a variety of groups for a comprehensive musical experience — including local artists, according to the Facebook page. Drink and food will be served on-premises.
  • Candy Making Party (3-4:15 p.m.) — A candy making party at Frying Pan Farm Park (2709 W. Ox Road) welcomes people to enjoy a sweet day of historical candy making. This event includes a history demonstration lesson on a wood-burning stove. Admission is $10 and people over the age of 10 are welcome.
  • Romantic Roost (7-10 p.m.) — This event at 12976 Highland Crossing Drive allows people to come and drink wine while painting. Tickets are $55 per person.

Sunday (Feb. 9)

  • Carolina Blue (7 p.m.) — Frying Pan Farm Park (2739 W. Ox Road) is hosting a bluegrass concert from an award-winning group. This event is free and open to the public.

Image via The Reston Museum/Facebook

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Nostalgia might just be a common theme at an upcoming game night hosted by the Reston Historic Trust & Museum.

At the Retro Game Night on Friday (Feb. 28), attendees can gather with friends and family to play a variety of games from 6-9 p.m. at 1639 Washington Plaza, according to a press release.

More than a dozen games provided by Staring Player Pop-Up will be available for guests, the press release said, adding that people are also welcome to bring their own games.

This event is free and open to all ages. Attendees will receive a “The Game of Reston” poster, according to the press release.

Photo courtesy Reston Historic Trust & Museum

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(Updated) In the holiday spirit, the Reston Town Center Holiday Performances this weekend are among several events bringing together people from around the community.

The free event tomorrow (Saturday) will feature two performances. People can listen to the Northern VA Ukulele Ensemble. The last performance of the season will feature Rick Landers playing guitar from 3-3:45 p.m.

The performances are set to take place between Market Street and Democracy Drive.

Tomorrow (Saturday)

  • 4th Annual Children’s Winter Wonderland (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) — The kids’ wonderland event will take place at the Reston Community Center (2310 Colts Neck Road). Families will be able to enjoy crafts, refreshments, face painting, games and a visit from Santa.
  • SBC December Gala (1-3 p.m.) — This event features ballet and musical performances at South Lakes High School (11400 South Lakes Drive). Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for kids.
  • Cissa Paz Music (6:30-9:30 p.m.) — Artist Cissa Paz will perform Brazillian music at the Lake Anne Coffee House & Wine Bar (1612 N. Washington Plaza).
  • Christmas Party Ho-Ho-Hoedown (8 p.m.-midnight) — Sully’s Pour House (754 Elden Street) is hosting a holiday celebration with a white elephant gift exchange, raffle and an ugly sweater contest.

Sunday (Dec. 22)

  • Christmas Orchestra (9-10 a.m.) — This free event at the Herndon United Methodist (701 Bennett Street) gives community members a chance to listen to live instrumental music from their fellow community members.
  • Bootcamp, Brunch and Booze: Indoor Winter Series (9-11 a.m.) — This event features a workout from Fitness 2 Go along with brunch from LoKL Gourmet at 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive. Tickets are $25.
  • Storytime Social (11 a.m.) — Scrawl Books (11911 Freedom Drive) invites families to a reading of “Let the Children March.” This free event includes snacks and coffee for the adults.

Photo via Reston Community Center Facebook

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The YMCA Fairfax County Reston is hosting a fundraising gala in celebration of its 20th anniversary.

This year’s annual gala will be held at the YMCA (12196 Sunset Hills Road) from 6-11 p.m. next Saturday (Nov. 16) and feature a dinner party, silent auction and after-party, according to the event page.

“Our mission ensures that no one is turned away from access to ‘Y’ programs and membership,” the page said.

Last year, the gala raised $280,000 for the center, according to the  YMCA’s website.

Individual tickets start at $150 and sponsorships start at $1,000.

Image via YMCA Fairfax County Reston

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The Reston Town Center ice rink is set to return next week.

Next Friday (Nov. 8), the public will be able to enjoy the seasonal rink once again. The rink is located near the Reston Town Center Pavillion and will be open until March 15, 2020, according to the rink’s website.

The hours of operation are Monday-Tuesday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Admission prices range depending on age.

  • Adult admission: $10
  • Youth (under 12)/senior (55+)/military admission: $9
  • 10-person admission pack: $85

Skate rentals are available on-site and cost $6 on top of the admission price.

For those who don’t know how to skate, the center offers lessons throughout the season on Saturdays and Sundays for $125.

Photo via Facebook

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An author, history buff and former journalist will speak in Reston next week about her recent historical novel.

Laura Elliott will be at Sunrise Senior Living (1778 Fountain Drive) on Tuesday (Oct. 1) to give a presentation on her novel “Hamilton and Peggy!: A Revolutionary Friendship,” which explores the friendship between American historical figures Peggy Schuyler and Alexander Hamilton.

The event is part of “Creative Conversations” at the senior living facility, with similar talks scheduled through 2020, according to Connection Newspapers. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and is open to the public.

Elliott began her writing career as a journalist and was a senior writer with Washingtonian where she said she wrote about women’s issues. Later in her career, she decided to become a novelist and has written nine novels so far, she told Reston Now.

She said she decided to write the novel after learning about their friendship — Peggy helped Hamilton by acting as a “wingman” to help Hamilton court her sister, Elizabeth.

Elliott said that many of her readers first became interested in the topic after hearing about the popular Broadway musical “Hamilton.”

“It’s amazing how much history they fit into the musical,” Elliott said.

She will tailor the presentation to the audience, understanding that some of the seniors at the living community may be veterans, she said.

“The thing about seniors is that they know their history,” Elliott said. “I really do try to gauge what interest the audience most and leave time for questions.”

Looking forward to the future, Elliott said she is discussing with her publisher another book focusing on other prominent figures from the era. She told Reston Now she is considering writing a novel about John Laurens, who was a soldier during the Revolutionary War.

Photo via Facebook

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A ceremony at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial will honor 9/11 victims on the 18th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

“Six residents of Great Falls perished in the 9/11 attacks,” according to Great Falls Freedom Memorial.

The annual remembrance ceremony on Wednesday (Sept. 11) is set to start at 7 p.m.

Frank Sesno, the then-CNN Washington Bureau Chief on 9/11, will be the keynote speaker. The event will also have patriotic songs, a raising of the flags by the Boy Scouts and a candle-lighting, according to the Celebrate Great Falls Foundation.

In the case of rain, the event will get moved to the Great Falls Library (9830 Georgetown Pike).

Attendees can find parking in the library parking lot. While there will be limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring portable chairs.

Photo via Great Falls Freedom Memorial/Facebook

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As summer draws to a close, the annual Dog Daze event is tomorrow (Sept. 7).

Community members are invited to bring their dogs to the Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive) and let their friendly four-legged friends take a dip in the community pool.

All ages are welcome to attend, though dog handlers must be 18 or older. This event runs from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

A $10 d0nation is suggested for the Fairfax County Animal Shelter and the Fairfax County Park Foundation. There will be prizes and treats for both people and their pets.

Saturday (Sept. 7) 

  • 2019 Craft Market Season (8 a.m.) — Local vendors can show off their arts while community members check out the nearby farmers market. This event is free and will be located at Lake Ann Plaza
  • Elephant and Piggy Day (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) — This free event will take place at the Reston Regional Library Branch and feature lifesize characters from Mo Willems’ “Elephant and Piggy” series. Families are welcome to stop by to meet the characters and take a selfie.
  • Wine Tasting at Balducci’s (2-5 p.m.) — The restaurant is having a wine tasting event with its new private stock from California. Participants can get 25% off when buying 12 or more bottles.
  •  Author Peter Kageyama (8 p.m.) — Author Peter Kageyama will speak at the Reston Community Center about how Reston fits into his version of an ideal city.  Tickets are $15, and his books are available for purchase before and after the presentation.

Sunday (Sept. 8) 

  • 18th Annual Herndon Rotary Car Show (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) — Sponsored by the Herndon Rotary International, this show will feature cars of various makes and models. The event is free for everyone, and there will be prizes offered for registered participants who bring their cars. Later in the day, there will be a panel discussion. It will be held at 777 Lynn Street.
  • Beehive: The 60’s Musical” (showings at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.) — This 60s’ themed performance highlights six women and groups who made an impact on music including the Shirelles, Supremes, Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner and Janis Joplin.
  • Healthy Kids Running Series (3:30 p.m.) — This fun-run event will feature 50- and 75-yard dashes, the quarter-mile, the half-mile and the one-mile run for kids ages 2-14. Top-performing kids in each category will receive a trophy. Registration is $10 on-site at YMCA Fairfax County Reston.
  • Lake House Open House (3-5 p.m.) — Community members are invited to the lake house for a social gathering with their neighbors. Light refreshments will be served and people can learn about how the space can serve them.
  • Country Dance (5:30-8:30 p.m.) — This event invites community members 18 years of age or older to join in a social dance session featuring line dancing, swing and two-step. Tickets are $5 for Reston residents. It will take place at the Reston Community Center.

Photo via Fairfax County

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Baayork Lee, an actress, singer and dancer, is coming to the Reston Community Center to talk about her career this Saturday (Feb. 9).

Born and raised in New York, Lee started dancing at a young age. At the age of five, she had her Broadway debut in “The King and I.”

She has appeared in the original company of George Balanchine’s “Nutcracker” and starred in the original production of “A Chorus Line.” Lee has been active in the D.C. area, from directing “Carmen Jones” at the Kennedy Center to being a resident choreographer for the Washington National Opera for 18 years.

Now, at the age of 72, Lee is slated to direct and choreograph “South Pacific” for City Springs Theatre Company in Sandy Springs, Ga. later this year.

Lee will talk about her career, the state of Broadway today and her work with the National Asian Artists Project, a nonprofit which showcases works by artists of Asian descent, at CenterStage (2310 Colts Neck Road).

She is set to take the stage at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for Restonians and $20 for everyone else.

Photo via Reston Community Center 

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There’s plenty to do this weekend around Reston. We posted a list of holiday events in the area throughout December, but for Reston Grinches already tired of Holiday cheer, here’s our Christmas-free list of weekend events — including a signing by New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci.

Tonight (Nov. 30)

Vinyl Invention at Crafthouse (10 p.m.-1 a.m.) — Rock/Funk band Vinyl Intervention returns to Crafthouse Reston (1888 Explorer St) tonight. The group is a Washington, D.C. based cover band that performs songs mainly from the latter 20th century.

Tomorrow (Dec. 1)

Mystery Author Extravaganza (1-3 p.m.) — The Sisters in Crime Chessie Chapter will host an afternoon of book talks at the Reston Regional Library (11925 Bowman Towne Dr). The afternoon features mystery authors from throughout the region discussing their books and the genre, as well as a book market with authors available for autographs.

Monster Drawing Rally (1-5 p.m.) — Over 50 artists from across the Washington, D.C. region are scheduled to come together at the Greater Reston Arts Center (12001 Market St) for a live drawing event. Artists will be creating their work on-site, all of which will be available for purchase at $75 each. The event is free and open to the public. All proceeds benefit the exhibition program.

Shrek The Musical (1-2:30 p.m.) — Tomorrow is the opening for the Nextstop Theatre Company’s (269 Sunset Park Drive) production of Shrek The Musical. Tickets are available online and the show will run until Dec. 22.

Sunday (Dec. 2)

Capital ‘Cross Classic (8:15 a.m.-4 p.m.) — This race is the series finale of the BikeReg Super series. The race will be held at Lake Fairfax Park (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive). Proceeds from the race will benefit the Lake Fairfax Sustainable Natural Trail System program, which aims to build new sustainable trails and restore existing trails in Lake Fairfax Park.

David Baldacci Author Talk and Book Signing (2-4 p.m.) — New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci will host a free author talk and book signing at the Reston Regional Library. Baldacci is scheduled to read from his new book, Long Road to Mercy, and free copies of the book will be given to the first 100 registrants.

Photo via Facebook

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Get ready to get in the Seahawk spirit tonight as South Lakes High celebrates homecoming!

The parade kicks off at 5 p.m. from Hunters Woods Shopping Center. It will continue north on Colts Neck Drive, turn east onto South Lakes Drive and finish at SLHS. The football game against Yorktown High School begins at 7 p.m. shortly after the parade. Admission is $5 and the Class of 1998 will also be on-site to celebrate their 20th reunion.

(Update: the homecoming parade has been cancelled due to rain.)

The Washington West Film Festival celebrated opening night Thursday, and screenings of films will continue to take place throughout the weekend in Reston and other locations west of the District. See the full schedule of films and purchase tickets online through the festival’s website.

Below is a limited list of other events taking place in the Reston area this weekend. If you have an event you would like to ensure is listed on the website, be sure to submit it to our Events Calendar.

  • Enjoy the first free Harvest Festival at Lake Anne Plaza from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday. Activities will include wine and beer tastings, a morning craft project for kids with the Reston Art Gallery and Studio, consignment and souvenir sales, a used book sale, sweet treats and much more, featuring all local businesses.
  • Bring the kids and enjoy an indoor dip at the Family Splash at RCC Hunters Woods on Friday from 7-9 p.m. The cost for families with up to 5 people is $13 for Reston residents and $26 for non-residents.
  • In the mood for a little theater? The Reston Players present the musical Hairspray at 8 p.m. Friday on CenterStage at RCC Hunters Woods. Tickets are $28 for adults, $24 for seniors 65 and older, and $24 for students and youth under 18.
  • Looking to give back to your local community? Habitat For Heroes will host its “Stop the Choking, Save the Natives” event this Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Volunteers are needed along the asphalt path between Sanibel Drive and Dogwood Elementary School to help remove invasive English ivy vines, in order to help give native wildflowers a chance to thrive. No prior experience is required, and guidance will be given by experts.
  • As the weather gets colder, you may be thinking ahead to indoor family activities like playing board games and putting together jigsaw puzzles. The Friends of the Reston Regional Library will hold their annual Puzzle Sale today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring gently used puzzles, games and more.
  • Children ages 5 to 12 can learn more about the culture of China and learn some of the country’s traditional folk dances at the Reston Regional Library today from 2-5 p.m at the library’s free Chinese Dance Workshop.
  • The Great American Read continues this weekend with a free Green Screen Photo Booth at the Reston Regional Library from 2-4 p.m. Saturday. Place yourself in an exciting scene from one of your favorite books through the magic of green screen technology.
  • Celebrate the fall season with Frying Pan Farm Park’s “BOO-stravaganza” tonight at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Children ages 3 to 8 will enjoy a variety of themed games, go trick-or-treating to animals and enjoy a wagon ride, and will finish the evening with a small treat bag for the road. Reservations are required, and the cost is $10 per person.
  • The Reston Farmers Market is still going strong. With the end of summer, cold-weather favorites like greens, gourds, pumpkins, peppers and apples can now be seen among the stands, along with the usual baked goods and a variety of fresh meats from beef, pork, and chicken to healthy water buffalo. The markets take place every Saturday through Dec. 1, from 8 a.m. to noon at Lake Anne Plaza, including this Saturday for the free Harvest Festival.

File photo

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Reston Community Players’ first show of their 52nd season kicks off tonight with a performance of Hairspray. The musical is presented in partnership with Music Theatre International.

Tonight’s show begins at 8 p.m. and performances are scheduled for Saturday and next weekend as well. Details about upcoming shows are available online. Tickets are $28 for adults and $24 for seniors and students.

(Editor’s Note: This is just a limited list of all the events taking place in the Reston area this weekend. If you have an event you would like to ensure is listed on the website, be sure to submit it to our Events Calendar.)

  • If you’d rather see a show about South Africa’s fragile democracy, you can take part in a viewing and discussion on the topic at Reston Regional Library today from 2-4:15 p.m.
  • Halloween is just around the corner and kids between the age of six months and 12 years can enjoy the first-ever “Boo at the Pool” at the Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center from 1:45-2:30 p.m. Registration is $4 for Reston residents and $8 for all others. Treat will float for little ones and others will sink into the pool for a little more adventure.
  • If you’d rather keep water out of Halloween fun, infant and kids up to 8 years old can take part in Halloween Family Fun Day at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods. The event includes carnival games, a musical performance and a puppet show. The event is free.
  • Keep Reston beautiful by taking part in a fall stream clean up on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants will meet up at Hunters Woods Village Center to help restore Reston’s streams. All ages are welcome but kids under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Reston Association also needs help monitoring local streams on Saturday from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Volunteers will work with a small team to collect data and identify insects, with the ultimate goal of assessing the health of the stream.
  • A book club about books and their movie adaptations is set for Sunday at 4 p.m. at Scrawl Books. This month’s book is Crazy Rich Asians.
  • Reston Town Center will become the site of a 4K walk and run organized by Shatterproof, a national organization that aims to end the stigma against addiction. The event runs from 8 a.m. to noon.
  • RA is also organizing a chartered bus trip to Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Reston’s sister city of Columbia, Md. Participants will enjoy a buffet lunch and see “Ain’t Misbehavin'”. The event will run from 9:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. and tickets are $75 for RA members and $85 for all others.
  • On Sunday, bestselling author and LGBTQ activist Armistead Maupin will speak at the RCC Hunters Woods at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 for Reston residents and $30 for all others.
  • Kids can test their opening tactics and ending strategies at Reston Regional Library’s chess club for kids on Sunday from 2-3 p.m.
  • The 20th anniversary of Acoustic Jam is on for Sunday from 1-4 p.m. The event, which takes place at Frying Pan Farm Park, is free.
  • And Professor Harry Butowsky’s six-part lecture series on the history of World War II continues on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at Reston Regional Library.

Photo via Reston Community Players

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As fall weather descends on Reston today, Flavors of Fall is set for tomorrow (Oct. 6) in Reston Town Center from noon to 11 p.m. The festival features area restaurants and their favorite fall menus, entertainment, live music, fall beers, and family activities.

Tickets are required to purchase food, beer, and wine. The event is produced by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. The following day, GRCC will host the Reston Pumpkin 5K & Kids’ Pumpkin Dash, which begins at 8:15 a.m.

The following is a list of selected weekend events in the area:

(Editor’s Note: This is just a limited list of all the events taking place in the Reston area this weekend. If you have an event you would like to ensure is listed on the website, be sure to submit it to our Events Calendar.)

  • Young adults with special needs and their buddies get to take a tour of Frying Pan Farm Park, ride on a wagon, and learn to do social dancing at the farm today at 6 p.m. Registration is $12.
  • Kids between the ages of 6 and 11 can make thermoformed foam masks at Reston Regional Library on Saturday from 2-3 p.m. Registration is open online.
  • If you’re planning to stop by Reston Town Center for Flavors of Fall (or anything else), you can swing by Reston Hospital Center from 9-11 a.m. for a free bleeding control training class.
  • Old Town Tradition will offer a free lunchtime concert outdoors at Lake Anne Plaza on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is sponsored by Reston Used Book Shop and Friends of Lake Anne.
  • On Sunday, the 2018 Arts Herndon Children’s Literary Festival kicks off from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at ArtSpace Herndon. Organizers anticipate “record crowds” at the festival, which features guest authors, publishers, and illustrators from the area, along with live entertainment and art projects. The first 300 kids get a free book.
  • But if history is your cup of tea, you can listen to a lecture by Dr. Harry Butowsky of George Mason University for a talk on the history of World War II on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at Reston Regional Library.
  • Join Rebecca as she leads a free community yoga session on Sunday at Lake Anne Plaza from 9-10 a.m. The event will be followed by a yoga happy hour at Lake Anne Brew House.
  • The work of DC-based artist Caitlin Teal Price will be on display at Greater Reston Arts Center through Nov. 24. The exhibit is called “Green is the Secret Color to Make Gold.”

Photo via Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce

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Each Friday, Tim’s Reston sets the table with deals and events for the weekend ahead in Reston. Join his daily email newsletter for an up-to-date reminder of each day’s deals.

Highlights for the upcoming weekend include:

Event of the Weekend: Kalypso’s is hosting a Labor Day (and day before) Crab Feast, including Steamed Jumbo Crabs and King Crab Legs. Reservations are recommended.

Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday:


Monday (Labor Day):

All Weekend:

  • Free Appetizer or Dessert w/Entree & Beverage Purchase @ Cafesano
  • Free Delivery w/$10+ order @ Chipotle
  • Free Margarita Mix Canteen w/$75+ purchase @ On the Border
  • BOGO Free Wreck @ Potbelly

See the entire list by category or scroll through the entire list here:

Follow Tim’s Reston on Facebook,  Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, & his newsletter for new deals and events, posted regularly throughout the week!

Interested in special promotion as the Deal or Event of the Week or Weekend? Have a deal or event tip? Comments? Suggestions? Email Tim at [email protected]!

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