Apartment Showcase Blog

In the Heat of the Night: Like D.C.'s Screen on the Green, Movies on the Potomac features an enormous screen and nary a hint of air conditioning. (andinarvaez via Flickr)

This event has been going on for awhile at National Harbor in Prince George’s County, but I thought I’d highlight it anyway, as there are still plenty of movie nights left on the docket.

They call it Movies on the Potomac, and it’s similar to Washington’s own Screen on the Green. A click on the link above tells you all you really need to know: free summer movies on Friday and Sunday nights just after sunset.

Date Night Fridays are for the grownups among us, and this month Movies on the Potomac features “Field of Dreams” (August 5), “Friday Night Lights” (August 12), “The Cutting Edge” (August 19) and “A League of Their Own” (August 26).

Notice the sports theme, not that dating is supposed to be a competitive sport … a contact sport at times maybe.

On Family Movie Sundays, you get “TRON: Legacy” (August 7), “Jumanji” (August 14), “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” (August 21) and “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (August 28).

You can’t bring any food or drinks in, but there are plenty of restaurants at National Harbor … and these people, who will fulfill all of your kettle corn needs.

Since you’ll be sitting on concrete, it’s suggested that you bring a lawn chair or blanket with you as you watch the huge projection screen (30 x 40 feet) against the backdrop of the Potomac.

It’s always nice to watch movies outdoors on a warm summer night. If you rent an apartment in the National Harbor area, you won’t have to go far to be entertained.

On May 14 and 15, we invite readers to come out to National Harbor and enjoy the 4th Annual Wine & Food Festival, which organizers are billing as “A World-Class, Waterfront, Culinary Event.”

Well, let’s see the goods.

How about more than 100 international and local wines? Maybe a craft-beer-tasting Bier Garten is more your style? In the mood for something stronger? The Whiskey-Bourbon Experience Lounge sponsored by Jim Beam and complete with hand-rolled cigar demonstrations might be what you’re looking for.

[ Related: Ambitious National Harbor Project Spells Promise for Prince George’s County ]

Foodies are taken care of as well. The Viking Cooking Stage features hands-on cooking demonstrations and wine pairings. Not only that, but the Wine & Food Festival delivers stars in the form of celebrity chefs. They include Susan Powter lookalike Elizabeth Falkner (OK, that might be stretching it), Iron Chef America winner Katsuya Fukushima, executive chef for Cooking Light magazine Billy Strynkowski and Lauren DeSantis, the titular host of “Capital Cooking with Lauren DeSantis.”

OK, so I’ve never heard of any of them. But I’m sure legions of foodies out there know exactly who these cats are, and thanks to me, now you do, too.

Lovers of art will want to check out the Art Walk, which will feature galleries of National Harbor along with local artists and assorted other art galleries. There will be a Kids Area and live music as well, the latter featuring steel drumming and jazz for your listening pleasure.

[ Related: National Gallery a Picture Perfect Attraction in Northwest … and It’s Free! ]

Starting at $35 for general admission for either Saturday or Sunday, tickets aren’t cheap. In fact, depending on the package purchased (some of which include dinner at National Harbor restaurants), tickets can run up to 160 clams.

For those with the more pricey VIP tickets, you’re welcome at the festival from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., while commoners, ne’re-do-wells, scallywags and assorted others should arrive at 1 p.m. And yes, you get to stay to 6 p.m. just like the aristocrats.

All in all, it’s an impressive festival in a very impressive complex, a place where you can rent an apartment in a few years.