Celebrate Reston, formerly Founder's Day, marks Reston's birthday at Lake Anne Plaza each spring. 2026: April 18, noon to 4 p.m. The 2027 date is not out yet.

Last checked Oct. 19, 2026. This page is updated each year. Facts come from the organizer, the Reston Museum.

Celebrate Reston, the community birthday party once called Founder’s Day, is held each spring at Lake Anne Plaza, in Lake Anne Village Center, Reston’s first village center. The 2026 event was Saturday, April 18, from noon to 4 p.m., and marked the event’s 22nd year and Reston’s 62nd, according to the Reston Museum, which organizes it. The museum had not posted a 2027 date when we checked. We will add it here as soon as it does.

Who to call

The 2026 event at a glance
Date Saturday, April 18, 2026 (2027 date not yet announced)
Time Noon to 4 p.m.
Where Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
Organizer Reston Museum, with an RCC Community Partner sponsorship
Tickets The museum lists no ticket or admission price

What happens

The museum describes the day under the line “Live, Work, Play Bob Simon’s Way,” after Robert E. Simon Jr., who founded Reston. Its page lists:

  • community performances
  • a book fair with local authors
  • local organizations and vendors
  • exhibits
  • family-friendly activities

The museum quotes Simon on the event page: “The way people live is at least as important to them as where they live.” For the story of how Reston was planned and built, see our history and landmarks guide.

Parking and getting there

For Celebrate Reston, the Reston Museum points visitors to additional parking:

  • along North Shore Drive
  • the public merchant lot off Washington Plaza West
  • across the street near Brown’s Chapel Park

The museum’s regatta page warns that the plaza’s commercial lot fills quickly, so plan on one of these. See our getting around guide for buses and the Silver Line.

When the 2027 date comes out

The Reston Museum posts Celebrate Reston on its events page. The 2026 event was in April. We check the page through the winter and will put the 2027 date, times and any new parking notes at the top of this page.

Frequently asked questions

When is Celebrate Reston 2027?

The Reston Museum had not announced the 2027 date when we checked on Oct. 19, 2026. The 2026 event was Saturday, April 18, from noon to 4 p.m. at Lake Anne Plaza.

Is Celebrate Reston the same as Founder’s Day?

Yes. The Reston Museum renamed Founder’s Day as Celebrate Reston. The 2026 event was its 22nd year and marked Reston’s 62nd birthday.

Where do I park for Celebrate Reston at Lake Anne?

The museum points to extra parking along North Shore Drive, the public merchant lot off Washington Plaza West, and across the street near Brown’s Chapel Park.

What is there to do at Celebrate Reston?

Community performances, a book fair with local authors, local organizations and vendors, exhibits and family-friendly activities, according to the Reston Museum.