April 2015 Events in the Reston Area

It’s time for our monthly events calendar! April brings spring flowers, Earth Day, a cool art installation, and Reston’s annual birthday party. Here’s what’s happening around town during the next month.

Cherry-blossoms-at-Lake-Anne-Reston-VA

Weeping cherry trees at Reston’s Van Gogh Bridge in 2014. They are expected to blossom this year in mid-April.

SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2015

Easter Egg Hunts and Easter Brunches
Various restaurants around Reston
Several local spots are hosting Easter egg hunts or Easter brunches. Refer to our list of Easter events for more information.


MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2015

Reston’s Arbor Day
9:30am-12pm, Reston sites to be determined
Volunteer to help plant native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. A special presentation will take place at 11:45am, followed by a pizza lunch for volunteers. FREE. Register online.


Reston-Founders-Day-Bob-Simon

Reston Founder Bob Simon arrived by pedicab at last year’s Founder’s Day. This year’s celebration of his 101st birthday and Reston’s 51st birthday will take place on April 11th.

SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2015

Founder’s Day
12pm-3pm, Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
Celebrate Reston’s 51st birthday and founder Bob Simon’s 101st birthday at a community party with music, food, raffles, and birthday cake. FREE.

Nature House 5K
8am, Walker Nature Center, Reston
This 5K Fun Run and Walk supports Walker Nature Center and The Friends of Reston. Register online. $30 for adults, $20 for kids.

Potomac River Watershed Cleanup
9am-12pm, Several sites around Snakeden Branch and Colvin Run streams
Volunteer to work with groups to clean up these two streams that lead to the Potomac River. Afterwards, volunteers will meet at Walker Nature Center for a pizza lunch. Register online. FREE.

Bluebells at the Bend Festival
Riverbend Park, Great Falls
At Riverbend Park, early spring each year is marked by the blossoming of fields of beautiful bluebells. The park will celebrate these flowers’ arrival with live music, wildflower walks, live animals, and wagon rides. $5 per person.

Reston Community Orchestra Casino Night
7pm-10pm, Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, Reston
The annual benefit for Reston Community Orchestra offers food, casino games, and raffle prizes. Tickets are $75, with a discount for advance purchases online.

Bluebells-at-Riverbend-Park-Great-Falls-Va-02

Bluebells at Riverbend Park in Great Falls in April, 2014. They are expected to blossom in mid-April this year, and a festival in their honor will take place on April 11th.


MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

Reston Presents – Cooking Techniques
7pm-9pm, Reston Community Center at Lake Anne, Reston
Chef Robert McKeon will demonstrate cooking techniques, and present topics such as food safety and cooking for two. Register online. FREE.


SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2015

Bike Safety Rodeo
1pm-4pm, Lake Newport Pool, Reston
RA’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee, The Reston Bicycle Club, and Safe Routes to School host an annual Bicycle Safety Rodeo. Children will complete eight safety stations and earn their bicyclist’s license. No registration required. FREE.


THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

Earth Day – Mercury Fountain Celebration
1pm, Fountain Square at Reston Town Center, Reston
Reston Town Center will host a celebration with live music and refreshments, as they turn on Mercury Fountain for the first time of the season. FREE.


FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Environmental Film: A Fierce Green Fire
7pm-9pm, Walker Nature Center, Reston
Presented in honor of Earth Day, this film follows 50 years of the environmental movement. Narrated by Robert Redford, Ashley Judd, Van Jones, Isabell Allende and Meryl Streep. Reservations required. $5 suggested donation.


Reston-art-installation-Patrick-Dougherty-IPAR

A sculpture by artist Patrick Dougherty, made of tree saplings. He will create a similar art piece at Reston Town Center this month.

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2015

Patrick Dougherty Art Installation Unveiling and Reception
1pm-4pm, Town Square Park, Reston Town Center
5pm-8pm, Greater Reston Arts Center, Reston Town Center
An outdoor art installation will be created by internationally-recognized sculptor Patrick Dougherty, in Town Square Park at Reston Town Center. Hands-on art activities will be available for families and children in the park throughout the afternoon. The sculpture will be officially unveiled at 5pm, followed by an opening reception across the street at GRACE. FREE.

Reston Beers of the World Festival
2pm-9pm, Reston Town Center Pavilion, Reston
Sample 25 beers and listen to live music in the Pavilion. Tickets are $25 for general admission, or $40 for access to the Belgian tent for weizenbier, blond and amber ales, framboise and tripel abbey ales. Tickets available online.


Related stories:

Easter Events in the Reston Area

Articles about free things to do