2nd Annual Café Diem: The Annapolis Coffee Crawl Announced

News

Discover local brews and coffee-inspired cocktails, check in at local cafes and restaurants, and win prizes

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Following a successful inaugural event, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (VAAAC) is brewing a second pot of Café Diem: The Annapolis Coffee Crawl and is inviting residents and visitors to experience the buzz of the town‘s coffee culture from September 27 through October 4 in celebration of National Coffee Day on September 29.

"Dolly Parton famously sang about pouring herself a 'cup of ambition',” said Kristen Pironis, CEO of Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County. “Her optimism, authenticity, and belief in bringing people together have inspired generations, and Café Diem captures that same spirit by encouraging residents and visitors to discover new favorites, connect with local businesses and each other, and experience the vibrant café culture in Annapolis."

Celebrating National Coffee Day on September 29, the eight-day crawl highlights independent coffee shops, cafés, restaurants, bakeries, and lounges throughout the Annapolis area. Participants can enjoy everything from handcrafted espresso drinks and seasonal lattes to espresso martinis and coffee-inspired cocktails while discovering some of the region's most beloved local businesses.

From cozy neighborhood cafés to waterfront gathering spots, each stop offers a unique taste of Annapolis hospitality. During the crawl, participants can check in at participating locations using the VAAAC digital pass platform powered by Bandwango, the same platform used for VAAAC’s Be Revolutionary: America250 Exploration Trail. Each check-in brings participants closer to earning exclusive prizes, while allowing them to take advantage of special Café Diem promotions and offers available only during the event. A list of participating locations is included below, with additional locations expected to join the crawl. Participants are encouraged to check the app before heading out on their coffee adventure for the latest lineup of stops.

Participating Locations, by Day (coffee) or Night (coffee-inspired adult beverages), include:

  • 49 West Coffeehouse, Winebar & Gallery – Day/Night
  • Annapolis Market House - Day
  • Bean Rush Café - Day
  • Blackwall Hitch – Night
  • Bread and Butter Kitchen – Day*
  • Café Ole – Day
  • Caliente Grill – Day/Night
  • Carpaccio Tuscan Kitchen & Wine Bar - Night
  • Curate Annapolis Café & Bakery - Day
  • Drummer’s Lot Pub – Night*
  • Federal House Bar and Grille - Night
  • Galway Bay Irish Restaurant and Pub – Day/Night
  • Great Harvest Bread Company – Day*
  • InGrano Annapolis - Day
  • Leeward Market – Day
  • Leo Annapolis – Night*
  • Level a Small Plates Lounge - Night
  • Luna Blu – Night
  • Marmo – Night
  • Miss Shirely’s Café - Day
  • Oscar’s Coffee – Day
  • Paris Baguette - Day
  • Parley Room - Night
  • Preserve – Night
  • Rams Head Tavern – Day/Night
  • Red, Red Wine Bar + Bistro – Night
  • Rise Up Annapolis Market House- Day
  • Seasalt - Night
  • Sweet Hearts Patisserie - Day
  • The Admiral’s Cup – Night
  • The Choptank - Night 

* These locations are also part of the Be Revolutionary: America250 Exploration Trail. Be sure to check in along the way to earn points toward your trail pass and qualify for exclusive America250 prizes!

Highlights of the Crawl:

  • Check In & Win: Register for the free Café Diem digital pass and check in at participating locations throughout the week using the Bandwango platform. Participants must complete six check-ins during the crawl to qualify for prizes. Check-ins are limited to one per location per day, encouraging participants to explore multiple stops throughout the week.
  • Hat's Off to Coffee Lovers: The first 50 participants to complete six qualifying check-ins will receive an exclusive Café Diem hat.
  • A "Latte" Adventure: Everyone who completes the required six check-ins will be entered into a drawing for a coffee-themed prize basket filled with local coffee goodies and donations from participating cafés, restaurants, and bars.
  • Post Your Roast: Share your Coffee Crawl experience on Instagram using #CafeDiemAnnapolis for a chance to win a basket of coffee goodies. Show off your favorite drinks, treats, and crawl stops throughout the week.
  • Digital Perks: The mobile-friendly Bandwango platform makes it easy to discover participating locations, track progress, and redeem discounts.

Whether you're a dedicated coffee enthusiast, a casual café hopper, or simply looking for a unique way to explore Maryland's capital city, the 2nd Annual Café Diem: The Annapolis Coffee Crawl offers the perfect blend of local flavor, community spirit, and caffeinated adventure.

For event details, digital pass instructions, up-to-date information about participating locations, and prize information, go to www.VisitAnnapolis.org/Cafe-Diem.

About Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County: Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (VAAAC) is a nonprofit, partnership-focused destination marketing and management organization dedicated to fostering a welcoming destination and promoting tourism for visitors, partners, and the community. The tourism and hospitality industry in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County significantly impacts Maryland's economy. In 2024, visitor spending injected $4.3 billion into the state economy, attracting more than 7.2 million visitors, and sustaining more than 27,000 jobs (both directly and indirectly), according to the 2024 Economic Impact of Tourism in Maryland Report. That daily impact — an average of $11.9 million in visitor spending — strengthens small businesses, supports the hospitality workforce, and enhances quality of life for residents across the region. For more information, please visit www.VAAAC.org.