Wait…Bowie Bought Belair Mansion for Just $1?

If the walls of Belair Mansion could talk, they’d have quite a story to tell.

Today, the stately mansion on Tulip Grove Drive is a museum showcasing centuries of Bowie history. But from 1964 to 1977, it was the center of Bowie government—serving as City Hall and even housing the local police station.

Here’s the part that may surprise you even more: developer William J. Levitt, whose company transformed much of the former Belair estate into modern-day Bowie, transferred the historic mansion to the City for just $1. There was one important condition: the property was to continue being used for public purposes.

After its City Hall days ended, Belair Mansion underwent an extensive restoration and officially opened as a museum in 1995.

Today, you can walk through the same historic building where generations once lived—and where Bowie officials once came to work.

Even better? Weekend self-guided visits are free.

📍 Belair Mansion | 12207 Tulip Grove Drive

September Is National Preparedness Month: Is Your Bowie Household Ready?

September is National Preparedness Month, a good reminder for Bowie residents to make sure their households are ready before an emergency happens. Bowie can experience severe thunderstorms, flooding, extreme heat, snowstorms, power outages and even tornadoes or hurricanes.

The City of Bowie recommends starting with three basics: make a family emergency plan, build an emergency supply kit and know where to get reliable information. Your kit should include essentials such as water, nonperishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries and first-aid supplies.

Sign up for Alert Bowie 2.0. The free system can send emergency, severe-weather and public-safety notifications by text, email, phone or mobile app.

Bowie Town Center Sold for $50 Million—Now What?

Bowie Town Center has new owners—and a $50 million price tag.

Community Realty Company (CRC) and Nile Equity Group purchased the shopping destination for $50 million in January 2026, signaling a significant new chapter for one of Bowie’s most recognizable retail destinations.

The new owners say they plan to invest substantial resources into the property, with a goal of bringing Bowie Town Center back to its “former vibrancy.” They also intend to work with retailers, brokers and community stakeholders to shape a long-term vision for the center.

Opened in 2001, Bowie Town Center spans more than 293,000 square feet and attracts approximately 5.5 million visits each year.

With $50 million invested just to purchase it, Bowie residents will be watching closely.

What would you add to Bowie Town Center?

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BowiePulse™ Results

We ask one meaningful question about life here in Bowie. Sometimes it'll be fun. Sometimes it'll be serious. But it will always reflect what matters most to the people who live here.

The question of the week was:

What’s something you’ve always wondered: “ Am I the only Bowie resident who thinks this?”

I decided to rephrase last week’s question and make it more specific to the Bowie Town Center. Place your vote below.

BowiePulse™ Question of the Week

Have a question you’d love to hear Bowie weigh in on? Hit reply and send it to the Bowie Insider! Your question could become an upcoming BowiePulse Question of the Week, where we’ll ask local residents to weigh in and share the results.

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Remembering 9/11 — 25 Years Later

Twenty-five years later, September 11, 2001 remains a day we will never forget. For so many of us, the memories are still vivid—we remember where we were, what we were doing, who was beside us, and the moment we realized our world had changed. For others, the day carries an even deeper pain—the loss of a family member, friend, colleague, neighbor, or loved one. As we mark this solemn anniversary, we remember the lives lost, honor the courage of first responders and ordinary people who stepped forward to help, and hold close the families who have carried that loss for 25 years. We also remember what came afterward: neighbors helping neighbors, strangers showing compassion, communities standing together, and a renewed appreciation for the people we love. May we carry that same spirit of kindness, unity, and care for one another forward—not just today, but every day.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget.

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Travel the World Without Leaving Bowie - Bowie International Festival 🌎

Ready to experience Japan, Nepal, Greece, Africa, Mexico, the Caribbean and more—all in one afternoon?

The Bowie International Festival returns Saturday, September 12, from 11:00am to 3:00pm at Allen Pond Park, bringing cultures from around the world together for one colorful celebration right here in Bowie.

Come hungry! Sample international cuisine, enjoy festive music and dance performances, and browse artisan crafts and handmade treasures. Kids can get in on the adventure, too, with cultural crafts, stories, games and a special “passport” journey that introduces them to traditions from across the globe.

It’s an easy Saturday outing for the entire family—and one of those Bowie events where there’s something new to discover around every corner.

🌍 Admission is FREE! Parking is available at Allen Pond Park and on nearby streets.

📅 Saturday, September 12 | ⏰ 11:00am – 3:00pm | 📍 Allen Pond Park

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Your one stop shop of things to do in Bowie!

September 3

• Monarch Waystations: Discoveries and Maintenance, Belair Meadows (Off Belair Drive near the intersection with Buckingham Dr) Bowie

• GBCC Back to Business at the Ballpark, Prince George’s Stadium
  4101 Crain Hwy, Bowie 5:30pm

• Women In Business Networking Bowie, MWBC Shop Local
  15402b Emerald Way Bowie 6:30pm - 8:30pm

• Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 0-2, Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd. Bowie 10:15am - 10:45am

• Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 2-3, South Bowie Library 15301 Hall Rd. Bowie 11:00am - 11:30am

September 4

• Chair Yoga, Belair Mansion 12207 Tulip Grove Dr. Bowie 10:00am - 11:00am

• Cambridge Paver Installation Demonstration, Patuxent Nursery 2410 Crain Highway Bowie 10:00am - 4:00pm

• Fiction Book Club-Remarkably Bright Creatures Book Club, Barnes & Noble Bowie Town Center 15455 Emerald Way Bowie 6:00pm

• Unplugged: Kayla René 90’s Night, Bowie Center for the Performing Arts 15200 Annapolis Rd Bowie 7:00pm

September 5

• Fall Lawn Care Seminar, Patuxent Nursery 2410 Crain Highway
  Bowie 11:00am - 12:00pm

• Chess Club, Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd. Bowie 1:00pm - 3:00pm

• After Hours, Overdue Recognition Art Gallery 8:00pm — 12:00am

September 6

• Bowie Farmer's Market, Bowie High School Parking Lot 15200 Annapolis Rd. Bowie 9:00am - 1:00pm

• Summer Sunset Concert Series: "4 the Road", Allen Pond Park 3330 Northview Dr. Bowie 6:00pm - 8:00pm

September 7

City Offices are closed for Labor Day & No Trash & Recycling collection.

• Call for Art Vendors: Old Bowie Arts on the Ave Applications Close - Deadline Extended, 8:30am - 5:00pm

September 8

• Film Discussion: "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" (PG), South Bowie Library 15301 Hall Rd. Bowie 1:30pm - 3:30pm

• Teen Zone, Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd. Bowie 2:00pm - 5:30pm

• DAR Lecture Series: One-Room Schoolhouses in Maryland, Belair 12207 Tulip Grove Drive Bowie 7:30pm - 8:30pm

• Regular City Council Meeting, City Hall Chambers 15901 Fred Robinson Way Bowie 7:00pm

September 9

• Teen Action Group (TAG), South Bowie Library 15301 Hall Rd. Bowie 4:00pm - 5:30pm

• STEM Fun: Fizzy Apple Art, South Bowie Library 15301 Hall Rd. Bowie 6:30pm - 7:30pm

• CAPER FY2026 (HUD FY2025) Public Meeting, City Hall Conference 15901 Fred Robinson Way Bowie Room 181. 7:00pm - 8:00pm

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