The Reston Multicultural Festival is set to return this year after being canceled in 2023 due to inclement weather, promising a day filled with global culture, music, dance and community spirit. This free event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Reston Town Center.
BeBe Nguyen, newly appointed executive director of the Reston Community Center, shared her excitement about the festival in a recent episode of the “County Conversation” podcast.
“This festival is the community’s way to celebrate all the diversity that is in Reston,” Nguyen explained.
Expanded Footprint
This year’s festival boasts an expanded footprint, stretching along Market Street up to the pavilion. In addition to entertainment on the Market Street Stroll, visitors can enjoy performances on three stages:
- the Pavilion Stage
- the Park Stage
- the Library Street Stage
This expansion allows for more activities and performances than ever before.
“There’s going to be about 20 different cultural and traditional performances, from dance troupes to storytellers to songs.”
Nguyen also mentioned special guests, including 2024 NEA Heritage Fellows like the Zuni Olla Maidens, and Rosie Flores, who brings “40 years of traditional American roots folk music.”
Embracing Diversity and Traditions
The Market Street Stroll is a new feature this year, offering interactive experiences for festival goers.
“There’s a group by the name of the Jump DC Superstars that’s going to be teaching anybody who wants to learn how to do double Dutch.”
In addition to performances, the festival will host artisans and craft vendors selling unique, handmade goods from around the world. Nguyen emphasized the quality of these items, saying, “It’s nothing that is mass marketed at all. They’re very hand-selected content.”
The festival will close with a performance by the Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University on the Park Stage, which Nguyen described as “very healing and restorative.”
For those concerned about parking, Nguyen assured that there are “over 5 different garages that are free to the public on the weekends.”
The Reston Multicultural Festival is more than just an event; it’s a reflection of Reston’s founding principles.
“Bob Simon, the founder of Reston, built into the community spirit of belonging,” Nguyen explained. “This festival is the community’s way to celebrate all the diversity that is in Reston.”
As Reston continues to grow and change, the festival remains an important tradition. Nguyen sees it as a way to “cultivate and embrace diversity and traditions.”
To see the full list of this year’s performers and performances, see the full schedule online.
The Reston Multicultural Festival is a testament to the community’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. It offers a unique opportunity for residents and visitors alike to experience cultures from around the world, right in the heart of Reston.
To learn more about the Reston Community Center, visit them online at www.restoncommunitycenter.com or call 703-476-4500.
The County Conversation Podcast
The “County Conversation” is a podcast featuring employees and subject matter experts from the Fairfax County Government discussing programs, services and items of interest to residents of Fairfax County. Click here to listen to past episodes of "County Conversation.” To find other county podcasts, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts.
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