Tephra ICA Arts Festival 2026

Contributed by Tephra ICA

Tephra Arts Festival 2025. Photo by TRL staff

The Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art will host its 35th annual arts festival at Reston Town Center on May 16 and 17, featuring 200 artists, live demos, local performances, and new award categories.

The juried outdoor event, known locally as "the Reston Show," returns following a 2025 season that saw more than 40,000 attendees. This year’s program includes the introduction of the Judith Forst People’s Choice Award, named for the festival’s founder, and a special recognition of American craft traditions to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States.

“We are so excited to welcome artists to the 35th Tephra ICA Arts Festival," said Jonell Logan, executive director and curator at Tephra ICA. "Reston was founded with the belief that the arts are an essential component of a well-rounded life. The Festival is a great opportunity to support this philosophy, which is at the core of our mission, with our local and extended communities. Come, stay, explore, and collect some amazing art."

In addition to artist booths, the weekend will feature live glass-blowing demonstrations by the Workhouse Arts Center Mobile Glass Studio and performances by the PearsonWidrig DanceTheater.

Tephra ICA is a non-profit institution based in Reston.