🍦How to participate in May Day

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. The Spring Sailboat Show is this weekend. Time to pretend you totally know the difference between port and starboard. Here’s a reminder: port has 4 letters, just like left. Also like wine, which helps you forget both.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

• Two new food trucks. Well, kinda three. . .

• What’s up with Giolitti’s

• A very packed weekend 📆 

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Duffy Perkins, & Ryan Sneddon

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THE DIGEST

May Day magic returns on May 1

What’s the official start of peak season in Annapolis? Some say Blue Angels. Others say the Annapolis Cup. But many locals believe it’s May Day.

May Day is when residents and businesses turn the historic district into a giant garden party. It’s a 70-year tradition in town run by the Garden Club of Old Annapolis Towne. Winners get blue ribbons and a coveted invite to the May Day Tea. Kids can join the fun, too.

The judging happens here:

Residents place their flower displays in a traditional basket labeled with their name and address. Baskets made by children under 12 should include the child’s age for a special ribbon. Businesses may eschew traditional baskets and use a vessel related to their business. All displays must be out by 10 AM sharp for judging.

If you’re just hoping to peruse the baskets (iced coffee in hand hopefully), we recommend starting early – especially if it’s warm.

Where to watch the Blue Angels if you don’t have a boat (or a friend with one)

I’ll die on the hill that on the water is the best place to watch the Blue Angels every May. But not everyone has a boat (or a friend with one). And not everyone can spend an entire weekday floating on the Severn ironically blasting the Top Gun theme as the jets fly over. So here are the best places for landlubbers to see the Navy’s incredible stunt pilots.

The Blues fly May 20 and 21 at 2 PM both days. All of these spots will be crowded so arrive early for parking and/or a good seat.

South Annapolis Yacht Centre. This one won’t be a secret much longer. There’s parking and plenty of space. Parking is $25 and each adult is $5. Kids are free. Walk-ins are welcome for $10 each. Bring a picnic and chairs. Wednesday only.

North side of the Naval Academy Bridge. This is where I grew up watching. Thousands pack in near the World War II memorial for a commanding view of the river and Naval Academy. Park on Ritchie Highway.

Naval Academy Campus. You can walk onto the Yard to enjoy a spectacular view of the show. Just remember to bring your ID. And some areas may be closed for private events or helicopter landings. The Naval Academy Band performs at Hospital Point on Wednesday at 1 PM.

You can catch the show other places (City Dock, Spa Creek Bridge, Choptank, Carroll’s Creek Cafe, etc.) but the above spots are our top recommendations for comfort (aka lots of grass) and space.

Boaters, we’ll run a story with everything you need to know soon.

The ASO just announced its new season 🎻✨

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra just dropped its 64th season lineup — and it’s giving big and bold. Led by Maestro José-Luis Novo (celebrating his 21st season — cue the standing ovation), the 2025–26 season is all about connections: between continents, composers, and communities. We’re talking Mahler. Dvořák. Revueltas. Dawson. Music that journeys from the Old World to the New, with a few emotional detours along the way.

Here’s what to watch for:

• Five Signature Series concerts at Maryland Hall

• Free Pops concerts at Downs Park and Quiet Waters

• Holiday Pops at Maryland Hall and Severna Park High

• Family and school concerts with a STEAM twist

• A full calendar of youth orchestra magic from the Annapolis Symphony Academy

The headline? Annapolis' largest performing arts org is thinking big — and sounding bigger. Get your tickets early. Bring a friend. Then let the music move you.

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Giolitti’s is undergoing technical difficulties: please stand by

In news that has us immediately craving a meatball sub, Giolitti’s Delicatessen is experiencing a temporary closure due to reported “extreme technical problems.” Management was unavailable for comment on the closure, so we’ll have to be patient (the sign has been up since last weekend). It’s true that you can always visit the original Giolitti family store in Rome. But that’s a long flight for a little gelato.

New Street Eats Alert 🚨

New snack options are rolling into town — literally. This spring brings the opening of two new additions to Annapolis’ food truck scene.

🌽 First, there’s Lola’s Botanas (that’s “snacks” en español), which had a soft opening on Easter in Edgewater. Lola’s offers Mexican treats like street corn, esquite, fresitas, and more.

🍦 Then there’s Flying Kiwi Ice Cream, run by husband-wife team Dustin and Lindsay. Their ice cream truck serves New Zealand-style sweetness, meaning fresh fruit is blended into the ice cream base. They have their first event this Saturday 10 AM - 2 PM at Arnold Christian Academy’s Spring Bazaar (365 Jones Station Road, Arnold).

Sweet P’s Snowballs on West Street 🍧

Y’all know we love ice cream. But DYK snowballs rank high with us too? It’s so cool that Sweet P’s Snowballs’ grand re-opening is today! Even cooler — they’re celebrating with free snowballs, no purchase required! This deal is valid for a promo size cup only. Marshmallow fluffs (we mean buffs lol) pay extra for toppings. So, cool off with an icy treat at 910 West Street in Annapolis. Sweet P’s is open today from 11 AM to 8 PM.

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.

SPONSORED BY YOGA FACTORY

Grand Opening: Yoga Factory Arnold Opens May 3

Yoga Factory is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its brand-new Arnold studio on Saturday, May 3!

To celebrate, classes are free all day long. The festivities kick off with a ribbon cutting ceremony in the morning, and the final class of the day will end with a champagne toast. Now that’s my kind of yoga.

This new location features two yoga rooms and all the signature Yoga Factory energy their students love. Everyone is welcome at this exciting day of movement, celebration, and connection.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Weekend preview

SATURDAY 4/26TH 🚜 🎲 💐 ⛵
Wildberry Spring Field Market, Crownsville. Shop local vendors, enjoy breakfast from the farm-to-table food trailer, and bring your leashed pup. Free admission. No rain date.

Colonial Games at Hogshead, DTA. Try your hand at colonial games and enjoy some old-fashioned fun. Suggested donation: $5.

12th Annual Car, Truck, Motorcycle & Tractor Show, Edgewater. Support Southern High’s FFA program while admiring classic vehicles. There’s also a bake sale, 50/50 raffle, and more. Rain date: Sunday.

Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show, City Dock. Explore over 100 sailboats, shop marine gear, and enjoy the waterfront. Tickets: $20; kids under 15 free. Also on Friday and Sunday.

SUNDAY 4/27TH 💿 💐 🌎 🚒 📚 🍷
Naptown Vinyl & Vintage Market, Maryland Hall. Browse vinyl records and vintage treasures, enjoy live music, DJs, food trucks, and a cash bar.

Taste of Spring on West Street. Savor samples from nine local restaurants, enjoy live music and Polynesian dance performances, and enter raffles.

Earth Day Festival, Severna Park. Celebrate Earth Day with educational exhibits, vendors, and activities promoting environmental awareness.

EVFC Fire Prevention Fair, Eastport. Family-friendly event featuring firefighter demos, K9 demonstration at 12:45 PM, extrication demo at 2 PM, raffles, and food for sale.

Read Between the Wines, Great Frogs Winery. Support the Anne Arundel County Public Library while enjoying wine, charcuterie, live music, and more.

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.

WEATHER

Thursday

75 🌡️ 56 | 🌤️ | 5% | SSE 13 mph (11 knots)

Friday

73 🌡️ 62 | ⛅ | 8% | 💨 SSE 13 mph (11 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 60ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Thursday

49 West | Todd Harrison Trio | 7:30–11 PM
Brian Boru | Casey McConville | 6:30–9:30 PM
Cafe Mezzanotte | Jazz at the Mezz | 6–9 PM
Dark Horse | Lee Wilder w/ Neal Hooks | 9 PM
Killarney House | Nate Finn | 6–9 PM
Market House | Troll Tribe | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–9 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Aaron Hawkins | 4:30 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Eric Hutchinson | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Severna Park | Jack Rimmel | 7 PM

Friday

49 West | Soul Journers Band | 7:30–10:30 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | Davidson Exchange | 8:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4–7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Local Souls | 9–12 PM
Brian Boru | The Loose Cannons | 7–10 PM
The Choptank | Ryan Cobb | 8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Greg Seybold | 5–8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Sister Midnight | 8:30 PM
Killarney House | O'McPub Band | 7:30–10:30 PM
The Lodge | Steve Herrera | 8–11 PM
Market House | Alex G Lee and Brandon Freelump | TBA
Middleton Tavern | Shatners | 10 PM
Old Stein | Doug Segree | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Pete Best | 7–10 PM
Rams Head Roadhouse | Dust On The Bottle | 8 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Tavair Dominque | 5 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Kick Back Classics | 7 PM
Severna Park | Distilled Grace | 7 PM

NAVY SPORTS

Upcoming games

Baseball (22-20)
4/25 @ Lehigh | 3 PM

Women's Lacrosse (11-5)
4/24 @ American | 1 PM

Men's Lacrosse (7-6)
4/25 @ Bucknell | 7 PM

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THANKS!

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