Reston's 2026 Independence Day: a drone light show at Lake Fairfax Park on June 27 and Red, White & Boom with fireworks at Reston Station, July 2-4.

Last checked Oct. 18, 2026. This page is updated each year. The 2026 celebrations are over; the details below are what organizers published for 2026, and the page will be refreshed when the 2027 plans are announced.

Reston had two big Independence Day celebrations in 2026, the nation’s 250th anniversary year. Fairfax County swapped the fireworks at Lake Fairfax Park for its first drone light show, and Reston Station put on three days of free concerts with fireworks.

Who to call

  • Lake Fairfax Park: Fairfax County Park Authority, Lake Fairfax Park page, 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive
  • Fireworks questions, or to give up illegal fireworks without penalty: Fairfax County Fire Marshal, 703-246-4849 (TTY 711)
  • Fireworks injury or fire: 911. Non-emergency reports: 703-691-2131

Lake Fairfax Park: drone light show (2026)

The Fairfax County Park Authority’s Lake Fairfax 250th Independence Day Celebration ran from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Lake Fairfax Park, 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, with Sunday, June 28, as the rain date. The link goes to an archived copy of the county’s event page, which has since been taken down.

  • The show: hundreds of synchronized lighted drones, flying up to nearly 400 feet, in a show of about 12 to 18 minutes. No fireworks or pyrotechnics. The county billed it as quieter, smoke-free and easier on pets, young children and guests with sensory sensitivities.
  • Music: School of Rock at 2:15 p.m., The Sonic Boom at 4:15 p.m. and The Reflex from 6:15 to 9:15 p.m., with food trucks from noon.
  • Parking: $20 a vehicle online in advance or $25 at the gate. Pedestrians and cyclists paid nothing. Re-entry was allowed with proof of paid parking.
  • Arrival: entry from noon; the county asked guests to arrive by 8 p.m.
  • Bring: lawn chairs, blankets, refillable water bottles, sunscreen and bug spray. Leashed pets were welcome. No outside alcohol, weapons or personal fireworks.
  • The Water Mine water park was open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with separate admission.

Reston Station: Red, White & Boom (2026)

Comstock and the Reston Community Center held Red, White & Boom, Reston Station’s America 250 celebration, July 2-4, 2026, next to the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station. Comstock’s announcement listed live music, family activities and fireworks, with Bruce in the USA, a Bruce Springsteen tribute band, opening the lineup, followed by The Prince Project and The Darby Brothers. All Summerbration events were free, and drivers got up to three hours of free parking.

Fireworks rules in Reston

Reston follows Fairfax County’s fireworks rules, enforced by the county Office of the Fire Marshal:

  • Anything that explodes, detonates, expels flames, flies through the air or shoots across the ground is illegal for residential use.
  • “Permissible fireworks” bought in Fairfax County from permitted vendors may be used on private property with the owner’s consent, never on public property or roads. The State Fire Marshal’s Office publishes the current list.
  • Fireworks bought outside Fairfax County cannot be carried through or used in the county, whatever the rules where you bought them.
  • Only adults should handle fireworks, including sparklers. Keep bystanders at least 25 feet away, light one at a time, and soak duds in water before throwing them out.

Getting there

Lake Fairfax Park is at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive. Reston Station is next to the Wiehle-Reston East stop on Metro’s Silver Line. See our getting around guide and parks and trails guide.

More seasonal events: things to do this month.

Frequently asked questions

Are there fireworks in Reston for the Fourth of July?

In 2026, Fairfax County replaced the Lake Fairfax Park fireworks with a drone light show on Saturday, June 27. Reston Station’s Red, White & Boom celebration, July 2-4, included fireworks.

How much is parking for the Lake Fairfax Park Independence Day show?

In 2026, parking was $20 a vehicle online in advance or $25 at the gate. People who walked or biked in paid nothing.

Only ‘permissible fireworks’ bought from permitted vendors in Fairfax County, used on private property with the owner’s consent. Anything that explodes, flies or shoots across the ground is illegal, and fireworks bought outside the county cannot be used in it.

When will the 2027 Fourth of July events be announced?

In 2026, the county’s event page and Reston Station’s announcement both appeared in May. This page will be updated with the 2027 details when they are published.