TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. And happy birthday to Serena Williams but not Venus. I was today years old when I learned they aren’t twins. Serena’s two years younger and leads the duo’s head-to-head matchup count 19–12. But like peanut butter and jelly, they’re better together, winning 22 titles playing doubles.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

  • Design the next Blues scarf

  • Mayoral candidate forums

  • Where kids eat free

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Duffy Perkins

Big Screen. Bigger Fun.

Rainy weekend? Bored kids? Or just in the mood to dance, cry, or sing along? AMC Annapolis Mall has you covered:

🎤 Taylor Swift: The Official Release Party of a Showgirl — catch Tay on the big screen like never before.
🐱 Gabby’s Dollhouse the Movie — purr-fect for little ones (and for keeping rainy-day chaos in check).
💔 Regretting You — the Colleen Hoover tearjerker fans have been waiting for.

Grab the popcorn, pick your flick, and make it a movie weekend at AMC Annapolis Mall.

THE DIGEST

The biggest stories we covered this week

Jared Littmann won the Democratic mayoral primary. Harry Huntley won the Democratic Ward 1 primary. Keanuú Smith-Brown won the Democratic Ward 3 primary. Janice Elaine Allsup-Johnson won the Democratic Ward 4 primary. And Diesha Contee won the Democratic Ward 6 primary. There was an audit due to a clerical error on Election night but all results were affirmed. More on that below.

Annapolis primary election results affirmed

After 2.5 hours of counting yesterday morning, the Anne Arundel County Board of Elections affirmed the official Annapolis democratic primary election results with no changes. The audit was brought on by a clerical error that swapped the vote counts for Ward 6 candidates Diesha Contee and Craig Cussimanio in the unofficial results released on election night. Contee spent the whole week thinking she was behind when the opposite was true.

What’s next? Everyone’s prepping (and spending) for the general election on November 4. If you live in the City of Annapolis, please make plans to vote. As we always say, you can’t complain about who wins if you don’t vote. But please don’t complain about it anyway. It’s unbecoming and you’re better than that.

Most clicked stories of the week 🏆

Annapolis Mayoral Candidate Forums

Want to learn more about who’ll be calling the shots for the next four years? We found three upcoming forums all hosted by different groups with different perspectives before the general election on November 4. We’ll publish more as we hear about them.

  • How the arts are integral to the candidates’ visions at St. John’s College. Thursday, October 9 from 5:30–7 PM. Moderated by Jackie Coleman (Maryland Hall) & Peter Nesbett (St. John’s College)

  • General forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Anne Arundel County at Congregation Kneseth Israel. Tuesday, September 30 at 7 PM. Moderated by Tanya Millner (Anne Arundel Community College)

  • General forum hosted by the Caucus of African American Leaders at the Wiley H. Bates Legacy Center. Tuesday, October 14 at 5 PM.

Last call for scarf designs 🧣

It’s still a little warm outside, so you could be forgiven if scarves are the last fashion accessory on your mind right now. But for Annapolis Blues fans who bought season tickets, it’s time to think about scarves for at least a day. That’s because today’s the deadline for submitting your 2026 scarf design into the competition for next year. All you have to do is mock up your design and submit it via this form, and you could potentially see it around the necks of your fellow Annapolis Blues fans next year. Start drawing! ✍️

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NAPTOWN SCOOP LOCAL BUSINESS IS POWERED BY. . .

Kids eat 🆓

There’s nothing like paying an arm and a leg then watching your kids eat . . . nadda. These go-to spots offer free kids meals. And bonus — the food is actually good!

Monday | The Lodge Annapolis177 Jennifer Rd | Starting at 5 PM, one free kids meal per adult meal entree purchase. For kids 10 and under.

Tuesday | Miller's Ale House | 178 Jennifer Rd | Get one free kids meal with the purchase of a $10 food item. Limit two free meals per table, which means one of Lauren’s kids is skipping dinner. Kidding!

Wednesday | Rams Head Roadhouse | 1773 Generals Hwy | This clutch early bird special begins at 4 PM: Buy one adult entree and get one kids meal for free. Also for kids 10 and younger.

Sunday | Neo Pizza and Taphouse | 220 Harker Pl #145 | Nothing hits the spot post-sports game like pizza. Kids eat free with the purchase of a regular-priced meal.

Foodie Friday: Fall Food Trucks Edition 🚐

Summer’s gone, but food truck season rolls on. Thanks to the Goldilocks weather, it’s one of the best times for it. Here’s our hot list, and where we’re happily standing in line from 4 to 8 PM.

🦀🎂 Food Truck Fridays Annapolis | 275 Harry S. Truman Pkwy | Jimmy's Famous Seafood — crab cakes anyone?

🧀🥩 Food Truck Tuesdays | 161 Ritchie Hwy | Earleigh Heights VFC isn’t just known for its epic carnival and Christmas trees. Tuesdays are also lit. Jenos Steaks tops our list with drool-worthy cheesesteaks.

🦪🎣 Food Truck Wednesdays on the Farm | 8401 Veterans Hwy | Old Line Eats delivers Eastern shore vibes with an Eastern Sho’ Po’ Boy packed with fried oysters and rockfish.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

Get ready for one of the biggest events of the season—LIBBEY’S FALL OYSTER SHUCKDOWN. Join us on Saturday, October 18th at 3 PM for an afternoon on the water, filled with local oysters, live music, and weekend fun, as the sun officially sets on another season of Below Deck!

Oysters Every Way – RAW + FRIED + BAKED + MORE with all the fixings | BBQ Station – Brisket, Pulled Pork & BBQ Chicken with all the classic sides | Unlimited Beverages – Beer, House Wine & Soft Drinks (cash bar available for spirits) | Live Music – Featuring the Chris Sacks Band

Don’t wait—TICKETS are on sale now!

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

What we’re up to this weekend

Assuming the weather holds, that is…

FRIDAY

Hillsmere | SOFO Movie Night | 90s classic The Hunt for Red October is playing. Come early for music and good food. | Dusk

SATURDAY

Annapolis Mall | Literacy Council Bookfair | Books for sale, local author signings, and much more. | 10 AM – 4 PM.

Annapolis | Light House Pumpkin Patch opening day | Each October, the field at St. Martin’s Church turns into a pumpkin patch to benefit the Lighthouse Shelter. | 10 AM to 6 PM.

Annapolis | Local Comic Shop Day | Third Eye Comics is offering special releases and editions, swag, and discounts for loyal customers. | 11 AM – 9 PM.

Annapolis | Worldwide Day of Play | Chesapeake Children’s Museum offers a fun, screen-free day of activities. | Noon – 4 PM.

Downtown | The Crabtown Frolic | This fun traditional music festival puts Gaelic Revival musicians in historic venues around town. | Saturday and Sunday Noon – 6 PM.

Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium | Navy football vs. Rice | #1 Navy takes on #3 Rice University. | 3:30 PM.

SUNDAY

Annapolis Town Center | ANCHORS & ARTISANS POP-UP MARKET | Makers of Maryland brings dozens of vendors, artisans, musicians, and more to this fun pop-up event. | 11 AM to 4 PM.

West Annapolis | Oktoberfest | A family-friendly German-inspired festival to welcome in autumn. | 11 AM – 4 PM.

All over town | Cafe Diem | Drink local coffee and espresso martinis, win prizes. Sign me up. | September 28 through October 5.

FARMERS MARKETS

Parole | AACo Farmer’s Market | There are still so many great fruits and vegetables coming out of this summer season. 7 AM – Noon Saturday, 9 AM – Noon Sunday.

Crofton | Crofton Farmer’s Market | Over 50 vendors make this one of the best around. | Saturday 8 AM – Noon.

Severna Park | Severna Park Farmer’s Market | Local apples, wines, gourds, and perfect candles get you ready for the cozy season. | Saturday 8 AM – Noon.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

CIVIL NEWS

BOE Meeting 🍎

Mark your calendars (and maybe your maps) — AACPS will hold a public briefing on four Phase 2 redistricting proposals the Board of Ed advanced on Monday, September 29 at 6 PM in the Parham Building (2644 Riva Rd). Superintendent Dr. Bedell submitted two proposals, and Board members offered two more through amendments. No public testimony allowed at the briefing, but testimony is welcome at hearings on October 13 and October 27. The briefing and hearings will air live on AACPS-TV and YouTube. The Board plans to adopt a final plan in November, effective August 2026.

City Council Meeting ⚖

The Annapolis City Council meets on Monday at 7 PM for its regular monthly meeting at City Council Chambers (160 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis), with several key agenda items. In addition to presenting a few ceremonial recognitions and citations (Downtown Annapolis Partnership, MLK Parade Committee, Hispanic Heritage Month, Moms Demand Action, Kerry Mueller, and so on), the council will vote on ordinances regarding ADU requirements, historic duplexes in R2 zoning, and other legislation. See the full agenda. You can sign up to give testimony in person or online.

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EXTRA SPRINKLES

Down Syndrome Awareness Starts Here

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and Gigi’s Playhouse Annapolis is leading the way. Their free programs give individuals with Down syndrome and their families the tools to thrive — all powered by a team that’s 99% volunteer-run and fueled by donations. Want to make a difference this month? Learn more, get involved, or give today at Gigi’s Playhouse.*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

NAPTOWN SCOOP WEATHER IS POWERED BY. . .

Friday

80 🌡️ 69 | ⛅ | 8% | 💨 NNE 6 mph (5 knots)

Saturday

72 🌡️ 67 | 🌦️ | 44% | 💨 ENE 8 mph (7 knots)

Sunday

73 🌡️ 66 | ☁️ | 24% | 💨 NE 8 mph (7 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 74ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Friday

49 West | The Morel Trio | 7:30–10:30 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | Mixed Business | 8:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4–7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Timmie Metz Band | 9–12 PM
Brian Boru | Donnaka | 7–10 PM
Captain’s Daughter | TBA | 5–7 PM
The Choptank | Kevin Koa | 8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | TBA | 5–8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Crash Chords | 9 PM
Galway Bay | Doug Segree | 7–10 PM
Gina’s Cantina | Loose Ties | 7 PM
Great Frogs | Alexander Peters | 5:30–8:30 PM
Killarney House | The Langer's Ball | 7:30–10:30 PM
Libbey’s Coastal Kitchen | Jonathan Viers | 5–8 PM
The Lodge | Madisun Bailey | 8–11 PM
Market House | Adam Forbes | 8–11 PM
Market Space | Russ Jacobsen | 6–9 PM
Metropolitan Rooftop | b.en & the b.and | 8 PM
Middleton Tavern | Shatners | 10 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | The Goat Charmers | 7–10 PM
Old Stein Inn | Jordan Sokel & Friends | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Shaun Gomban | 7:30–10:30 PM
Rams Head On Stage | WAR | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | BoRoy | 8 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Troll Tribe | 5 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Kickback Classics | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Riverside | Chris Button| 4–8 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Mr VCR | 9:45 PM

Saturday

49 West | Crabtown Frolic | 5–7 PM
49 West | Hot Funyuns | 7:30–10:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Bravenoise | 9 PM
Brian Boru | Live Music | 7–10 PM
The Choptank | Jimmy Solesky | 8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Steel Drums | 2–5 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Tension | 9 PM
Dark Horse | Corsicans | 9 PM
Great Frogs | Josh Kachura | 1:30–4:30 PM
Great Frogs | Jordan Sokel | 4:30–7:30 PM
Killarney House | Donnaka | 7:30–10:30 PM
Market Space | Mike Miller | 2–6 PM
Middleton Tavern | Pretty Big Deal | 10 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | Kirk Kness | 8 PM
Pirates Cove | Arkansas Williams | 3 PM
Pirates Cove | Ray Weaver | 7–10 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Joe Pug w/ Matthew Wright | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Tavern | Victoria & Steve | 6 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Fast Times | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Riverside | Joey Fitz | 4–8 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | George Jano & The Feels | 9:45 PM
Watermark Annapolis Sunset Cruise | Sister Midnight Band | 6PM | Ticket

Sunday

49 West | Joe Holt & Sharon Sable | 7–9 PM
Brian Boru | Big Brothers Porch | 4–7 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Brandon & Thordis | 2–5 PM
Galway Bay | Donnaka | 4–8 PM
Libbey’s Coastal Kitchen | Dave  Hawkins | 2–5 PM
Market House | Chase Segree & Davey Ward | 5–7 PM
Market Space | David Andrew Smith | 2–6 PM
Old Stein Inn | Heidi & The Heimat Echo Band | 2–6 PM
Peerless Rens Club | Stacy Brooks | 1 PM | Tickets
Pirates Cove | Doug Segree | 3–6 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Peter Noone | 4:30 PM | Tickets
Rams Head On Stage | Peter Noone | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | The Living Good Project | 9 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Chris Sacks | 1 PM
Stan & Joe’s Riverside | Richard Hayward | 4–8 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Shawn Owen | 9 PM

Upcoming games

Football (3-0)
9/29 vs. Rice | 3:30 PM

Women's Rugby (2-2)
9/27 @ Princeton | 12 Noon

Men's Rugby (2-0)
9/27 vs. Mount St. Mary's (Md.) | 11 AM

Women's Soccer (8-3)
9/26 @ Colgate | 5 PM

Men's Soccer (3-3-4)
9/27 vs. Lehigh | 11 AM

Women's Volleyball (5-6)
9/26 @ American | 6 PM
9/27 @ Loyola, Maryland | 4 PM

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THANKS!

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