The sights, sounds and smells of a German Oktoberfest celebration will again fill Reston Town Center from Friday, Oct. 9 through Sunday, Oct. 11. Attendees can enjoy German food, beer and wine along with live entertainment plus carnival rides, all presented by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce (GRCC). Oktoberfest Reston is open Friday, from 3-11 p.m.; Saturday, from 11 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sunday, from 12-7 p.m., with free admission and parking. Food and drink is available in exchange for tickets purchased for $1 each, or a sheet of 24 for $20. Most food and drink items range from $1-$5 in value, with selections from some of the region’s best eateries. A portion of ticket proceeds benefits INCspire, the business incubator program of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. Oktoberfest Reston is sponsored in part by Moore Cadillac. Participating restaurants include: Cafe Montmartre; Clyde’s of Reston; The Counter; Il Fornaio; Market Street Bar & Grill – Hyatt Regency Reston; McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant; Mon Ami Gabi; Red Hot & Blue; Uno Chicago Grill; Vie de France Bakery Café; Vinifera – Westin Reston Heights. More information is available online at www.oktoberfestreston.com and by calling the GRCC at 703-707-9045.
Music and entertainment will be presented all three days in the Reston Town Center Pavilion, featuring The Continentals, Sam Gunderson and Cactus Grove, Sexton’s German Band, and the Kings Park German Band. For the young and young at heart, the Oktoberfest Reston Carnival will offer amusement rides and entertainment in the fun-filled festival zone. Carnival ride tickets will be available on site, sold separately from food and beverage tickets. On Saturday, Oct.10, Reston Town Center is providing free horse-drawn hay rides and face painting on Market Street from 12-4 p.m., adding even more family fun to Oktoberfest Reston.
Also on Saturday, Oct. 10, the Anthem Great Pumpkin 5K races will take place at Reston Town Center, starting at 9 a.m. At the Finish Line Festival, participating runners, walkers, joggers and their families can take part in the pumpkin decorating contest from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and see Virginia’s Greatest Pumpkin on display. The Children’s Pumpkin Dash begins at 10 a.m., offering free races for those 4 to 10 years of age. Halloween costumes are welcome. Presented by the Greater Washington Sports Alliance; Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield; and Potomac River Running to benefit the INOVA Heart and Vascular Institute. Advance registration and details are online at www.thegreatpumpkin5k.com, or call 1-866-RUN-0262 for more information.
Oktoberfest Reston is calling for volunteers to assist with a variety of event operations. Call the GRCC at 703-707-9045 for volunteer schedules and registration information.