The pavilion at Reston Town Center will once again host more than a dozen free concerts throughout the summer, starting next month.
The 33rd annual Reston Concerts on the Town series is set to return on May 16, coinciding, like in past years, with the Tephra ICA Arts Festival.
“Reston Concerts on the Town has been a unique cornerstone of the community for more than three decades,” Alex Young, vice president of regional marketing for property owner BXP, said. “As we celebrate our 33rd season, we’re excited to continue this tradition with an incredible lineup of talented performers and an inviting atmosphere where the entire community can come together all summer long.”
Announced yesterday (Monday), this year’s concert series kicks off with the soft-rock cover band Yacht Lobsters and concludes on Aug. 22 with Almost Queen, a tribute band dedicated to the “Bohemian Rhapsody” rockers.
In between, town center visitors will be treated to a range of genres, from country to disco and Motown, as well as some original artists mixed in with the cover and tribute bands.
Last year’s summer concerts drew “record” attendance, according to Reston Town Center Association (RTCA) Executive Director Robert Goudie, who suggested that the 2026 lineup is “even stronger.”
“No one in the region is providing concerts of this caliber and depth all for FREE,” he said.
The full schedule is below. All concerts start at 7:30 p.m. with the exception of the two-night visit in early June by Big Al & the Jokers, whose shows will begin at 5:30 p.m. both days.
- May 16: Yacht Lobsters (1970s and early 1980s soft rock)
- May 23: Emmet Swimming (Fairfax-based rock band)
- May 30: Delta Spur (Northern Virginia country cover band)
- June 5 and 6: Big Al & the Jokers (Latvian band making its U.S. premiere, mixes swing, rock and R&B)
- June 13: Herr Metal (1980s rock tribute band from Germany)
- June 20: Pat McGee Band (Virginia favorite with a sound inspired by 1970s bands and singer/songwriters)
- June 27: RDGLDGRN (alternative band started in Reston that has worked with artists like Pharrell and Dave Grohl)
- July 11: Discoteks (disco and Motown classics)
- July 18: Reflex (1980s cover band)
- July 25: Hell’s Belles (all-female AC/DC tribute band)
- Aug. 1: Ace Monroe (modern rock)
- Aug. 8: Hard Day’s Night (Beatles tribute band)
- Aug. 15: The Ocean Blue (alternative rock)
- Aug. 22: Almost Queen (Queen tribute band)
During every concert, Reston Town Center’s Sip and Stroll program will be in effect, allowing attendees to enjoy alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages purchased from participating restaurants.
Makers Union — the artist hospitality sponsor for Reston Concerts on the Town — is among the participants, along with CitySwing, North Italia, Sixty Vines, Ted’s Bulletin, Sixty Vines, Kusshi Sushi, Fogo de Chao, True Food Kitchen, Capital Burger, and Masti.
The series is also supported by accommodations sponsor Hyatt Regency Reston.
According to BXP and RTCA, all concerts will be held rain or shine unless there are severe storms. Any weather-related cancellations will be shared the day of the concert on RTCA’s website and by phone at 703-435-6600, extension 2.
