The Reston Multicultural Festival marks its 25th anniversary Saturday, Sept. 19, at Reston Town Center.

The free festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. along Market Street. Organizers expect one of the largest editions yet, with more than 60 artisan vendors and community organizations, three performance stages and more than 20 acts.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution on Aug. 25 honoring the anniversary, calling the festival a "cherished community tradition." Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn read the resolution at the board meeting. Board Chairman Jeff McKay said at the Aug. 25 meeting that the festival draws visitors from across Fairfax County, not only Reston, according to Patch.

The opening ceremony begins at 11 a.m. with the Presentation of the Colors and the national anthem performed by the South Lakes High School Chorus. Reston Community Center (RCC) Board of Governors Chair Bill Bouie will deliver opening remarks. Honored guests include Sen. Jennifer Boysko, Delegate Karen Keys-Gamarra, Supervisor Alcorn, Fairfax County School Board member Melanie Meren, County Executive Bryan Hill and Reston Town Center Association Executive Director Robert Goudie. Beverly A. Cosham will close the ceremony by leading "God Bless America."

Three stages anchor the day: the Pavilion Stage, the Park Stage at Reston Town Square Park and the Cultural Conversations Stage on Library Street. Pop-up performances will appear along Market Street throughout the afternoon.

Featured acts include the New York Korean Performing Arts Center, the "Music from the Crooked Road" program with Elsa Howell, Gina Dilg and the Mustard Cutters, and Eddie Bond & the New Ballards Branch Bogtrotters. The Crooked Road lineup ties to America's 250th anniversary, spotlighting musical traditions rooted in Virginia. Reggae act CULTURE featuring Kenyatta Hill, Billy McComiskey, Patrick Olwell and Gerry Milnes round out the bill.

The festival was founded by Reston residents Ellen Graves and Margaret Boyd, who approached the late Hunter Mill District Supervisor Catherine Hudgins with the idea for a celebration reflecting the community's diversity. It originally took place at Lake Anne before moving to Reston Town Center.

RCC Executive Director BeBe Nguyen, who came to the United States as a refugee, accepted the Board of Supervisors proclamation on behalf of the center at the Aug. 25 meeting. She recalled how the festival became Reston's first community gathering after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Planning committee member and Reston resident Norma Khan was killed at the Pentagon. Organizers chose to proceed.

"As someone who came to this country as a refugee, this means something very personal to me," Nguyen said in a statement. "I know what it means to leave one home and to be welcomed into another."

The 2024 festival drew more than 10,000 people, according to organizers. The 2025 festival featured more than 40 vendors along Market Street. Attendees are encouraged to wear attire from their own cultural roots.

The full performance schedule, vendor list and activity details are available at the Reston Community Center website.

Upcoming in Reston: The Walker Nature Center hosts fall programming throughout September. Reston Town Center events continue through the fall season. Check restoncommunitycenter.com for the full calendar.