Reston’s annual cardboard boat race is set to make a splash this weekend.
The Cardboard Boat Regatta will return to the waters of Lake Anne on Saturday (Aug. 9) for a friendly competition to raise money for the Reston Museum, the nonprofit that organizes the event.
Started in 2017, the regatta has steadily grown in size, even after a two-year hiatus during the pandemic. Last year’s event drew 40 registered boats and nearly 3,000 attendees, according to a winter holiday message from Reston Museum Executive Director Lisa Watts.
For this year, there are 31 registered boats, Watts says.
“The Regatta brings together residents, businesses, and visitors from across the Greater Washington, D.C. metro area,” the museum’s event page says. “In this festive environment, Lake Anne Plaza swells with thousands of spectators who cheer on their favorite boats.”
This year’s festivities will take place, rain or shine, from 1-5 p.m. outside the Reston Museum (1639 Washington Plaza North) at Lake Anne Plaza. As usual, teams of people 10 and older will race in timed heats to a designated buoy and back to the docks.
All participants craft their boats themselves based on guidelines for the size and types of materials that can be used.
Though boat registrations closed on July 27, Reston Museum is still looking for more volunteers to support the event. There are still slots for people to help clear boats, clean up after the event and gather donations, among other duties.
As of yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon, Watts says there were still five to six VIP seats available for $50, providing front-row, shaded views of the race as well as a $25 gift card for Open Road Reston and a chance to vote on the fan-favorite boat.
To build anticipation for the race, Lake Anne Brew House is offering $1 off all pints for customers who wear “cardboard couture” outfits or accessories tomorrow (Friday) from 4-9 p.m.
Founded in 1997, Reston Museum uses proceeds from the regatta’s registration fees, VIP ticket sales and sponsorships to fund its exhibits, history and artifact preservation efforts, free educational programs and other community events. Admission to the museum is free.
The museum is currently hosting an exhibition on the art of Lake Anne Plaza that will remain on display through Aug. 31.
Later this year, the museum will bring back its annual Reston Home Tour, which will showcase seven local properties. Tickets for the Oct. 25 fundraiser are available for purchase online or in-person at the museum for an early bird price of $35 until Oct. 3.
Boat makers who are participating or missed out on a chance to register for the 2025 regatta can also get a head start on next year’s event. Teams can already pre-register for 2026 with a donation of $50, $100 or $125, depending on whether they’re a student or family team, all adults or a nonprofit.
