Each fall, the Reston community is invited to “Discover the World” at the Reston Multicultural Festival. This signature Reston event celebrates the diversity of our community and the multitude of perspectives and histories that bring to life the vision Reston founder Robert E. Simon had for this unique place. The 2017 Reston Multicultural Festival returns to Lake Anne Plaza on Saturday, September 23 from 11am to 6pm. Attendees are encouraged to dress in native attire and share the uniqueness of their cultural roots.
The Festival will open with a Naturalization Ceremony where some of America’s newest citizens will take the Oath of Allegiance. The World Stage, Global Stage and the Gallery Stage will feature free performances representing many of the world’s cultures throughout the day. Fans of dance will enjoy Spanish, Polynesian, Indian, Central Asian, Turkish, Middle Eastern and Japanese dances. Numerous musicians performing a variety of world music styles will also appear. Two National Heritage Fellows will join the festivities this year: Guinean dancer and drummer Sidiki Conde and Phil Wiggins Blues House Party. The Blues House Party will feature two of Wiggins’ favorite musical collaborators—guitarist Rick Franklin and violinist Marcus Moore. Festival goers can enjoy culturally diverse foods at the Global Café or shop in the Global Market and take home a memento from artisans’ work representing many different traditions. With a vast array of performing arts, family activities, ethnic cuisine and global arts and crafts, there will be something for everyone to enjoy!
New to this year’s Festival is the debut of Turning Heads—an all-day exploration of the cultural significance of hats, head coverings and hair styles seen throughout the Reston community. Some of the Turning Heads elements being planned include the African American barbershop culture and styles, and the importance of the barbershop as a community resource. African American female hairstyles and their impact on culture will be shared. Join a thought-provoking discussion on the Muslim hijab that will focus on building alliances and bridges across cultures. This talk will include the impact of wearing the hijab in the context of situations that involve Islamophobia.
Japanese traditional headdresses and kimonos will be discussed during the Festival’s second Japanese Fashion Show. Other aspects of Turning Heads include numerous art projects including creative writing submissions from the National English Honor Society at South Lakes High School and Al Fatih Academy. Selected papers may be read at the festival. In addition, festival entertainers will be asked to bring and feature hair and head coverings during their performances as appropriate.
The Reston Multicultural Festival is presented by Reston Community Center and hosted by Lake Anne Plaza with co-sponsorship support from Reston Association. Partners include a variety of Reston-based organizations and businesses. VivaReston Lifestyle Magazine is the official media sponsor of this year’s Festival. For more information about the festival, contact Kevin Danaher (703) 390-6166 or visit www.restoncommunitycenter.com/mcf
About Reston Community Center
Each year RCC offers more than 2,000 positive, self-development experiences that enhance the quality of life for all people living and working in Reston. RCC provides a wide range of programs in arts, aquatics, enrichment, fitness and life-long learning. We also create and sustain community traditions through special events, outreach activities and facility rentals. To find the programs or events that are right for you, visit or call 703-476-4500.
Photos courtesy of Reston Community Center
