Colors, Crafts and Cultures
<lst>The Annual Multi-Cultural Festival
Lake Anne Village Center, Reston.
<bt>This annual event occurs in mid-September and showcases a variety of cultures that are represented in the area. Last year thousands came out to learn more and experience the look, taste and sounds of Central America, the featured geographic area. With food vendors, craftsmen and performances in the Jo Ann Rose Art Gallery, this event is a blast. Visit www.restoncommunitycenter.com for more.
<ro>Celebrate the Fourth.
<lst>Lake Fairfax Park
1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston.
703-471-5415
<bt>Usually Lake Fairfax is a peaceful, spacious area where you can often walk the trails without seeing many other people. On the Fourth of July, it's a different story. As thousands of people crowd the lakeside area in preparation of the popular fireworks show while food and crafts vendors pepper the area. Come early, stay late and enjoy the spectacular display of Independence Day Fireworks.
<ro>Party at Reston Festival
<lst>Reston Town Center.
703-435-7989
<bt>The Reston Festival is an annual event held in July to celebrate the town's birthday. Includes music, food, and other entertainment. Booths will showcase local artists, musicians, artisans, and businesses. The event was moved to Reston Town Center after 37 years at the Lake Anne Village branch of the Reston Community Center to provide a larger venue and to accommodate more booths. The event is hosted by the Reston Community Center and the Reston Association. Admission is free. Visit www.restonfestival.com.
<ro>Embrace Different Cultures
<lst>Lake Anne Village
1609-A Washington Plaza, Reston.
703-476-4500 ext. 6161
<bt>The Reston Multi-cultural Festival will is held in September at the Lake Anne Village Center and features international foods, arts and crafts, and entertainment. Past festivals have received a Certificate of Excellence from the National Association of County Information Officers. The event is hosted by the Reston Community Center and the Reston Association. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.restonweb.com/multiculturalfestival.
<ro>Showcasing the Arts
<lst>Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival
Reston Town Center.
703-471-9242 ext. 13.
<bt>The annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival is held in May every year at the Reston Town Center. Sponsored by the Greater Reston Arts Center, the festival features many local and national artists who showcase and sell original and unique art. The 2005 festival had 180 artists and attracted thousands of community members. The festival has been held for more than 15 years and also features entertainment by local artists. For more information, and if interested in participating next year, visit the Greater Reston Arts Center web site at www.restonarts.org.
<ro>An Eggcellent Hunt
<lst>Reston Community Center
2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston.
703-476-4500
<bt>Every March, the Reston Community Center holds an egg hunt for children eight-years-old and younger. The Eggnormous Egg Hunt includes an egg hunt, lunch, and lots of other fun with Easter celebrities Grandma and Grandpa Bunny. The event is generally held outdoors, but in event of inclement weather, the event will be moved indoors. Check the Reston Community Center web site for more details at www.restoncommunitycenter.com.
<ro>For the Taste Buds
<lst>Reston Taste of the Town
<bt>Reston Town Center.
With more than 30,000 people checking out the tasty treats that area restaurants have to offer, the annual Taste of the Town is the largest outdoor food festival in Northern Virginia. But food isn't the only attraction at this June event — fun activities in the "Kids Korner" and live entertainment add to the enjoyment. This event is presented by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and a portion of the proceed benefit the YMCA Fairfax County Reston. Visit www.restonchamber.org.
<ro>Celebrate Culture
<lst>The Annual Cox Hispanic Heritage Festival
777 Lynn St. Herndon.
703-435-6800
<bt>Located on the Herndon Municipal Center's Town Green, the annual Hispanic Heritage Festival features food, music, games and performances celebrating Hispanic culture. Sponsored by Cox Communications, the proceeds from this colorful October event benefit the Hispanic Committee, a Fairfax County organization that supports the local Hispanic Commmunity. Last year's event was co-sponsored by El Zol 99.1 FM. For more information on participating in this even, or to sign up as a arts and crafts or food vendor, contact the Council for the Arts of Herndon.
<ro>Party at the Herndon Festival
<lst>The Herndon Festival
777 Lynn St., Herndon.
703-435-6800
<bt>The Herndon Festival is the town's most anticipated annual event. Held every year in the first weekend in June, the four day event takes over the core downtown are and offers live entertainment, local food, arts and crafts as well as business expo and carnival rides. This free festival is sponsored by the Town of Herndon and Parks and Recreation Department. For more information go to www.town.herndon.va.us/festival/default.html.
<ro>Stay up all night
<lst>Annual National Night Out
Town Hall Square, Herndon.
703-435-6846
<bt>The Annual National Night Out is a community sleep over or camp out at the Town Hall Square that is organized by the Herndon Police Citizen's Support Team and ties the Herndon Community into a larger national anti-crime event. Last year's event saw over 34 million people nationwide camping out in their communities. Herndon will again participate in the national night in August. In addition, the Herndon Police participate in a motorcade, stopping at almost every neighborhood in the community. While they wait, residents and homeowner's associations hold barbecues and other outdoor events. For more information about the massive sleep over call 703-435-6846.
<ro>Herndon Labor Day Jazz and Wine Festival
<lst>Herndon Town Green
777 Lynn St., Herndon.
703-435-6868
<bt>Leave it to the Town of Herndon to combine fine win and fine jazz for an unbeatable combination of fun. The 18th annual Herndon Labor Day Jazz and Wine Festival features wineries as well as concessions, art, and of course jazz music. The festival is scheduled for early September. Admission prices includes a $15 charge per person for wine tasting. Children under 12 enter the festival free.
Theater
<ro>On the Stage
<lst>The Reston Community Players
2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston
703-476-4500.
<lst>The Reston Community Players have been performing live shows for more than 40 years. An all-volunteer organization, the group puts on four major productions a year, which has included "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", "The Foreigner" and "Seussical". The players are also members of the Arts Alliance of Reston, the Northern Virginia Theatre Alliance, the Arts Council of Fairfax County and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. There performances take place at the CentreStage Theatre at the Reston Community Center, Hunters Woods. Visit restonplayers.org.
<ro>Watch a Fight
<lst>The Noble Blades
www.nobleblades.org.
<bt>The Noble Blades are an off-shoot of the Reston Community Players and are the Washington D.C. area's only professionally trained theater-based fight group. They perform a variety of different martial arts for many events and are based in Reston. Along with performances around the area, the Noble Blades also conduct classes, workshops and demonstrations. They use a variety of different weapons including daggers, knifes, and swords. For more information on performance dates, workshops and classes, or booking information, visit www.nobleblades.org.
<ro>Seahawks in the Spotlight
<lst>South Lakes High School
11400 South Lakes Drive, Reston
<bt>Drama, Musicals, Variety — The South Lakes Theatre Arts Department does it all. Under the long-time leadership of director Maria Harris the high school theater department has achieved much area success and remains a highly respected for producing talented, enthralling shows. Performing throughout the school year, there most recent production was "Aida", written by Elton John and Tim Rice. For more information on upcoming shows, visit www.fcps.edu/SouthLakesHS
<ro>Watch Elden Street Players
<lst>Elden Street Players
The Industrial Strength Theatre
269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon.
703-481-5930.
<bt>Sick of the movies? Tired of the same old programming on television? Visit the Elden Street Players, a local award-winning volunteer theater group. Seasonal plays each year are staged by the group of actors and there is also a special play season for children. Want to take your involvement a step further? Get an audition with the Elden Street Players. Between 30 to 100 volunteers are needed for every show. For more information go to www.eldenstreetplayers.com. For ticket reservations call 703-481-5930.
<ro>Child's Play
<lst>Elden Street Players
The Industrial Strength Theatre
269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon.
703-481-5930.
<bt>While the Elden Street Players is known for its edgy choice of plays, it also operates ESP Theatre for Young Audiences, offering live theater for children. A joint venture between The Elden Street Players and the Town of Herndon Parks & Recreation Department, it has presented such shows as "Alice in Wonderland," "Rapunzel" and "The Emperor's New Clothes." See www.eldenstreetplayers.org
<ro>Attend Herndon High School Play
<lst>Herndon High School
700 Bennet St., Herndon.
<bt>Opportunities are abound for taking in a top-notch stage play without leaving town as Herndon High School's award-winning drama department puts on two mainstage plays and as many as three smaller, one-act plays stretching from fall to spring. The mainstage performances include dramatic plays in the fall and musicals in the spring. Those looking to keep up with the drama department's works can take in the smaller one-act plays that dot the calendar throughout the year. For information on upcoming performances, visit Herndon High School's drama department on-line at www.herndondrama.org.
<hdr30>Community Pools
<ro>Water, Water Everywhere
<lst>Water Mine Water Park
1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston.
703-471-5414
<bt>The Water Mine water park sits on over an acre of land in Lake Fairfax Park. With an old western theme, the water park features slides, showers, and flume rides a plenty, all built around Pete's Pike, a boarded mine shaft covered mountain, out of which protrude two huge slides. All of this is surrounded by Rattlesnake River, in which visitors can relax on floating tubes. The park is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and the hours vary throughout the season. Admission is $12 for 48 inches and taller, and $10 for under 48 inches. If you go to the park after 5 p.m. there is a $7 flat fee, and there is a $7 chaperone fee. Children under two years old get in free. The price includes admission to the carousel on Lake Fairfax grounds. Season passes are also available. For more information, visit the park web site www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/watermine.
<ro>Making A Splash
<lst>Reston Association Pools
www.reston.org.
<bt>With 15 pools throughout Reston, there are plenty of chances to cool off during the hot summer months — no matter where you live in Reston. The home for all water-based activities, including the Reston Swim Team Association, Water Volleyball, and various other programs, there is always something fun happening at the pool. Check the web site for locations, hours and prices.
<ro>Hit the Pool
<lst>Herndon Community Center
814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon.
703-435-6868.
<bt>Herndon's Community Center is the home of year-round swimming, featuring an indoor, 25-yard, eight-lane swimming pool complete with shallow kiddie pool area and a one-meter diving board. The community center hosts both adult exercise and child-free swimming periods throughout the day and offers swimming lessons for all ages. All visitors to the pool must pay an admission fee or be the holder of an annual or extended pass, with discounts available for Herndon residents. For information on swimming schedules, programs and fees, contact the Herndon Community Center.
<ro>Sport & Fitness
<ro>The Sticky Wicket
<lst>Lake Fairfax Park
1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston.
<bt>You may not know what a "Wicket Maiden" is, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the spectacle of a Cricket match. Part of an inter-Fairfax County league, Lake Fairfax hosts weekly games and is the home field for the FCC1, the Hunters, and the Cosmos. Bring a picnic dinner and watch until sundown as each team tries to best the other. Visit www.fairfaxcricketclub.org for more.
<ro>Swim, Bike, Run.
<lst>The Reston Triathlon
11654 Plaza America Drive, Reston.
<bt>Every year local residents compete in the Reston Triathlon, a race which takes participants through lakes, woods and over 22 miles of roadway. The race also includes the rare opportunity to swim across Lake Audubon, which is only permitted during the race. The Triathlon is held in early September and includes a one-mile swim, 22.3 mile bike ride and a 10K run. Choose to compete or pick a spot along the course and cheer on your neighbors. Visit www.restontriathlon.org.
<ro>Marvel at Nation's Bikers
<lst>Reston Town Center Grand Prix
Reston Town Center, Reston
www.evolutioncycling.org.
<bt>The Reston Town Center Grand Prix is an annual bike race held in Reston featuring the top men's and women's racers from the Mid-Atlantic region. The event is hosted by the Reston Bike Club and Evolution Cycling, a Northern Virginia-based competitive riding club. Evolution Cycling has national and international champion racers on the team and is one of the premier clubs in the Mid-Atlantic region. With thousands of dollars and cash and prizes in races for all ages, the Reston Town Center Grand Prix is Evolution Cycling's largest event.
<ro>Run With Reston
<lst>The Reston Runners
www.restonrunners.org.
<bt>It doesn't matter if you do marathons or just the occasional power-walk, the Reston Runners will have a program that's right for you. A community of more than 800 members, the group welcomes runners and walkers of all levels. Along with group runs, they also sponsors a number of activities including the "Fall Into Winter" 10K run in December, the Women's Distance Festival 5K held in June, and a Thanksgiving Day 5K Cross Country Run in Lake Fairfax — just to name a few. While membership is not required to join in group runs, it is recommended. Visit www.restonrunners.org or call the hotline, 703-437-FOOT.
<ro>Swimming Like A Fish
<lst>Jim McDonnell 1-and 2- Mile Lake Swims,
Lake Audubon, Reston.
<bt>While it is usually illegal to swim the lakes of Reston, there are a few exceptions — like the Jim McDonnell Lake Swims held at Lake Audubon and sponsored by the Reston Masters Swim Team. Usually in late May this event offers both one-mile and two-mile roped courses. Registration is $35 for one event and $60 for two events. Proceeds from the swims benefit the Lymphonia Foundation of America. The event starts bright and early and First through Third Place Awards are given. Visit www.restonmasters.org for information about registration.
<ro>Play Pick-up Basketball
<lst>Reston Association Basketball Courts
www.reston.org.
<bt>“I got next,” is the phrase of choice for new arrivals at one of the many outside basketball courts in Reston. During the summer, to beat the heat and the humidity, several regular pick-up games usually get started after normal working hours, around 6 p.m. Ballers interested in practicing the old jump shot should find a local court and watch for the regulars. Competition varies. Call the Reston Association at 703-437-9580 to find the nearest court.
<ro>Learn about Nature
<lst>Walker Nature Education Center
11450 Glade Drive, Reston.
703-476-9689
<bt>The Walker Nature Education Center is Reston's own nature educational facility. Operated by the Reston Association, it provides classes and courses for children of all ages, as well as summer camps, teacher workshops, adult and senior programs, service projects, and is open for birthday and other parties. Situated on 72 acres of forestland, the Walker Nature Education Center has on-grounds 1 mile of trails, a wildflower garden, a campfire ring, a meditation area, a sundial, and a picnic pavilion. The center is always looking for volunteers, as well as guest lecturers. Visit www.reston.org/parks_rec/p_nature_ed_center.html.
<ro>Serve Up an Ace
<lst>Reston Association Tennis Courts
www.reston.org.
<bt>The Reston Association offers residents one of the most extensive tennis programs in Northern Virginia. There are 49 tennis courts operated by the Reston Association, 26 of which are lighted and can be used for nighttime play. The program also runs tennis camps, lessons, and tournaments year-round. The association operate both clay and hardwood courts, and both are open for rental. Residents may also look for playing partners through the program's web site. Lessons are available to players of all ages from beginners to advanced. The courts are also open to birthday parties. The association also operates its own pro shop for tennis equipment.
<ro>Take a Lap
<lst>South Lakes High School Track
11400 South Lakes Drive, Reston.
<bt>South Lakes High School's track is open to residents in the evenings and on weekends. Run on the same track as Olympic and international track star and South Lakes alumnus Alan Webb. Webb holds the high school mile record, which he set when attending SLHS. Recently, Webb ran and won several events at the U.S. Track and Field Championships. Who knows? Maybe some of his speed might rub off on you.
<ro>Ice Skating
<lst>Indoor: SkateQuest
1800 Michael Faraday Court, Reston.
703-709-6300.
Outdoor: Reston Town Center Pavilion
1818 Discovery St., Reston.
703-709-1010.
<bt>If you enjoy figure-eights, executing double axles or just watching the zamboni, Reston is home to two skating rinks. The Reston Town Center's out-door ice-rink is a great place to enjoy the cold weather. Open from November to mid-March, the Pavilion is transformed in a rink with skates and supplies available for rent.
SkateQuest is Reston's indoor rink and offers a venue for hockey, figure skating, parties, classes and public sessions. Call or visit skatequest.com for a full listing of programs.
<ro>Play Tennis at Bready Park
<lst>814 Ferndale Ave, Herndon.
703-435-6868.
<bt>Bready Park, adjacent to the Herndon Community Center, offers local tennis enthusiasts six hard-top regulation courts to refine their racket skills. Experienced mentoring is available for the less experienced players as staff tennis experts offer group tennis classes and summer youth tennis camps. For those who can't wait for the warmer months to hit the courts, a tennis bubble" is placed over three of the courts to allow for year-long play during the colder fall, winter and spring months.
<ro>Join Adult Basketball Team
<lst>Herndon Community Center
814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon.
703-435-6868.
<bt>Every winter Herndon's adult men have the opportunity to show off their roundball skills by joining a team in the men's adult basketball league. Teams consist of six to 12 players who are at least 18-years-old [with no more than 5 players residing outside of Herndon] and play full-court basketball twice a week for 12 weeks before competing in the playoffs at the end of the season. Registration for each team is $600 and seasons begin in January of each year.
<ro>Crosstown Cycling
<lst>Downtown Herndon
<bt>With the Washington and Old Dominion Trail cutting through downtown Herndon, cyclists can use the town municipal center parking lot at the end of Station Street, off Elden Street, eat at any number of nearby restaurants and then head east toward Vienna or west to Loudoun.
<ro>Race for Turkeys
<lst>5K Turkey Trot
Herndon Community Center
814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon.
703-435-6868
<bt>Think you're fast? Come show your speed at the Herndon Community Center in November for the Turkey Trot 5K Race. The town's fastest people will show up to shed their soon-to-be visible holiday weight in this annual 5K race. The first-place prize is a turkey. For more information call 703-435-6868.
<ro>Give, To Feel Good
<lst>Blood Donor Centers
<bt>Giving blood may not sound like a way to have fun, but afterwards it leaves you feeling pretty good. Inova Health Systems and the American Red Cross both conduct blood drives.
Inova Blood Donor Center at 45745 Nokes Blvd., Suite 160, Sterling is open Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; Monday, noon-8 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Friday, 6 a.m.-4 p.m. and closed Thursday and Saturday. Call 571-434-3600 or 1-866-BLOODSAVES (1-866-256-6372). See www.inova.org
American Red Cross of the National Capital Area's Fairfax Donor Center at 2720 Prosperity Avenue, Fairfax is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 12-7 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., and Saturday, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Closed Tuesday and Sunday. Call 703-584-8400. See www.redcross.org
Blood donations are critically needed.
<hdr30>High School Sports
<ro>Support the Seahawks
<lst>South Lakes High School
11400 South Lakes Drive, Reston.
703-715-4500
<bt>The Northern Region boasts some of the country's finest and most competitive high school talent. South Lakes houses one of the most competitive high school basketball programs in the area with one of the most well-respected coaches in the Northern Region and country. Wendell Byrd has coached the Seahawks' basketball program for several years and has produced some of basketball's finest talent including Detroit Piston and Orlando Magic star Grant Hill. For more information on South Lakes High School activities go to www.fcps.k12.va.us/SouthLakes.
<ro>Cheer the Hornets
<lst>700 Bennet St., Herndon.
Athletic Hotline, 703-749-8133.
<bt>Become a part of the rallying center of Herndon community pride and enter the "hornets nest" by attending a Herndon High School sporting event. With football in the fall, basketball in the winter and baseball in the summer, there is always an opportunity to see Herndon's best and brightest young athletes compete against other area high schools. Tickets are limited and sell out quickly, especially for marquee events.
<hdr30>Music
<ro>Spotlight on Center Stage
<cl>The Center Stage
2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston.
<bt>Browsing the list of performers that come through the Reston Community Center's Center Stage, its apparent that this facility is at the heart of the arts community in Reston. From author Nick Hornby to Irish acoustic band Lunasa, the Center Stage brings in an eclectic variety of top-notch artists throughout the year. Set in an intimate theater, programs often allow the audience the opportunity for Q & A's, as well as after performance book signings. Visit www.restoncommunitycenter for a schedule of performances.
<ro>Perfect Harmony
<lst>Voce Chamber Singers.
703-277-7772
<bt>Voce is a Reston-based choral group that is one of the most acclaimed in the area. Since 1989, Voce has been singing choral chamber music across the region. They have sung at the Kennedy Center and St. Thomas More Cathedral, have performed with the Washington Symphony Orchestra, and been featured on WETA. The group performs all around the Washington D.C., but a majority of their performances are in the Reston/Herndon area. The 22-member group has sung commissioned pieces to national acclaim. To get more information on upcoming events and performances, visit www.voce.org.