The Weekly Planner is a roundup of interesting events coming up over the next week in the Reston area.
We’ve searched the web for events of note in Reston, Herndon and Great Falls. Know of any we’ve missed? Tell us!
Monday (Nov. 16)
- Thanksgiving Food Drive (November 1-23) — Patrons, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to drop off non-perishable food and other items at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods (2310 Colts Neck Road) and Lake Anne facilities, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, and a variety of other drop-off points throughout the community, the website said. View this link to see the most needed items.
Tuesday (Nov. 17)
- Herndon Teen Book Club (Online) – 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Discussing Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi, the group will meet via Zoom. Club members should call the Herndon Library (768 Center S.) during the Curbside Pickup times (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to have staff check out and set aside your copy or visit the branch, the website said. To register, use this link.
Wednesday (Nov. 18)
- Reston Farmers Market – 3-7 p.m. at St. John Neumann Church (11900 Lawyers Road) – The farmers market offers a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, charcuterie, sausages, bread and prepared food, the website said.
Thursday (Nov. 19)
- Meet the Artists – 2:15-3:30 p.m. at Reston Community Center (2310 Colts Neck Road) — Beverly Cosham and her musician friends collaborate to perform their favorite songs, the website said. To register, use this link.
Saturday (Nov. 21)
- Scotch Whisky Tasting – 3-5 p.m. at Colvin Run Mill (10017 Colvin Run Road) – The cost is $45 per person. Participants will learn about the ancient history of Scotch whisky and the fine art of making and tasting it, the website said. To register, use this link.
Photo via Fairfax CountyÂ
The Weekly Planner is a roundup of interesting events coming up over the next week in the Reston area.
We’ve searched the web for events of note in Reston, Herndon and Great Falls. Know of any we’ve missed? Tell us!
Monday (Oct. 26)
- CenterStage Cinema – 7:30 p.m. at Reston Community Center (2310 Colts Neck Road) – Presenting The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, due to COVID-19, food will not be served; social-distancing measures, masks and advance registration will be required, the website said. To register, use this link.
Tuesday (Oct. 27)
- Rainbow Teen Book Club – 7-8 p.m. at Reston Regional Library (11925 Bowman Towne Drive) — This is a place for members of the LGBTQIA+ teen community and their allies to read and discuss queer titles, the website said. Discussing All Out by Saundra Mitchell, the group meet via Zoom. To register, use this link.
Thursday (Oct. 29)
- Marina Chamasyan and Students – 2:25-3 p.m. at Reston Community Center (2310 Colts Neck Road) — The program features Dr. Marina Chamasyan and accomplished local high-school students who will present their original compositions, a world premiere and widely admiredDanse Macabre by Saint Saens, the website said. To register, use this link.
- Better Dens and Habitat – 5-6 p.m. at Hidden Pond Nature Center (8511 Greeley Blvd.) — Using logs, branches, leaves, rocks, and other materials, help our naturalists restore a heavily impacted natural area to provide homes for local critters, the website said. The cost is $7 and adults must accompany children ages 12 and under.
Friday (Oct. 30)
- Mathnasium of Reston’s Halloween Game Night (Online) – 5-7 p.m. — Join us online for a night of fun and math games with the whole family, the website said. To register, use this link.
Saturday (Oct. 31)
- Great Falls Pet Parade – 4-4:45 p.m. at The Arts of Great Falls Gallery (756 Walker Road) — Bring your pet on a leash dressed up in its favorite costume, the website said. Prizes will be awarded for special categories.
- Great Falls Halloween Spooktacular – 5-7 p.m. at Great Falls Shopping Center (754 Walker Road) — Children up to age 12 are encouraged to wear their favorite Halloween costume, experience the Haunted House, and enjoy trick or treating with local merchants in a safe environment right in the heart of town, the website said.
- Teen Halloween Party (Online) – 2-3 p.m. – Participants will play Halloween jeopardy, tell spooky stories, and show off their Halloween costumes, the website said. To register, use this link.
Staff photo by Catherine Douglas Moran
New Roles for County Bus Drivers — Fairfax County Public Schools’ bus drivers are taking on new roles during a hiatus in in-person learning. Some were matched with temporary jobs based on their skill set. [NBC 4]
Volunteers Sought for Laptop and Book Distribution — Volunteers are “greatly needed” to help schools in Reston and Herndon, according to Fairfax County Public Schools. Volunteers can sign up to help with curbside library book distribution, weekend food distribution packing, helping with laptop distribution, and other tasks. [Fairfax County Government]
Virtual Appraisal Roadshow Set for Tomorrow — Reston Association is hosting a virtual appraisal roadshow from 11 a.m. to noon tomorrow (Tuesday). Experts will be on-site to educate the audience about facts and the worth of items selected by residents. [RA]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Reston Association’s biannual Approach Roadshow typically allows patrons to uncover treasures already in their possession during an in-person event.
This year’s treasure hunt experience will go virtual due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Residents will get the change to present one valuable such as jewelry, coins, porcelain, artwork and heirlooms.
Appraisal experts will offer facts and information on the item, its worth and what can be done with it. Participants should email a photo of their item to [email protected]. Private appointments with experts are also possible.
The event takes place on Oct. 6 from 11 a.m. to noon. Members pay $14 while all others pay $16. Registration is open online.
Photo via Reston Association
The South Lakes High School PTSA is once again organizing the “Do It Your Way 0.5K,” an annual fundraiser that supports the school’s food pantry.
This year, the event will go virtual. Participants can pick up race packets at the Lake Anne Brew House in order to complete “650 steps anywhere,” according to organizers.
The packet includes a portable Donut station and a pantry-branded mask. Other goodies include a race bib and a thank you from event sponsors. The first 250 registrants will receive special gifts, according to organizers.
Packets will be available for pickup on Friday, Oct. 16 from 4-6 p.m and on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to noon.
Aspen Jewelry Design is also offering a raffle for a “VOTE” necklace. Tickets are available for $5 each or 5 tickets for $20.
Participants can register online as a student $10), adult ($25), and a family up to five ($60).
Last year’s event brought nearly 200 participants to Lake Anne Plaza for a rainy event. More than $18,000 was raised at the fundraiser.
Organizers hope to top that number this year, especially as needs grow every week to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pantry provides food to an average of 150 SLHS pyramid families per week.
Photo by Holly Vanderhoof
The fifth annual Fairfax County Brewfest returns on Saturday, Sept. 26 with a twist year.
The event will take place at seven locations instead of a one-stop event in order to limit large gathering and follow social distancing guidelines.
The event features seven breweries in Fairfax County, including the Lake Anne Brew House in Reston.
“We designed a smart Brewfest this year. It’s scaled to be safer by spreading out locations to avoid a large crowd but still celebrating the breweries, music, and food in the area. It’s a chance to have fun and toast the craftmanship of the brewers,” said John Boylan, President & CEO, Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The event kicks off in Reston with a beer run at 9:45 a.m., followed by nitro cold brew coffee and Kombucha.
A complete breakdown is below:
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Join us as we tap an exclusive and very limited edition keg of our 2020 Golden Strong Ale (2020 VCB Cup Silver medalist). Will also be the first day that our QUADIVERSARY, 4th Anniversary Belgian Quad (2020 VCB Cup Bronze medalist) will be available (750 ml commemorative, ltd edition bottles available for in house consumption or to go. In addition, pretzel and pint special with NORDIC-KNOT pretzels, all day.  Come sit by the lake for great views and even better brews. No ticket required.
6-8 p.m.: OKTOBEERFEST (advanced ticket purchase required by 9/24 with reserved table seating only. Limited seats still available. See website for more details.
Other participating breweries include Caboose Brewing Company (Fairfax), Fair Winds Brewing Company (Lorton), G34.3 Brewing Company (Lorton), Mustang Sally Brewing Company (Chantilly), Ono Brewing Company (Chantilly), and Settle Down Easy Brewing (Falls Church).
The event is co-hosted by the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce and Mustang Sally Brewing Company.
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department plans to continue its decades-long tradition of offering open houses and community activities during Fire Prevention week in early October.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, FCFRD will host a virtual open house on Saturday, Oct. 10 and virtual activities during the week of Oct. 5.
The department will host several activities surrounding this year’s theme, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen.”
Here’s more on the events:
Join us for a fun-filled week of fire safety, all virtual activities and special “Behind-the-Scenes” features! Please register online to be eligible for daily prizes, perks, and to enjoy our specially prepared weekly selections! Register here:Â Virtual Fire Prevention Week 2020Â Â
Once registered you will be sent a packet containing related safety materials and special items including a FCFRD branded kitchen timer and oven mitt. You do not need to register to participate in the week’s events but registering allows you to be eligible for daily prizes and other perks.
The complete schedule of events is available online.
Locals looking for a socially-distanced activity can take part in free outdoor movie screenings this month at Woodland Park Crossing.
Two movies will be screened in the upper parking lot behind Moby Dick House of Kabob. Registration for this Friday’s screening of The Greatest Showman is now open. The Princess Bride will light up the nighttime sky on Friday, Sept. 11. Both screenings take place at 8 p.m.
Registration is required for both screenings. A parking spot next to the viewing area will be assigned to each group. Only 19 spots are available, with a maximum of four people in each group.
Attendees must bring their own lawn chairs or folding chairs. Masks are required when moving to and from assigned seating areas or indoor areas to access the restroom. The attendee with the best mask will win a prize.
The event was organized with the help of Pinot’s Palette.
The first screening on Aug. 28 was postponed to Saturday due to rain. The rain date for each screening is the following Saturday.
Photo via Marion Myers
Reston Association is hosting a series of listening sessions for its members beginning next month.
All five sessions will take place virtually on Zoom. The first four sessions will be targeted to subjects related to each of Reston’s districts, according to RA. The last session, which takes place in October, will touch on general topics.
Each meeting begins at 7 p.m.
A breakdown of the schedule, along with links on how to join, is available below:
- Sept. 9 – North Point District
- Sept. 17 – South Lakes District
- Sept. 21 – Hunters Woods/Dogwood District
- Sept. 29 – Lake Anne/Tall Oaks District
- Oct. 15 – At-Large Meeting
Representatives of RA and its Board of Directors will be available to answer and field questions.
Restonians looking to grab a bite on Wednesday can get more bang for their buck by taking part in a fundraising event Chick-fil-A in North Point Village Center tonight (Wednesday).
The Dranesville Elementary PTA is sponsoring a Mobile Spirit Night. Customers who place an order between 4-8 p.m. through the restaurant’s app will direct a portion of the sale to the PTA.
The location at 1494 North Point Village Center is taking part in the event, which applies for all pick-up, drive-thru, delivery or curbside orders made through the app.
Platform Lighting Upgrades Completed — Metro says that platform-lighting upgrades at 48 underground stations have been completed one year ahead of schedule. The new brighter lights will “improve visibility and enhance safety and security while reducing energy costs,” according to the statement. [Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority]
Nearby: Search Underway for Missing Adult — Local police are looking for Jose Rodriquez, 81, who was last seen on Aug. 24 at Huntington Metro Station. He is endangered due to mental or physical health concerns, police said. [Fairfax County Police Department]
Spots Still Available for Reston Association Dog Paddle — Several spots are available for this weekend’s dog paddle at North Hills Pool and Dogwood Pool. Pre-registration is required. [Reston Association]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Reston Community Center’s CenterStage will come to life once again with three performances in the fall.
A limited number of tickets will go on sale on September 1 for Reston residents and employees and the general public on September 8.
CenterStage has adopted new safety protocols in order to maximize safety for the Professional Touring Artist series. Audience members are requested to wear masks and no intermissions will take place.
In order to facilitate social distancing, audience capacity will be limited to 43 pairs of tickets.
Shows may be live-streamed in the community room if a show sells out of CenterStage seating.
The following shows are planned for the fall:
Sunday, November 22, 3:00 p.m.
$10 Reston/$20 Non-RestonThis Grammy-nominated music act returns to Reston to entertain audiences of all ages.
Mark Brutsché is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Saturday, December 5, 3:00 p.m.
$5 Reston/$10 Non-RestonMark Brutsché brings his unique spin on this childhood favorite that will be fun for the whole family.Â
Special Guest Daoirà Farrell. Opening with MALINDA
Thursday, December 17, 8:00 p.m.
$25 Reston/$50 Non-RestonIrish band Lúnasa brings its holiday show to the CenterStage, along with Dublin-born bouzouki player Daoirà Farrell and rising star MALINDA.
RCC also plans to continue its winter and spring line-up as well, which will include shows from Regina Carter, Reduced Shakespeare Company, and mutts Gone Nuts. Tickets for the 2021 portion of the schedule go on sale on December for Reston residents and December 8 for all others. The center noted that all decisions are “pending public health status and performer traveler restrictions.”
Unless otherwise noted, all performances take place at CenterStage, which is located at RCC Hunters Woods.
More information on how to purchase tickets is available online.
Photo via RCC
Maker’s Union, which markets itself as a “pub for the people,” is officially opening its doors on Thursday in Reston Town Center.
The restaurant replaces American Tap Room on 1811 Library Street. The project was launched by Thompson Hospitality, a Reston-based company.
In a statement, business representatives recognized it is “a bit of a weird time” to open a restaurant. In fact, Maker’s Union considered passing construction until there was less uncertainty in the restaurant industry.
But the business team ultimately decided to move forward with opening the restaurant because Reston “needs a special local gathering place.”
Beginning tomorrow and Wednesday between 5-8 p.m., patrons can stop by for a preview event. Tickets are $5 for a slider and a can of craft beer or wine. The restaurant will be set up outside with six-feet spacing markers. All items will be served to-go, but patrons can take a peek into the new space.
Masks are required to take part in the preview event, a company representative told Reston Now.
Photo via Thompson Hospitality
An in-person event in Reston will explore the past and future of Reston Town Center, which is now in its 30th year.
Robert Goudie, the Reston Town Center Association’s executive director, will offer a glimpse at what the town center will look like in the future. RTC is slated to double in size over the next 15 years.
The free event, “Reston Town Center: Its Past and Future,” takes place on Wednesday, Sept. 16 from 7-9 p.m. at Reston Community Center Lake Anne’s Jo Ann Rose Gallery. Chairs will be spaced out to facilitate social distancing.
Those interested can register online or in-person at RCC. The event is hosted jointly by Reston Historic Trust & Museum and Reston Community Center.
Tickets will go on sale on Sept. 1. No photography or video recordings will be allowed.
Photo by R. Dawson/Flickr
CORE Foundation is releasing a DIY race kit to replace Reston’s annual Youth Superhero Splash and Dash due to COVID-19.Â
Participants will complete activities for the event kit on their own timeline and in an area of their choice. Everyone is still eligible to receive medals and other gear they would receive in a live experience, according to their Facebook page.Â
CORE Foundation is providing all of the tools necessary to complete a race from home to maintain the event’s authenticity. The kits include a superhero cape, a medal, finish line tape, and superhero crafts.
The virtual event features a “swim-run-fun” format, according to the page, for ages 5 to 15. Those without a pool can substitute the swim feature for any physical activity of choice, from bicycling to hopscotch.Â
Participants can pick any day between Aug. 22 and Sep. 8 to designate as their “event day,” in which they will complete the swim-run-fun challenge. The event emphasizes “participation rather than competition” to the children.Â
The kit is $35 if participants register before Aug. 6 and $40 after Aug. 7. The first 50 registrants will receive a BOCA 2019 Splash and Dash trucker hat, according to the page.Â
Kits can be picked up from Chick-fil-A North Point Village on Saturday, Aug. 22 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m., or can be mailed for an additional fee.Â
Those who are in need of a scholarship to participate can email [email protected]. The organization is pairing with the USA Triathalon foundation to offer the experience free of charge.
Photo via CORE Foundation
