Photo Courtesy of National Harbor
This immersive display in the MGM Conservatory takes visitors through a whimsical landscape inspired by iconic DMV landmarks.
Eight Ways to Beat the Heat at National Harbor This Summer
From Dueling Pianos and Escape Rooms to Film Developing, Creative Fashion, Books, AR, Indoor Landscapes and a Ride on The Capital Wheel, National Harbor Offers Plenty of Ways to Stay Cool
By PRESS OFFICER
National Harbor
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (July 30, 2026)—National Harbor has long been known as the Washington region’s premier waterfront destination. From boutique shopping and acclaimed restaurants to waterfront attractions, premium hotels and a full lineup of summer events, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season. And when temperatures soar, visitors can escape the heat while enjoying these eight indoor attractions:
Sing, dance and celebrate at Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar
Turn up the fun this summer at Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar. This high-energy spot blends live request-driven music, crowd participation, and lively themed weekends into an unforgettable night out. Throw on your best matching outfits and enjoy special theme lineups all month-long including Prom Party (July 31–Aug. 1), Piano Man (Aug. 7–8), Groovy ‘70s & Motown (Aug. 14–15), ‘80s & ‘90s (Aug. 21–22) and Country (Aug. 28–29). For tickets and additional information, visit www.bobbymckeys.com /summer-concert-series. 172 Fleet St.
Take in spectacular views from a cool gondola on The Capital Wheel
Step into one of The Capital Wheel’s climate-controlled gondolas and enjoy panoramic views of D.C., Virginia, and Maryland from 180 feet above the Potomac River. Riders can take in breathtaking views of the Washington Monument, Masonic National Memorial and surrounding waterfront—all while staying cool. Purchase tickets and learn more at www.thecapitalwheel.com. 141 American Way.
Put problem-solving skills to the test at Escapology
Challenge family and friends with an immersive escape room adventure at Escapology National Harbor. The venue offers eight private escape experiences, including Scooby-Doo and the Spooky Castle Adventure, Cyber Heist, Batman: The Dark Knight Challenge and more. For hours and tickets, visit www. escapology.com/en/national-harbor-md. 230 American Way.
Make lasting memories and develop film at Sip & Develop
Discover the art of black-and-white photography at Sip & Develop, where guests learn to develop their own film in a relaxed, social setting. No experience is necessary, as instructors guide participants through the process while they sip beverages and create lasting memories. The studio also offers custom portrait photography for individuals and families. For reservations and information, visit www.sipndevelop.com. 136 Waterfront St.
Become a fashion designer at Thread & Sole
Get creative at Thread & Sole, powered by Ki-netics Lab, where visitors can customize sneakers, apparel, and accessories through interactive workshops and do-it-yourself stations. Guests may bring their own items or purchase products on-site to create one-of-a-kind designs. Learn more or reserve a workshop at www.kineticslabhq.com. 178 Waterfront St.
Find a great read at Mahogany Books
Escape into a great book at Mahogany Books, the nationally recognized independent bookstore specializing in works written for, by and about people of the African diaspora. Browse hundreds of award-winning titles while enjoying a cool drink from their cafe. For store hours and additional information, visit www.mahoganybooks.com. 121 American Way.
Search for hidden wildlife at Gaylord National
The Wildlife Rescue app at Gaylord National transforms the indoor atrium into an interactive safari, allowing guests to use augmented reality (AR) to locate and display virtual animals. Visitors can unlock digital badges and take photos with these creatures, saving them directly to their devices. For more information, click here. 201 Waterfront St.
Wander a whimsical landscape inspired by area landmarks at MGM National Harbor
Explore a cool escape at MGM National Harbor’s stunning 15,000-square-foot indoor conservatory, a vibrant tribute to America’s 250th anniversary. This immersive display takes visitors through a whimsical landscape inspired by iconic DMV landmarks. While visiting, guests can also discover the $12 million Heritage Collection scattered across the property, showcasing diverse works from over a dozen artists using mediums like steel, clay, aluminum, and photography. More information is available here. 101 MGM National Ave.
“In addition to our outdoor waterfront attractions, National Harbor offers plenty of unique indoor experiences where visitors can stay cool while enjoying shopping, dining, and entertainment.” said Deborah Topcik, senior director of marketing at National Harbor.
For more information about National Harbor, visit www.NationalHarbor.com
About National Harbor: Situated on the banks of the historic Potomac River and just minutes from the nation’s capital, National Harbor is a waterfront resort destination unlike any other. National Harbor is home to two of Maryland’s Four Diamond rated hotels—Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, the East Coast’s largest non-gaming hotel and convention center and has almost 2,000 hotel rooms and 660,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and MGM National Harbor, an integrated luxury casino resort with renowned chef-driven restaurants, a 3,000-seat state-of-the art theater and one of the largest gaming floors outside of Las Vegas. The vibrant Waterfront District features boutique shops, restaurants and entertainment options along picturesque promenades. The iconic Capital Wheel, a180-ft observation wheel, Tanger National Harbor’s 85 designer brands, and a robust calendar of events round out this destination that welcomes more than 15.2 million visitors a year. For more information, visit www.NationalHarbor.com.
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M&T Bank Launches Prince George’s County, MD Small Business Accelerator Program
Free, 8-week Program for Local Business Owners Begins September 10, 2026
By PRESS OFFICER
M&T Bank
Prince George’s County, Md. (July 15, 2026)—Now through Sunday, August 23, M&T Bank is seeking entrepreneurs to participate in its Prince George’s County Small Business Accelerator Program, a program designed to provide small business owners with the guidance and skills needed to build strong businesses, spur economic growth, and build generational wealth for their families.
Registration is now open for the free, 8-week program held in partnership with the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation. The program’s sessions will focus on business planning, establishing credit, accessing capital, marketing, branding, and networking.
The Accelerator begins September 10, 2026, with in-person courses held at the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation each Thursday evening. It will conclude on October 29 with a pitch competition and opportunity to win grants totaling $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place and $2,000 for third place—all funded by M&T.
Entrepreneurs interested in participating in the program must complete an online application no later than August 23, 2026, and meet the following eligibility requirements:
• In business between two–five years;
• Annual business revenue of $50,000–$500,000; and,
• Principal owner must be 18 years or older; and,
• Operate a business located in Prince George’s County, MD or surrounding areas.
Qualified applicants will be enrolled in the free program on a first-come, first-served basis. To apply for the Prince George’s County Small Business Accelerator Program, visit https:// www.mtb.com/pgcprogram.
WHEN:
• Applications open through Sunday, August 23, 2026
• Program begins Thursday, September 10, 2026
• Program concludes Thursday, October 29, 2026
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Accokeek Foundation Receives Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) Funding to Expand Environmental Education Opportunities for Maryland Students
By CASEY WILLSON
Accokeek Foundation
Accokeek, Md. (August 6, 2026)—The Accokeek Foundation has been awarded $425,000 in Fiscal Year 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS), included in the FY26 Appropriations bill passed by Congress and signed into law by the President. The funding will expand hands-on environmental education and workforce readiness opportunities for students in Southern Maryland. The request was advanced by Maryland’s U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks.
This targeted federal investment supports the Piscataway Environmental Education Program which is provided by the Accokeek Foundation and headquartered in Piscataway Park. The program provides practical, place-based learning experiences for students in Prince’s George’s and Charles County Public Schools and equips students with opportunities in public land management, environmental science, and Southern Maryland life ways. These skills are increasingly important for America’s future workforce.
The project addresses the significant gap in access to environmental education opportunities for low-to-moderate income students and underserved communities in Southern Maryland. Through teacher training, classroom support, and field-based learning at Piscataway Park, the initiative strengthens partnerships between schools and the broader community while enhancing academic instruction beyond the classroom.
By expanding access to these programs, the project is expected to reach approximately 15,000 students, giving more young people the opportunity to participate in experiential learning opportunities that reinforce core academic skills and real-world applications. The federal funding bill, now signed into law, was requested by Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen.
“Federal investment that protects our environment and supports our students just makes sense. I am so proud to have secured over $400,000 in federal funding to expand the capabilities of the Piscataway Environmental Education Program provided by the Accokeek Foundation. It is critical that we are teaching today’s students about environmental stewardship, public land management, environmental science, and more—this funding will make that possible,” said Senator Alsobrooks.
“Outdoor, hands-on learning experiences give our students the opportunity to see up close the real-life importance of what they’re learning in school. That’s why we worked to deliver this federal funding to help the Accokeek Foundation partner with Prince George’s and Charles County Public Schools to expand access to experiential education opportunities for thousands of students,” said U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
“This support marks a significant milestone for the Accokeek Foundation, enabling us to broaden the reach of our place-based environmental education programs for thousands of students across Maryland,” said Anjela Barnes, Executive Director of the Accokeek Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to U.S. Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks for their leadership in making these enriching outdoor learning experiences possible.”
“We are committed to ensuring this funding delivers real value for students and teachers by strengthening academic outcomes, supporting educators, and making responsible use of federal resources,” said Tiara Thomas, Managing Deputy Director. “This investment expands access to engaging, hands-on education while maintaining a strong focus on accountability and measurable results.”
About the Accokeek Foundation: As a nonprofit partner to the National Park Service at Piscataway Park, the Accokeek Foundation supports the daily operations and stewardship of this nationally significant landscape along the Potomac River. The Foundation welcomes hundreds of thousands of park visitors each year by providing accessible outdoor recreation, educational programming, and immersive visitor experiences. Learn more at: www.accokeek.org, Facebook and Instagram.
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The Countdown Is On: Secure Your WIHS Seats Now
Evening Tickets Start at $20, 2* Grand Prix Free for Kids, Saturday Kids’ Day and Daytime Sessions Are Free for All
By PRESS OFFICER
Washington International Horse Show (WIHS)
Upper Marlboro, Md. (July 30, 2026)—Tickets for the 2026 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) presented by MARS Equestrian™ in The Show Place Arena at Prince George’s Equestrian Center on October 19–25 are now available for purchase at www.WIHS.org/tickets and through Ticketmaster.
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of WIHS! From thrilling competition featuring Olympic and international stars to crowd-favorite exhibitions, one-of-a-kind shopping, and affordable fun for the whole family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Reserve your seats now for Thursday’s Opening Night Salute to Service, Friday’s MARS Barn Night, and the can’t-miss World Cup Saturday evening.
Looking for even more? Daytime competition runs Monday through Sunday, with free admission to most daytime sessions, including the fan-favorite Kids’ Day on Saturday. (Adults are ticketed for Saturday afternoon’s Grand Prix CSI2*). Whether you’re a lifelong equestrian or experiencing the sport for the first time, WIHS offers an unforgettable week of world-class entertainment.
All tickets are reserved seating at one set price, making it easy to choose where you want to watch the show. Those who want to see riders prepare before they enter the ring can sit by the in-gate, while others who need a birds-eye view of the course can choose from the long side of The Show Place Arena.
On Saturday evening, in addition to reserved ticket seating, you also have the choice to watch and dine. This ticket package includes a hot buffet-style dinner you can enjoy at your seat, unlimited refills of non-alcoholic beverages, and two complimentary drinks of beer or wine for guests aged 21+.
Your Best Seats to WIHS Start Here:
Thursday, October 22—Opening Night Salute to Service
• Reserved Seat Tickets: Adult $20, Child $15
• Doors open at 6 p.m.
• $63,000 Welcome Stake
• $63,000 Stars and Stripes Speed Stake
• 50% discount for military, first responders, and teachers through Ticketmaster with code “USA2026”
Friday, October 23—MARS Barn Night, “Star-Spangled WIHS”
• Reserved Seat Tickets: Adult $25, Child $20
• Discounted Group Ticket Sales available through the box office
• Doors open at 6 p.m.
• $63,000 Accumulator Costume Class
• WIHS Pony Jumper Championships, presented by World Wide Technology
• WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Race
• Barn Night Contest Winners
• International Jumpers Autograph Signing
Saturday, October 24—Ambassador’s Cup Grand Prix CSI2*
• Class starts at 1 p.m.
• Open Seat Tickets: Adult $10, Children under 18 are free with wristbands available during WIHS Kids’ Day and at the arena box office
Saturday, October 24—World Cup Night,
“Legends Are Made Here”
• Reserved Seat Tickets: Adult $45, Child $35
• Ticketed Dinner: Adult $115, Child $100
• WIHS Equitation Finals Top 10 Work-Off—starts at 6:15 p.m.
• $340,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W—starts at 8:30 p.m.
Don’t miss Kids’ Day on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s a free, rain-or-shine family event full of pony rides, crafts, a pony kissing booth, face painting, and more. Plus, everyone can watch kids and ponies compete in the arena during the daytime session for free. For Saturday afternoon’s Ambassador’s Cup Grand Prix CSI2*, children under 18 can watch free, while adult tickets are only $10. Kids’ Day is an unforgettable introduction to the magic of horses and the world of WIHS.
Get ready to experience the exciting and unforgettable nights of an iconic indoor equestrian event, only at Washington International Horse Show.
For more information, visit www.wihs.org
Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is one of North America’s most prestigious, competitive, and entertaining equestrian events with competition for international, professional, amateur, junior and child riders. Highlights include the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W for the President’s Cup, the WIHS Equitation Final, Pony Jumper Championships, and Children’s and Adult Hunter and Jumper Championships, top national hunters and jumpers, plus popular community and charity events. WIHS is an official USEF Heritage Competition. For more information, visit wihs.org. Upper Marlboro, Md. (July 30, 2026)—Tickets for the 2026 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) presented by MARS Equestrian™ in The Show Place Arena at Prince George’s Equestrian Center on October 19–25 are now available for purchase at www.WIHS.org/tickets and through Ticketmaster.
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of WIHS! From thrilling competition featuring Olympic and international stars to crowd-favorite exhibitions, one-of-a-kind shopping, and affordable fun for the whole family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Reserve your seats now for Thursday’s Opening Night Salute to Service, Friday’s MARS Barn Night, and the can’t-miss World Cup Saturday evening.
Looking for even more? Daytime competition runs Monday through Sunday, with free admission to most daytime sessions, including the fan-favorite Kids’ Day on Saturday. (Adults are ticketed for Saturday afternoon’s Grand Prix CSI2*). Whether you’re a lifelong equestrian or experiencing the sport for the first time, WIHS offers an unforgettable week of world-class entertainment.
All tickets are reserved seating at one set price, making it easy to choose where you want to watch the show. Those who want to see riders prepare before they enter the ring can sit by the in-gate, while others who need a birds-eye view of the course can choose from the long side of The Show Place Arena.
On Saturday evening, in addition to reserved ticket seating, you also have the choice to watch and dine. This ticket package includes a hot buffet-style dinner you can enjoy at your seat, unlimited refills of non-alcoholic beverages, and two complimentary drinks of beer or wine for guests aged 21+.
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