As the nation is set to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, so is the National Harbor in Maryland.
There will be lots of opportunities to spend time outside on the waterfront with the whole family this summer with everything from art, movies, pickleball, music and more all on the waterfront.
What To See
Start by visiting the National Harbor’s Spirit Park, with one of the largest flying flags in the United States. Surrounded by 13 smaller flags to represent the different military branches and first responders, the park is over an acre and includes an amphitheater with six rows of seating to represent the number of white stripes on the flag. It also includes a 50-foot round stage for the 50 states.
The park will include sculptures like a 6-and-a-half-foot bison bull that weighs approximately 1,000 pounds and is situated next to a 6-foot-tall bison cow and a three-foot-tall bison calf. Each sculpture includes tools used by National Harbor Founder Milton Peterson.
Scultpures of Presidents Eisenhower and Franklin D. Roosevelt will also be a part of the celebration on the National Harbor’s art walk, included work from national and local artists.
While you’re there, don’t forget to visit the Spirit Park carousel.
What To Do
All Summer
Starting Memorial Day weekend, Thursday and Sunday nights are turning into movie nights, with everything from “Hamilton” to “Back to the Future,” “Captain America” and more, all free for the whole family. Thursday’s movies at 7 p.m. are for date nights, and Sundays at 6 p.m. are for families.
If you are visiting the National Harbor on a Saturday night, at 7 p.m. you can enjoy everything the waterfront has to offer with some additional tunes playing in your ear as a part of the Salute the Sunset Concert Series, showcasing premier U.S. military bands.
If you are looking to start your weekend on the waterfront, head to the National Harbor on Friday evenings for Fridays on the Plaza, featuring “summer sounds” honoring America’s 250th with live musical performances from a variety of styles across the U.S. In addition to the music, play lawn games and picnic while enjoying the sunset over the Potomac.
May 23 & 24
Calling all pickleball enthusiasts. Veterans in Pickleball is hosting its Annual National Harbor Pickleball Tournament with competitions for all levels and divisions. Watch as the game commences or pay to play.
May 25 (Memorial Day)
The Capital Wheel, a 180-foot tall Ferris wheel overlooking the Potomac, will be offering free rides to veterans and active-duty service members. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, tickets are $17.76 and include a free digital download picture.
June 6, July 4 & Aug. 1
One the first Saturday of every month, the National Harbor will showcase veteran makers and artisans with the Veterans’ Makers’ Market.
July 4
The Salute to America Walk and Picnic will take place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Walk halfway across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and back for a free picnic along the waterfront in honor of America’s 250th. Prizes will be given out to those best dressed as their favorite president or best red, white and blue attire.
