Photographs by Tony Lewis, Jr., Dick Sweeney, and Robert Young
The 80th Annual Rotary Club of Annapolis Crab Feast will celebrate friendship, community service, and delicious bounty.
Every August, members of the community and visitors from across the country gather at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis to enjoy a renowned all-you-can-eat crab feast. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Annapolis, the Crab Feast celebrates the heritage and savory flavors of the Chesapeake Bay in a lively, family-friendly setting. Originally a small gathering, the event now attracts thousands of attendees each year. This summer, the Crab Feast commemorates its 80th anniversary—a special occasion that marks a milestone in its history and pays tribute to its enduring legacy.
The Crab Feast, which will be held on August 1 from 5 to 8 p.m., not only features all-you-can-eat crabs but also corn on the cob, beef barbecue, and a variety of other menu options. The event also includes a bake sale and a 50/50 raffle. The motto of this year’s Crab Feast is “Celebrating 80 Years—Rotary Strong, Annapolis Proud, Crabs for a Cause!” This inspiring theme further underscores the celebratory mood of the milestone event.
A major annual fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Annapolis, all proceeds from the Crab Feast are donated to nonprofit organizations. Last summer, $30,000 was raised and distributed through the Rotary’s Crab Feast Grants Program.
“The 80th Annual Crab Feast marks a major milestone in a long-standing tradition that brings people together for good food, conversation, and local pride,” says Sue Weber, president of the Rotary Club of Annapolis (effective July 1, 2025). “For many, our annual event has become a family tradition, part of vacation planning, friends gathering for a good time, or local companies treating employees to an all-you-can-eat crab feast. An 80-year legacy suggests that multiple generations have participated, making it not only a meal but a cherished annual gathering.”
“The Crab Feast has become an institution in Annapolis,” adds Bill Regan, a past president of the Rotary Club of Annapolis. “People from all over the country travel to attend. It’s a great way to bring the community together for a fun evening while raising money for local nonprofits.”
A Bay-friendly Feast
According to the Rotary Club of Annapolis, the Crab Feast always has a packed house, with about 1,300 people expected to attend this year. During past events, attendees have consumed about 320 bushels of crabs, 3,400 ears of corn, 1,800 hot dogs, 150 pounds of beef barbecue, 100 gallons of Maryland crab soup, and hundreds of gallons of water, soft drinks, and beer. The Rotary’s efforts and the support of its crab-loving attendees have enabled the organization to donate more than one million dollars to the community during the past 80 years.
The Rotary Club of Annapolis realizes the importance of protecting the Bay, so a few years ago, it adopted a “Bay Responsible” and “Zero Waste” Crab Feast. All waste is either recycled or composted. All compostable waste, including crab trays, utensils, paper products, crab shells, and all other food waste, is collected in separate containers and transported to Aberdeen. In two months, it is turned into compost for use as soil enrichment in gardens and sold to the community in 10-pound bags.
New Leadership
Since the president of the Rotary Club of Annapolis serves a one-year term, Weber will only have been in office for a month when this year’s Crab Feast takes place. (Past president Bob Young previously held the position. His term was effective July 1, 2024.) But Weber looks forward to serving in the leadership role during the upcoming year.
“I would like to focus on building our impact and our brand,” Weber says. “There are so many people that don’t know what Rotary is and what we do. So, I will encourage our members to share their Rotary Club experiences with others with the hope of increasing awareness and membership. We really do have a lot to offer.”
Chartered on February 11, 1921, the Rotary Club of Annapolis is the largest and most active service club in Maryland’s capital city. The club follows the Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” and participates in several fundraising activities. However, it is most well-known for the Crab Feast.
“The Crab Feast is a major event with a lot of moving parts,” Regan says. “Planning and preparation start in February, so a lot of work goes into making the event a success. For me, the best part is feeling the energy of so many people coming together to enjoy great food and have fun with their family and friends. The atmosphere is so enthusiastic; it’s contagious. I’m already looking forward to the 100th anniversary.”
For more information about the Crab Feast and to buy tickets, visit annapolisrotary.org. Tickets must be purchased online via the website.
Special thanks to Lisa Mam, chair of the Crab Feast, for providing event info.
