In what has to be the great culinary tradition of Annapolis, this Friday from 5-8pm marks the 74th Annual Rotary Club of Annapolis Crab Feast. Drawing over 2,500 crab lovers from across the world to Annapolis for the world’s largest crab feast, Rotary’s annual event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars since it’s inception in 1946 for local charities and non-profit groups.
The all-you-can-eat affair includes hundreds of bushels of blue crabs, thousands of gallons of Maryland vegetable soup, and (my favorite bit) refreshing craft beer. The organizers even boast that they’ll be serving some of the sought after #1 large male crabs (the really big boys). For those weirdos who don’t like blue crabs, the crab feast will also feature beef barbeque sandwiches, watermelon, and baked goods, so everyone will go home happy.
This year I’ll be volunteering at the feast, but one of my favorite things to do every year in Annapolis is to gather a group of 10-12 friends, reserve a table of our own, and feast. Washing down crabs with cold craft beer, catching up with friends, and being grateful for this place we are lucky to call home, can life get any better?
It’s an incredible event for the wider community as well, with the Rotary Club distributing thousands of dollars from the event to local non-profits and community organizations. Furthermore, partners Annapolis Green work tirelessly during the event to ensure the event is 100% sustainably composted and recycled.
General seating tickets are still available and can be purchased in advance for $70, or in person at the gate for $75. Preferred dining tickets cost $130 and are only sold in advance of the event, including separate entrance, wait staff, and guaranteed seating. Self-serve seating is also available for $80. Tickets for children ages 3-12 cost $25.
Tickets also are available at Admiral Cleaners, 10 Taylor Ave.; Bay Ridge Wine and Spirits, 111 Hillsmere Drive; J. Gordon and Co., 726 2nd St., Eastport; Hotel Annapolis, 126 West St.; Long and Foster, 541 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd., Severna Park; and McBride Gallery, 215 Main St. You can also call 410-615-0460. Telephone ticket sales will end at noon on Aug. 2, 2019. Parking for the crab feast at the stadium is free. No containers, drinks, backpacks, large bags, coolers or similar items will be allowed into the event.
