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

The Reston Historic Trust & Museum’s annual home tour is back for its 17th year tomorrow. Participants can take tours of six Reston homes that have undergone major redesigns.

Homes on the tour include a 1968 Dutch Colonial in South Reston and Reston Town Center’s Signature apartments. Tickets can be purchased online today and will need to be purchased at Reston Museum on the day of the tour. All proceeds benefit the Reston Historic Trust & Museum.

If historic house hopping isn’t your cup of tea, there’s still plenty to do in the area this weekend, including a Fall Carnival and Farm Harvest Day this weekend at Frying Pan Farm Park:

(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.)

• Bring light to the darkness of cancer through today’s Northern Virginia Light The Night Walk from 5-9 p.m. The annual walk seeks to raise funds for blood cancer research. All registered walkers will get an illuminated lantern.
• It’s not too late to sign up for a trip to the Ronald Reagan building today from 5:45-10:30 p.m. to see the Capitol Steps perform live. Registration is $52 for Reston Association members and $62 for all others.
• Another tour is set for Saturday from 10 to 3 p.m. RA is offering a bus tour for newcomers to Reston. The tour begins and ends at The Lake House.
• Simon’s Junction will play at Lake Anne Plaza in front of Reston’s Used Book Shop on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Greater Reston Arts Center is hosting an art panel about art school on Saturday from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday. Panelists include art educators from George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College and local county schools.
• Yes, Halloween is just around the corner. Author Sue Fliess will read from and sign her new book, Haunted Halloween, on Saturday at Scrawl Books at 11 a.m.
• Award-winning author Alfredo Del Arroyo will present his book Martes de Infamia: y Otros dias fatales, and poet and novelist Fernando Gudiel will present several of his works, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month on Saturday from 2-3:30 p.m. at Reston Regional Library.
• Enjoy an afternoon of dance at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods on Sunday from 2:30-4:30 p.m. The event is open to ages 18 and up. Western country dance is up from 5:30-8 p.m.
• You can also go on a (free!) search for birds in Reston on Sunday from 7:30-10:30 a.m. at Bright Pond. The walk is sponsored by the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia and The Bird Feeder store.
• Later in the day on Sunday, you can take a family trip to Corn Maze in the Plains, a five-acre corn maze that includes entertaining outdoor activities. Reston Association is organizing transportation to the event on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets, which cover the event fee and transportation, are $18 for all participants.
• But if you’d rather listen to a lecture about the history of World War II on Sunday, you can do so at Reston Regional Library from 2-4 p.m. Professor Harry Butowsky will be presenting.

Photo via Reston Historic Trust & Museum

As fall temperatures blanket the area at the end of the week, Frying Pan Farm Park will become the site of a fall carnival from Friday (Oct. 12) through Sunday (Oct. 14).

Carnival-goers of all ages can enjoy games, ride, food and drink at the event. Admission and parking are free.

Carnival rides and games will be open from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Tickets are $1 each or $20 for 24. Most rides take between three to five tickets.

If rides aren’t your cup of tea, you observe various activities at the park, including a cider press in action, milking a goat, shelling corn, peeling apples and meeting farm animal. Carousel and wagon rides will also be offered.

The park is located at 2739 West Ox Road in Herndon.

Photo via Frying Pan Farm Park

One of the hottest neighborhoods for home sales — After crunching the numbers and ranking subdivisions by the increase in median sales prices, the increase in price per square foot, and other measures, the top areas were ranked. The 2018 median sales price for Reston was $515,000 and homes remained on the market for nine days, with sale price percentage increasing by 8.4 percent. [The Washington Business Journal]

Dog days of summer — The last dog paddle of the season will take place tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your dog for a dip in the pool. Registration is $6 for Reston Association members and $8 for all others. [Reston Association]

Adapted teen tour, ride and dance today — Young adults with special needs and their buddies can take a tour of Frying Pan Farm Park, ride on a wagon and learn how to do “social dancing” at the farm.  Registration is $12. [Fairfax County Government]

Photo by Wade Gilley, Sr. 

Lane and ramp closures this week — Phase two of the Silver Line project ushers in several lane, shoulder and road closures this week along the Dulles Toll Road, the Dulles International Airport Access Highway, Herndon Parkway, Sunset Hills Road and Sunrise Valley Drive. The complete list of closures is available online. [Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project]

Not denser than Manhattan — Canaan Merchant responds to an opinion piece published on Reston Now that asserts Reston is going to be denser than Manhattan. [Greater Greater Washington]

Bechtel brings it — The engineering giant moved its global headquarters from San Francisco to Sunset Hills Road in Reston this year. The company has become one of Washington’s biggest privately held players. [The Washington Business Journal]

Suspicious package cleared by Metro transit police — A package found on Friday at Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station was cleared by police. [Metro Transit Police]

Corn night moon gathering tonight — View this month’s full moon, which, according to American Indian folklore, is named the Corn Moon. It indicates the time of the year to harvest crops. View the moon through the park’s telescope and enjoy a corn-inspired treat over the fire. Registration is $8. [Fairfax County Government]

Flickr pool photo by vantagehill

The Bluegrass Barn concert series, which celebrates bluegrass music, will kick off next month at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon. Concerts are held on Sundays from 7-9 p.m.

Season passes for all eight shoes and reserved seating are available online.

The series is sponsored by the Friends of Frying Pan Park, Vienna Hardwoods and Eastman Guitar and Mandolins in cooperation with Fairfax County Park Authority. Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door.

The program breakdown is below:

• October 21: The Plate Scrapers, a traditional bluegrass band from western Maryland
• November 4: Gina Clowes Project, featuring Gina, who was raised in Virginia and has taken a national role as the banjo player for Chris Jones and the Night Drivers
• November 11: Donna Ulisse, a veteran songwriter and singer who was named Songwriter of the Year in 2016 by the International Bluegrass Music Association
• January 27: Only Lonesome, a band nominated by the Washington Area Music Association as the Best Bluegrass Group from 2013-2016
• February 10: Laurie Lewis, a Grammy Award-winning musician and international renown singer and songwriter who has recorded nearly 20 albums since her debut in 1986
• February 24: Nothin’ Fancy, a band based in Virginia
• March 24: Highland Travelers, a new band formed after The Boxcar and Ramblers Choice combined

The series will close off with a final show by the Becky Buller Band on April 14. Buller was the first person to win in both the instrumental and vocal categories at the International Bluegrass Music Awards.

Photo via Frying Pan Farm Park

Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon has become the temporary home for nine horses affected by Hurricane Florence.

The park is on the Virginia Equine Evacuation Site List, allowing the Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park to notify 6,000 members on the list that the park was available to lend a hand.

The nine horses are from southern Virginia and North Carolinas. Horse owners do not incur any costs for using the stalls at Frying Pan Farm Park and can visit their horses while they’re at the park.

Equestrian manager Meghan Look is working with Visit Fairfax, a nonprofit organization that promotes the county as a tourist destination, to find lodging and food for the horse owners while they’re in the area.

The state’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services waived inspection requirements typically required to transfer a horse across state lines. Look said there was no time to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian to receive the certificate due to the hurricane.

The horses will remain at the park until it is safe to return to their homes. At least 17 people have died in storm-related incidents since Hurricane Florence sprawls over six states, with North and South Carolina in the bull’s eye. The hurricane is expected to produce widespread heavy rains.

Photos via Cristin Bratt

As we head into Labor Day weekend, here’s a look at some area closing for the holiday. 

Public schools, libraries, county offices, the county’s animal shelter, Circuit Court, General District Court, and Reston Community Center will be closed.

Fairfax Connector bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule. The Metrorail system will be open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and will also run on a Sunday schedule. Parking will be free at Metro parking facilities and off-peak fares will be in effect. Metrobus will also run on a Sunday schedule.

Most county parks will be open. Frying Pan Farm Park is open but the visitor’s center will be closed. Reston Association offices, including the Central Services Facility and the Walker Nature Center, will also be closed, but RA pools will be open on Labor Day weekend. 

The hours of pools are as follows:

• North Shore heated pool & spa: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Ridge Heights heated pool: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Lake Newport 50-meter pool: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Photo via DKrebs Via Flickr Creative Commons

Behind the video — In this follow-up story, the man who recorded a video of a former Reston Association employee yelling racial slurs tells his side of the story. [WJLA]

Heat advisory continues today — The National Weather Service has issued an advisory from noon to 8 p.m. today. Residents are encouraged to limit outdoor activity, wear loose-fitting clothing and hydrate as much as possible. [National Weather Service]

It’s not too late — Slots in select Frying Pan Farm Park camps are still open. The park offers camps for children between the ages of 3 and 14. [Frying Pan Farm Park]

Nearby: funding for transportation — Fairfax County projects will get more than 40 percent of the more than $1 billion allocated for regional transportation projects. Several proposals for Reston projects didn’t make the cut. [Fairfax County Times]

Flickr pool photo by vantagehill

Time for the crescent — The Fairfax County Planning Commission is scheduled to review the Reston Crescent project, a mixed-use development plan that includes a new Wegmans, tonight at 7 p.m. [Fairfax County Government]

And time for the full moon — Experience the moon at Frying Pan Park tonight at 8:45 p.m. Attendees between ages seven and above can view the moon through telescopes, take a walk around the farm and enjoy a theme-related dessert. [Fairfax County Government]

Nearby: Unarmed man dies in police custody — Six local police officers have been placed on administrative leave as an investigation continues on how an unarmed, naked man died after encountering police in Northern Virginia. [Richmond Times-Dispatch]

“Take a Break” concert series tonight –– Cheich Hamala Diabata brings the traditional music of Mali, mixed with modern grooves, to Lake Anne Plaza tonight at 7 p.m. [Reston Community Center]

Flickr pool photo by vantagehill

Fairfax County parks are offering classes to socialize and train four-legged members of the family.

The classes, known as Puppy Kindergarten, will begin June 23-28 at Frying Pan Farm Park. Puppies between 10 to 23 weeks will learn the fundamentals of discipline and socializing, as well as chewing and jumping.

Dogs who are advanced can participate in Dog Obedience I or II. The first class features management, discipline, problem-solving, affection and restraint. Dogs must be at least six months old to attend. Classes meet from 10-10:55 a.m. for eight weeks.

The level one class must be completed prior to taking the level two class. Dogs must be eight months old and will learn how to perform the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test.

Each class costs $109. Humans who participate must be at least 14 years old.

File photo via Chesapeake Dock Dogs

Spring Farm Day – It’s Spring Farm Day at Frying Pan Farm Park this Saturday, May 12. Bring the family out from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to see all the farm’s new animal babies, and watch as we shear some of our sheep to cool them off for the warm weather. Try milking a cow or goat, and experience antique equipment demos, games and more. Families can also bring canned goods, dried beans and personal care items to help stock the emergency pantry of Cornerstones Shelter. This event is a fundraiser for Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park. Admission is $7 in advance or $8 at the gate. Ages 2 and up are welcome. Parking is free. (Frying Pan Farm Park)

Special Event to Celebrate Bike Month – Join the Fairfax Alliance For Better Biking (FABB) for a special celebration of Bike Month on Friday, May 25. Meet other cyclists at the Lake Anne Village Center (1609 Washington Plaza West) by the entrance adjacent to the parking lot at 5 p.m. for a celebration ride and tour of all the new bike facilities and lanes installed in Reston over the past couple of years. After the ride, join members of FABB for a gathering at Lake Anne Brew House (11424 Washington Plaza West). One dollar from every purchase during the event will be donated back to FABB. Helmets required for the ride. This event is free but attendees are asked to register online. (Eventbrite)

Tennis Courts Opening for the Season – The North Hills clay tennis courts (1325 North Village Road) open for the season today, though they will be temporarily closed Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for routine maintenance. Passes for Reston Association-owned and -operated swimming pools and tennis courts are now available online through WebTrac. (Reston Association/Twitter)

Park Authority Seeks Public Input on Strategic Plan – The Fairfax County Park Authority has released its proposed Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2019-2023, and is seeking public input. The full document is available online. Comments can be sent to [email protected] or citizens can call the department at 703-324-8702 during normal business hours, Monday to Friday, 8 to 4:30 p.m. All comments must be received by close of business on May 25. (Fairfax County Park Authority/Twitter)

File Photo: Flowers in Reston

No rush for rush hour service — “Metro plans to stick with rush-hour service cuts implemented last summer for years to come, an update to the rail fleet plan to be presented to the Metro Board Thursday suggests.” [WTOP]

A life line — Coffee pod maker Keurig Green Mountain is partnering with Reston-based LifeFuels to increase sales of its high-tech, battery-operated water bottles. [WTOP]

In it for the ride — Young adults ages 10 and up with special needs get a tour of Frying Pan Farm Park Today, as well as a wagon ride and a chance for some social dancing. [Fairfax County Government]

In school sports — South Lakes High School JV Boys Soccer and Girls Soccer teams secured wins over Herndon High School yesterday. [South Lakes Athletics]

Photo by Jami Ojala