With the passing of the unusual heat of summer this year, the infamous humidity of the Washington, D.C. region, and more torrential and flooding rains than I can remember comes the time when it is fun to go outside and enjoy the unique festivals and fairs of our region before we hibernate for the winter. Reston seems always festive with weekly charity runs at Town Center and regular events of vendors, craftpersons, and musicians at Lake Anne Plaza as well as Town Center. While our population has grown to about 70,000, our community for me still has a small-town feel encouraged by the many community events and celebrations.
As much of the abundance that Reston has to offer in outdoor festival and events, our location in Northern Virginia puts us in close proximity to a wide range of ways to relax, be outdoors, try new foods, entertain our children or grandchildren, or just relax. The opportunities available in our Nation’s Capital City are too many to list.
But, if you want a good old-fashioned autumn experience, try some of these. Fall festivals usually are held at the end of the harvest season in traditionally agricultural areas and often feature local produce, baked goods, and fresh cider. You’ll find wine tastings and beer festivals around the state. Arts and crafts fairs are a great place to shop for holiday gifts. Holiday bazaars will get you in the mood for the winter holidays even without snow on the ground.
To find events you might enjoy, visit www.virginia.org/directory/events/festivals or www.fairsandfestivals.net/states/VA.
