things to do

things to do

Weekend Highlight: The Lake Anne Jazz and Blues Festival

It will be a waterfront dance party when the Lake Anne Jazz and Blues Festival returns to Reston this Saturday, September 3, 2016. Even if you don’t typically listen to jazz music, I highly recommend this festival. The music and atmosphere are fantastic, and it’s one of my favorite events of the year. The Jazz and…

September 1, 2016

Reston Events in September 2016

The arrival of September means that it’s time for two of Reston’s most fun events: the Lake Anne Jazz Festival and the Reston Multicultural Festival. Both are Modern Reston favorites! Other highlights this month include the Herndon Labor Day Festival, ChalkFest, Dulles Day, and some of the last summer concerts. Here’s what’s happening in September in the…

August 31, 2016

10 Ways to Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the National Park Service in the DC Area

It’s been called “America’s Best Idea” and it’s having a huge birthday. On August 25, 2016, the National Park Service (NPS) will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a series of events designed to honor the Service’s century of conservation and recreation. When you think of National Parks, distant destinations such as Yellowstone or Yosemite might come…

August 17, 2016

Creative Date Night Ideas in Northern Virginia: Beyond Dinner and a Movie

If your date night routine is getting a little too, uh, routine, then it’s time for something new. Whether you’re looking for free date ideas or something more extravagant, we have lots of suggestions for things to do in the Reston area of Northern Virginia. BE ROMANTIC ☐ Rent a boat for two at Lake Anne or…

August 13, 2016

We Tried It: Indoor Skydiving at iFLY Loudoun

Flying — you know you’ve dreamed of it. If you’ve ever envied a seagull soaring over a cliff, or imagined yourself leaping like Ironman, here’s the chance you’ve been waiting for. An indoor skydiving center called iFLY Loudoun opened earlier this year in Ashburn, and we’ve been eager to try it. This facility offers the sensation of…

August 8, 2016

Reston Area Events in August 2016

Now that summer is winding down, this is your chance to try everything you’ve missed on your Summer Bucket List. Get out there and enjoy! Here’s what’s happening this month in the Reston area of Northern Virginia, including Herndon, Great Falls, and Chantilly. MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2016 Mr. Knick Knack! Children’s Performance 10:30-11:15am: Reston Town Center…

July 29, 2016

There’s a New Weekly Petting Zoo and Children’s Play Area at Reston Town Center

As we mentioned last week, Reston Town Center is offering new summer events this year, and the Pavilion is now reserved for dogs on Wednesday evenings. Families will be glad to learn that Tuesdays are for the kids! On summer Tuesdays from 4:00-7:00pm, the Pavilion hosts Zoosday, a free play area for young children that includes…

July 25, 2016

The 2016 Guide to Free Summer Movies in the Reston Area

Summer seems to be slipping by faster than ever this year. If you’ve missed out on this season’s free family activities, there’s still plenty of time to catch up. Here is a schedule of this summer’s free movie screenings, both outdoors and indoors, in the Reston area of Northern Virginia.   LAKE ANNE: SUMMER FILM…

July 22, 2016

Take Your Dog for an Evening on the Town on Wednesdays this Summer

Reston Town Center is offering new summer events this year, including the weekly Dog Days of Summer. On Wednesday evenings from 4:00-7:00pm, the Pavilion is turned into an off-leash dog park! The Town Center provides dog toys, kiddie pools, treats, and giveaways, thanks to sponsor Olde Towne Pet Resort. Admission is free. I visited last week, and…

July 19, 2016

Where to Find Free Summer Fitness Classes in the Reston Area

If it’s not your style to be inside a gym on a summer day, you’ll be glad to know that there are several free outdoor fitness opportunities throughout this area. Here are some weekly options for you in the Reston area of Northern Virginia, including Great Falls, Fairfax, and Tysons. All are free and social ways to earn your…

July 18, 2016

What I Observed While Talking to Dozens of People Playing Pokemon Go

I’m sure you’ve seen them, staring at their phones while wandering around Reston Town Center, Lake Anne Plaza, and just about every other landmark in the country. Pokemon Go players seem to be gathering everywhere. This phone game was launched last week, and within a few days its daily usage has exceeded that of Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, or Tinder. Whether or not…

July 15, 2016

Photo Gallery: Surf Reston Demonstrates Paddleboarding for a CBS TV Show

Residents of Lake Anne Plaza woke up Tuesday morning to discover a paddleboarding party happening outside their windows. (And some of them hurried out to join the fun.) Dozens of local SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) enthusiasts had gathered to demonstrate variations of the sport for the CBS morning show “Great Day Washington.” The show’s lifestyle correspondent, Meaghan Mooney, interviewed Steve…

July 13, 2016