Local Company Uses Virtual Reality to Train Space Force Guardians — The U.S. Space Form is working with Reston-based company SAIC in order to use virtual reality to train space force guardians. The platform allows armed forces to respond to missile-warning scenarios and collaborate in cyberspace. [The Washington Post]

French Cafe and Bakery Opens in Herndon — Le Vingt Trois Cafe and Bakery recently opened at 311 Sunset Park Drive in Herndon. The owners hopes the business will be similar to French cafe that she encountered while growing up in Australia. [Reston Patch]

Paving and Re-striping Meeting Set for April 6 — State and county transportation officials are holding a virtual public meeting on April 6 p.m. to discuss the latest paving and re-striping project set for the Hunter Mill District this year. [Fairfax County Government]

Free Lyft Rides Available for St. Patrick’s Day — Residents can get a free Lyft ride home on St. Patrick’s day. Codes are valid from 4 p.m. today through 2 a.m. on Thursday. [Fairfax County Police Department]

Photo by Marjorie Copson

Though Fairfax County and independent groups announced several closures in the area, not everyone seems willing to give up the weekend fun.

Reston Now checked out several events and compiled important updates from around the area.

For people looking for things to do, a staffer at Kalypso’s Sports Tavern said that St. Patrick’s Day festivities scheduled for this weekend are still on, as of today (March 13).

On Saturday (March 14) animal lovers can attend the Lucky Dog Animal Adoption event at Kalypso’s Sports Tavern (1617 Washington Plaza N.) from noon to 2 p.m. and head to the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Lake Anne Plaza.

Today, the Reston Community Center announced several cancelations and closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All artist events have been canceled, including the following, which were supposed to take place over the weekend:

• “The Diary of Anne Frank” shows on Friday (March 13) and Saturday (March 14)
• the Reston Community Orchestra performance on Sunday (March 15)
• the Kundalini Yoga and Meditation session on Sunday

Though the Reston Community Center itself is not closed, staff are working to keep surfaces clean and disease-free with improved measures, the website said. Updates can be found on the community center’s website.

The Lucky Leprechaun 5K, which was originally scheduled for Sunday, has been postponed, according to its Facebook page. For more information, registrants can check out the PR Races website.

At the Reston Regional Library, the St. Patrick’s Irish Dance Performance has been canceled, along with the Learn How to Read Braille Workshop, according to a library representative.

Photo via Tim Mossholder/Unsplash

To keep party-goers safe on St. Patrick’s Day, Lyft teamed up with several businesses and organizations in Northern Virginia to offer free and discounted rides back home.

The promotion will be valid from 4 p.m. on Tuesday (March 17) until 4 a.m. on Wednesday, according to a press release, which added that rides up to $15 will be covered with a code that will be released shortly after the promotion starts.

Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), a local non-profit, is one of the main sponsors of the program. The nonprofit aims to eliminate drunk driving and underage drinking, according to its website.

To take advantage of the promotion, users must be over the age of 21 and have the app downloaded on their phones. People can find the code online.

Roughly 40% of all U.S. traffic deaths involve drunk drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

This story also appeared on our sister site Tysons Reporter.

Image via Fairfax County Fire and Rescue

St. Patrick’s Day falls on Tuesday (March 17) and businesses around town are hosting events celebrating the luck of the Irish.

Reston Now complied a list of events for people looking for a place to gather for the festivities.

For a family-friendly activity in Reston, the Lucky Leprechaun 5K invites people to grab their sneakers and get some exercise. Participants can register for the race online. Tickets cost $25-35 and the race will take place on March 15 beginning at 8 a.m. in front of the Reston Town Center (11900 Market Street). Participants will receive a t-shirt and finishers will be awarded with a medal.

The St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Lake Anne Plaza includes two days of festivities on Saturday (March 14) and Sunday (March 15). The entire family is invited to enjoy live music, traditional foods, face painting and dance demonstrations. The event kicks-off on Saturday at noonwhen the Lake Anne Leprechaun arrives by Pontoon boat, according to the event listing. In addition, people can also visit with pets from Lucky Dog Animal Rescue, who are looking for their forever home.

St. Pat’s Leprechaun Duathlon with New Trail Cycling will begin from Lake Anne Brew House (1401 North Shore Drive) with a half-hour spin class and a mile and a half run. Tickets are $15 and participants must be over 21 but experience is not necessary for the class. People can RSVP online beforehand the event which will start at 8:30 a.m. on (Saturday) March 14.

Kalypso’s St. Patrick’s Day Weekend includes a weeklong celebration featuring live music and drink specials beginning on Friday (March 13) and wrapping up on Tuesday (March 17). Kalypso’s Sports Tavern (1617 Washington Plaza N) is hosting this event in partnership with Lake Anne Plaza celebration.

Jimmy’s 23rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration! offers attendees prizes, live music, dancing, a charity event and giveaways at this year’s celebration. From 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday (March 17) until 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning, guests are invited to take part in all the activities at 697 Spring Street in Herndon, according to the event page. Those feeling bold will also be able to take part in a “Men in Kilts” contest at 11 p.m.

On Saturday and Tuesday, the Saint Patrick’s Day Party at Bar Louie will include deals on drinks like $4 Green Beer (14oz) and $6 Kilbeggan Shots. The location at 13195 Parcher Ave will be offering Instagram giveaways with the hashtag #LuckyDazeWithLouie20, the Facebook page said.

Sully’s Pour House (754 Elden Street) is hosting a St Paddy’s Party 2020. The location is offering guests kegs and eggs beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday (March 14) along with live music, swag and giveaways, the event page said. On Tuesday (March 17) the location will open up at 7 a.m. for those looking to celebrate on St. Patrick’s Day.

Photo via Magdalena Smolnicka/Unsplash

Looking for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations? You’re in luck.

Whether you want to enjoy a pint of Guinness or dance an Irish jig, locals in Reston, Herndon and Great Falls have a variety of events to choose from.

Reston

The Foley Academy of Irish Dance will give a dance performance and lessons at the Reston Regional Library (11925 Bowman Towne Drive) on Saturday (March 16) from noon-1 p.m. All ages are welcome to attend.

Over at Reston Town Center (11911 Democracy Drive), a Lucky Leprechaun 5K will take place at 8 a.m. on St. Patrick’s Day. Registration costs $40 until Friday (March 15) and then the price hikes up to $45. Online registration will remain open until 7:30 a.m. on the morning of the race.

The Kalypso’s Sports Tavern (1617 N. Washington Plaza) plans to host a St. Patrick’s Day Weekend that kicks off on Friday (March 15) with a classic and modern rock performance. On Saturday, the tavern will have face painting from noon-4 p.m. before the Irish dance demonstration by the Foley Academy of Irish Dance begins.

The schedule for the Irish holiday itself is packed:

• DJ Crisis Panic: noon-8 p.m.
• face painting: noon-2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m.
• Irish dance demonstration by Foley: starts at 4 p.m.
• Sam Gunderson & the Cactus Groove: 8 p.m.-midnight

The Lake Anne Brew House (11424 W Washington Plaza) will offer an Irish brunch on Sunday from 11 a.m.-noon. The menu will feature new twists on Irish favorites for $39.

Herndon

Over in Herndon, Ned’s Devine (2465 Centreville Road) will throw a party starting at 10 a.m. on St. Patrick’s Day featuring back to back live acoustic acts, Irish dancers and party favors.

Performances include:

• Brian Franke: noon- 3 p.m.
• Laura Farrell: 3-6:30 p.m.
• Levi Stephens: 6-9 p.m.
• Screaming Monkeys: starting at 9:30 p.m.

P. J. Mulligans (2310 Woodland Crossing Drive) will feature Irish food and music over the weekend. On Saturday, a midnight Guinness toast will kick off St. Patrick’s Day.

Great Falls 

The Old Brogue (760 Walker Road) will celebrate its 38th anniversary with four shows and a pub bash.

Reservations are required for the four concerts by Tam McGeady and the Mostly Irish Band. The shows include food and range from $40 each for the two lunch-time shows to up to $50 for the last of the two evening performances.

Diners over the age of 21 also have the option of enjoying all-day entertainment by Ted Garber in the pub where traditional Irish beers will be served from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. There will be a $10 cover charge.

Photo courtesy PRRacing

It’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend and a lot of people will be out celebrating. Safety officials are reminding residents to party responsibly and to be sure to have a safe ride home.

As part of the effort to keep everyone safe, the Washington Regional Alcohol Program is offering revelers free rides (up to a $20 value) through its SoberRide campaign. The program is open to everyone throughout the Washington region through 4 a.m. Saturday.

To get the free ride, use the Lyft app and enter the promo code SOBERRIDE.

Partying or not, though, there will be plenty of things to do in the Reston area this weekend. Here are just some of the options available.

• The Reston Community Center (2310 Colts Neck Road) will host its annual spring flea market Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. The free event is available to residents of all ages. For more information, call 703-476-4500.
• The fourth annual Maker Faire NoVa is Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. Tickets at the door will be $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens and $5 for children. Family packs of five tickets will be $40.
• Teen job fairs and resume-building workshops will be offered Saturday by Fairfax County at Chantilly High School (4201 Stringfellow Road) from 10 a.m. to noon, and at Oakton High School (2900 Sutton Road, Vienna) from 1-3 p.m.
• Reston Town Center is hosting “Family Fun Saturdays” throughout March to benefit Opportunity Neighborhood: Reston. This week’s schedule features horse-drawn carriage rides, free funnel cakes and a performance by the McGrath Academy of Irish Dance. The event will go from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.
• The opening reception of Greater Reston Arts Center’s “Emerging Visions” exhibit is set for 6-8 p.m. Saturday. The show features curated works of art created by Fairfax County students from South Lakes, Herndon and Oakton high schools, and it will be on display through April 1.
• The Social Justice & Peace Conference will be Saturday from 12:30-6 p.m. at United Christian Parish (11508 North Shore Drive). The free event will include workshops on how people from different religious backgrounds can support immigrants, the trans community, environmental justice and more.
• A bird walk at Sunrise Valley Wetlands and Polo Fields will be offered from 7:30-10:30 a.m. Sunday. Check out Reston Association’s WebTrac for more information.
• Reston Community Players’ will put on “Rock of Ages” tonight and Saturday at 8 p.m., as well as Sunday at 2 p.m. at CenterStage (2310 Colts Neck Road). Use the password “St. Paddy’s” when purchasing tickets for tonight’s show by phone or in person to get them for $10. Regular tickets for each performance of the show, which will run through April 1, are $25.
• A Kennedy Center Production of “From the Mouths of Monsters” will be performed at Herndon High School (700 Bennett St.) tonight at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; and at 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students and children.
• Reston Regional Library (11925 Bowman Towne Drive) will be visited by Frying Pan Farm Park on Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon, featuring animal education, stories and crafts. For adults, the lecture series on World War I will continue at 2 p.m. Sunday.
• Kalypso’s (1617 Washington Plaza N.) will have live music tonight for St. Patrick’s Day, with Mark Scott from 4-8 p.m. followed by Sam Gunderson from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
• ArtSpace Herndon (750 Center St.) will have the opening reception for its exhibit “There’s No Place Like Home,” by members of the Great Falls Studios, from 3-5 p.m. Sunday. The show will be on display through April 8.
• The Reston Town Center Singles Meetup group has an event scheduled for tonight at Ned Devine’s Irish Bar & Restaurant (2465 Centreville Road, Herndon). Shake 3X will perform at the restaurant from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Potomac River Running and World of Beer are teaming up for a pre-St. Patrick’s Day celebration at Saturday’s Lucy Leprechaun 5K.

The fun begins at 8:30 a.m. at Reston Town Center. Here is what you need to know:

The course goes through Reston Town Center and nearby streets. See the course map on PR Racing’s website.

Sign up online through Thursday evening for $35. Price goes up to $40 March 13 and March 14 at packet pickup). Pre-registered runners receive a Lucky Leprechaun 5k technical T-shirt.

There will be a 100-yard kids fun run at 9:30 a.m.

There will be cash awards for the top three overall men and women ($300-$200-$100). In addition, there will be age groups awards to top finishers. There will also be team awards. World of Beer, 1888 Explorer St. at Reston Town Center, is hosting the after-party. Doors open at 9 a.m.

World of Beer will be serving a St. Patty’s themed BEERunch: Beer + Breakfast + Lunch.

They also will be featuring Belgian beer waffles (fresh-baked, beer-infused Belgian waffles with warm maple-bourbon syrup, topped with fresh whipped cream & powdered sugar) and Guinness Brat Sliders (Guinness-infused bratwurst on a warm pretzel roll with caramelized onions and peppers, paired with a tangy Dijon. Pair them with a Stout).

Photo: 2014 Lucky Leprechaun 5K/file photo

It was a rare snowy St. Patrick’s Day in Reston on Monday, but some residents did not let almost a foot of the white stuff interfere with a festive day.

St. Patrick’s Day is Monday, March 17. But Saturday is the time to celebrate in Reston, where there is holiday fun planned for all day at Reston Town Center.

The Lucky Leprechaun 5K begins at 8:30 a.m. at Reston Town Center. Come dressed in your St. Paddy’s Day outfit, or just your running clothes to take part in this race for all ages.

There is a 100-yard kids fun run at 9:30 a.m.

Entry fee ($40) includes a meal ticket for Clyde’s of Reston’s St. Patrick’s Day menu, featuring corned beef and cabbage, green nachos and other Irish favorites.

Clyde’s of Reston’s St. Patrick’s Day Party begins at 9 a.m. and runs till 11 p.m. in the Pavilion at Reston Town Center.

There will be music, food and beer, as well as family friendly activities such as a moonbounce and face painting.

The party will be held rain or shine.