Courtesy Bendure Communications National Harbor is a 350-acre popular waterfront destination that is walkable, family-friendly and close to Washington D.C.’s monuments and museums. It is packed with amenities from boating and water activities to outdoor art, The Capital Wheel, biking, upscale and kid-friendly restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and more. “National Harbor has grown over the past 18 years and provides a variety of options for families to see and do,” said Deborah Topcik, senior director of marketing at National Harbor. “With eight hotels to choose from, more than 40 restaurants, outlet and boutique shopping, multiple entertainment venues and all types of outdoor activities, it’s a premier destination for a vacation or a weekend getaway.” Spring brings an amazing display of National Harbor’s hundreds of cherry trees lining the waterfront, these are some of the earliest blooms in the D.C. region. To celebrate these beautiful trees along with those in Washington, D.C., National Harbor will hold its cherry blossom celebration from March 21 to April 12. National Harbor is also an official participant of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The month-long celebration will be filled with entertainment, hotel room packages, food and drink specials, classes and more. The destination will host their annual Sakura Sunday event on March 29 from noon to 5 p.m., featuring live entertainment, a Japanese market, demonstrations, and more. The Water Lantern Festival, March 27-29, is a ticketed event that brings families and friends together for a meaningful evening experience that illuminates the waterfront with messages of hope, unity, and remembrance. Participants decorate lighted lanterns, which are released into an enclosed area, creating a peaceful and visually striking nighttime display. New this season is Garden Bros. Nuclear Circus, running March 12 – 22. This action-packed show features over 60 performers from around the world. See the Human Cannonball, the Globe of Death,…
Photo courtesy of Peterson Companies By Lani Gering Let’s define “wicked”. It has several meanings according to the Oxford Dictionary including something extremely unpleasant (despite the lovely snow, the ice and extreme cold have been wicked) and something excellent (I make some wicked Bloody Mary’s). Leading off with the official press release from Peterson Companies regarding a smaller version of the Sphere in Las Vegas coming to the Harbor: “The proposed National Harbor venue would be the first smaller-scale Sphere, with capacity of 6,000 seats. Smaller-scale Spheres would feature an Exosphere – the exterior LED display of Sphere that showcases both artistic and branded content and reaches audiences globally. The venue would also feature a 16K x 16K interior display plane – the world’s highest-resolution LED screen. All of Sphere’s advanced technologies would be incorporated, including Sphere Immersive Sound, as well as haptic seating and 4D environmental effects. Any construction, development, financing and operation of a Sphere venue at National Harbor is contingent upon, among other things, negotiation and execution of definitive agreements, as well as receipt of certain governmental incentives and approvals from Prince George’s County and the State of Maryland. About Sphere: It is an experiential medium that is redefining the future of immersive experiences. Powered by advanced technologies that ignite the senses, Sphere is a venue where the foremost artists, creators, and technologists create extraordinary experiences that bring storytelling to a new level and transport audiences to places both real and imagined. The venue hosts original Sphere Experiences from leading Hollywood creatives; concerts and residencies from the world’s biggest artists; and premier brand events. The first Sphere opened in Las Vegas, with a second venue planned for Abu Dhabi. More information is available at thesphere.com.” When I saw the first social media message regarding a “Barbie Doll” version…
By Lani Gering Can you believe that we are starting a brand-new year already? Truth be known, I am happy to see 2025 hit the bricks. It has been a hellava year on the political front and living this close to the “heart of the beast” just seems to amplify things. That, coupled with my very favorite spot in the Harbor, Bond 45, closing its doors at no fault of its own on the 1st is why I am looking forward to a better 2026. January is historically a slow month pretty much everywhere. The Harbor may be quieter than most since the Gaylord convention traffic slows down with the exception of Super MAGFest happening January 8th to the 11th. According to their website, “Super MAGFest (short for Music and Gaming Festival) is a four-day long event dedicated to the appreciation of video game music, gaming of all types, and the gaming community. The event runs 24 hours – yes, you read that right – a day and offers consoles, arcades, tabletop, LAN, live video game cover bands, chiptunes, vendors, guest speakers and much more.” I have been a witness to a couple of these “gatherings” over the years and I must say that just people watching the attendees is very entertaining in itself. People come from all over the USA and possibly other countries to stay up all night drinking water and using creative methods of relieving themselves on and above the use of Depends. Tack on to all of the music and gaming, the Cosplay. I never fully understood what cosplay meant until I joined a good friend for a couple of Bloody Mary’s at Old Hickory while her youngest daughter and friend participated last year. I wish I had taken some photos. According to the google definition,…
By Lani Gering If you read this column last month, you know I was banging out holiday stuff before Halloween had rolled around. Not quite as bad this month since Thanksgiving is only 2 days away as I bang this column out. All of the DMV tree lightings happened last weekend and the holiday decorations are starting to appear on storefronts en masse. I have to admit that I probably get a bit more fired up about the decorations and the music than your average 72 year old this time of year. I have tried to curb my urge to tune into the Hallmark Channel and have vowed to wait until the day after the turkey left overs are in the fridge. No decorations around our place until December 1st! Lots of activity takes place each year in the Harbor, with the nightly tree lightings on Waterfront Street and in the Gaylord Atrium, special offers on Capital Wheel rides, movies on the Plaza Screen and much more including this year’s ICE exhibit at the Gaylord. I had the pleasure of experiencing “The Polar Express” at a press event a week or so ago with our designer. It is spectacular this year. We went down the two story slide, did some ice tubing and snowball throwing as well. Something not to miss is the Cirque Dreams Holidaze performance taking place in the Theater at the MGM Grand. This performance runs on the 19th and 20th. For a full slate of events in the harbor and at the Wheel check out their website at nationalharbor.com and thecapitalwheel.com or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. We Bid a Fond Farewell to Bond 45 Saying a permanent goodbye to an old friend is never easy. And that’s just how I feel about the…
By Lani Gering As I sit here a week before Halloween putting together this column, I haven’t even given Thanksgiving a thought let alone Christmas. It seems like the festivities in the DMV start earlier every year. The Harbor has got to be the absolute earliest with the celebrations beginning on November 7th. As in years past it opens up with the weekly tree lighting and fireworks and continues with ice sculptures, Santa, performers, movies, a holiday market, and loads of festive décor. I tapped into my resources at Bendure Communications and got all of this year’s particulars. National Harbor is the Capital Region’s top holiday waterfront destination. This year, the 350-acre mix-used property kicks off the holiday season with Cirque Italia, running November 7-17. The show is an entertaining travel back to the 1950s with magic, acrobats, aerialists and comedy all in a unique water stage, and held under a stunning white and blue tent at 204 Waterfront St. The popular National Harbor Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show Series returns on Saturdays and Sundays from November 29 to December 21 from noon to 6 p.m. Each week, new crafters and artisans will have their works for sale. Some of the goods being sold include clothing made for children, upscale jewelry, dog accessories, candles, maple products, home décor, bath and body, pillows and table runners, dinnerware, cashmere and silk scarves, rugs and carpets, glasswork, alpaca blankets and shawls, crystals, metal art, aprons, towels, resin art, woodwork, stationery, leather products, photography, kids’ crafts and a wide array of artworks. The dazzling 60-foot RGB tree in the Waterfront District comes to life nightly with a breathtaking light show that illuminates to a holiday medley recorded by the U.S. Air Force Band. The show runs every half hour from sunset to 9 p.m. and begins on…
By Lani Gering My very favorite time of year is just on the horizon…I hope! I’m talking COOL weather, not the 83-degree days that we had pretty much the whole last week of September! I want to get out my jeans, sweaters and boots and sit fireside at the Flight Deck while a cool breeze blows off the water. Here are a few things taking place this month including some fun events taking place at the Tanger Outlets. The National Italian Festival at the Tanger Outlets takes place on October 5th from 11 am to 5 pm. The festival is hosted by the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, it is designed for all ages and offers an immersive experience in Italian culture, highlighting its deep-rooted influence and enduring legacy. Also taking place at Tanger is the 3rd Annual Fall Wine Tasting on October 10th from 5 pm to 8 pm. Shop and sip on wines from outstanding Maryland wineries! The tasting is hosted with support from Vino301 and will be held in the Food Truck Plaza. For $20 guests will receive six sampling tickets, commemorative wine glass and offers from Tanger stores. For $5, nondrinking guests will receive the commemorative wine glass and store offers. Individual wine pours and commemorative glasses will also be available for purchase separately at the event. Tanger is located at 6800 Oxon Hill Road – pretty much directly behind the main section of the Harbor. The 3rd Annual CockailPro Competition takes place at 151 St. George Boulevard from 7 pm – 9:30 pm on October 7th. You are encouraged to join in as they highlight the “best of the best” bartenders/mixologists in our area. This year, the theme is “Spiced & Stirred”. There will be 10 contestants competing to win the CocktailPRO…
By Lani Gering I know that there are those of you die hard sun bunnies out there are lamenting the waning of summer but I am looking forward to my favorite season…sweaters, jeans, boots, sitting by a fire feature with glass of red wine and pretty leaves. While most of my favorite things to do are geared more to a trip out to the country of up to the mountains, there are still a plethora of things to do here in the Harbor. The free Movies on the Potomac series continues every Thursday and Sunday through September. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets for seating. The event takes place on the Plaza Screen at 150 National Plaza. Since it’s an outdoor event, the movie schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather. Updates are usually posted on National Harbor’s social media pages. Thursdays (Date Night) at 7 p.m. 4th – Lion 11th – Police Academy 2 18th – Selena Sundays (Family Night) at 6 p.m. 7th – A Minecraft Movie 14th – The Garfield Movie 28th – Dora and the Lost City of Gold The Harbor’s Summer Sound Concert Series at Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar ends on the 5th and the Salute the Sunset Concert Series winds down with their free concerts by our military bands on Saturday evenings. The September lineup below: 6th – Navy Band Country Current. 13th – Navy Band Latin Ensemble. 19th – Air Force Band – Air Force Birthday Concert. The Capital Wheel has some great promotions going on this month. They are offering a teacher “Back to School” special by letting teaches who provide valid ID at the ticket booth to ride free on Saturdays throughout September. Sharpen your pencils, pack up your teacher friends, family – or make it a date night, and take…
By Lani Gering It has been one hot tamale of a summer so far. The day I met Ken Kearney, owner of Freedom Ring Boats in the Harbor, it was too hot to even think about taking a spin on one of his “Donut Boats”. However, I am looking forward to taking friends out for an evening cruise when the weather cools down! I have spent a lot of time on the water in the DMV over the years and have to confess most of it has been spent on “sailing” vessels on the lower Potomac, Chesapeake and Patuxent rivers – all of which required an hour or more drive to the marina(s) and a bit of boat prep before being able to hit the water. This isn’t the case with Freedom Rings. You are on the water after a brief orientation and quick boarding, captaining and docking lesson. No need to have any extensive experience to Captain one of these vessels, just a bit of common sense. About Freedom Ring Boats Proprietor, Ken Kearney spent the majority of his career in the marketing and advertising world but decided that he needed a change. Ken moved to the Harbor in 2022 and has his own boat docked at the Marina here as well. He has spent over 20 years boating so his love of the water comes naturally. In his search for a new “career” he noticed that there weren’t that many outlets in the Harbor that catered to kids and family activities other than the Carousel, the Capital Wheel, The Awakening sculpture that kids climb all over and family night movies on Sundays. He was looking for something that tied the water into an activity but didn’t want to go the “charter” route since that involves planning ahead, etc….
A Ticketmaster “top 10 most requested family event,” UniverSoul Circus has captivated over 25 million fans worldwide, blending jaw-dropping stunts, music, dance and cultural performances for an unforgettable family-fun experience. Flying acrobats, gravity-defying stunts, fire breathers, stilt dancers and the coolest clowns around! UniverSoul returned to the greater Washington, D.C. region with its new Rhythm of the World production on June 27th and runs through Sunday, Aug. 10, under the iconic big top tent at National Harbor (268 Waterfront Street). Celebrating 31 years as one of America’s top family events, UniverSoul Circus brings together the best international performers in a high-energy, interactive spectacle featuring world-class talent, vibrant costumes and music from across the globe. Audiences will experience a cultural celebration filled with rhythm, soul and extraordinary performances. A family favorite with global appeal Rated as one of Ticketmaster’s “Top 10 Most Requested Family Events,” this circus has entertained over 25 million people with its unique blend of circus arts, theater and live music. The show spans genres including R&B, Latin, hip hop, jazz, gospel, pop and the infectious beats of world music. The diverse cast of performers, representing five continents, promises to dazzle and entertain with their acrobatic feats, comedic antics and cultural displays. More than a performance, UniverSoul is a shared experience – an exhilarating, all-ages celebration where audiences from every background come together and feel like one big global family. “Our Rhythm of the World production celebrates not only the world’s top circus performers, but also the unity of people from all walks of life. It’s a powerful reminder of the universal values of love, respect and togetherness,” said Cedric Walker, founder and CEO of UniverSoul Circus. A beloved, budget-friendly, interactive experience Described as “not your grandfather’s circus,” UniverSoul is known for its engaging and interactive experience, where audience members of all…
By Lani Gering Musical Sounds of Summer at National Harbor The first day of summer is right around the corner and things are heating up in the Harbor. The Movies on the Potomac are back with Family Nights on Sundays and Date Nights on Thursdays through September, the Capital Wheel and Carousel are in full swing with special offerings and live entertainment is scheduled throughout the season. Thanks to our friends at Bendure Communications, more details follow: From jazz concerts to military bands, dueling pianos and more, National Harbor celebrates summer with music for everyone. National Harbor has long been known as Washington’s premier waterfront destination. With its many boutique retail shops, renowned restaurants, water activities and unique entertainment, including a robust summertime music lineup, it provides the perfect location for summer fun. National Harbor’s Summer Sounds features live music every Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. on the Plaza Stage (150 National Plaza). National Harbor’s own Bobby McKey’s Dueling Pianos performs the first Friday of every month, the following weeks feature local entertainers through September. Salute the Sunset military concerts take place on the same stage every Saturday at 7 p.m. through September. Performances include the U.S. Navy Band Commodores, U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” U.S. Army Rappers, U.S Air Force Concert Band, U.S. Air Force Band Max Impact, U.S. Air Force Band Airmen of Note Septet, D.C. Army National Guard 257th Army Band, U.S. Air Force Strings, U.S. Air Force Band Singing Sergeants, U.S. Air Force Band Air Force Strings, U.S. Air Force Concert Band, U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, U.S. Navy Band Country Current, and U.S. Navy Band Latin Ensemble. The U.S. Air Force Band concludes the series on Friday, September 19 with an Air Force Birthday Concert. One of the region’s premiere jazz events, the Lake Arbor Jazz Festival returns to…
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