Earlier this year, California Fish Grill– a chain with approximately 50 restaurants in California and Arizona– noted that it was eyeing expansion to East Coast markets like Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. in the coming years. Now, the chain has signed on for its first Maryland location in Rockville’s Towne Plaza.
Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection received a $1 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to support the Low to Moderate Income Housing Electrification program, aiming to replace fossil fuel appliances with efficient electric alternatives, reduce energy costs, and improve indoor air quality in affordable housing units.
The Maryland Seafood Festival Is Bigger Than Ever for Its 60th Anniversary!
The Maryland Seafood Festival returns to Sandy Point State Park September 11–13 for a special three-day celebration of its 60th anniversary! Enjoy fresh Maryland seafood, live music, family entertainment, Chesapeake Bay traditions and unforgettable experiences along the waterfront. Check out some of the exciting additions coming to this year’s festival!
HONORING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11
Newly announced, the festival will open on Friday evening, September 11, with a special tribute honoring the 25th anniversary of 9/11. All three bands performing that evening include veterans and active-duty military members.
Be sure to visit Old Fireman’s BBQ Food Truck and meet a firefighter who was on-site at the Pentagon on that fateful day. We are offering special pricing for first responders and military.
MEET THE WORLD’S LARGEST RUBBER DUCK
Mama Duck, the world’s largest rubber duck, is coming to the Chesapeake Bay! This enormous, family-favorite attraction has appeared around the world, and now she is making her Maryland Seafood Festival debut.
Bring the entire family, experience the joy of Mama Duck, and capture a photo you’ll never forget!
EXPERIENCE SKIPJACK HERITAGE DAYS
Taking place alongside the Maryland Seafood Festival, Skipjack Heritage Days invites families to discover the stories and traditions of the Chesapeake Bay through hands-on activities, educational exhibits and public sails aboard historic skipjacks.
The weekend culminates with a Sunday skipjack race that guests can watch from the festival grounds at East Beach. Skipjacks are living history and icons of our region—this is a rare opportunity to experience them up close.
MEET GEORGE WASHINGTON
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with America’s first president! Presented by Peraton, George Washington will share stories about his life, his experiences along the Chesapeake Bay, and his role in the founding of our country.
“MR. MARYLAND” JIMMY CHARLES HEADLINES SUNDAY
Maryland’s own Jimmy Charles returns to headline the festival on Sunday! Known as “Mr. Maryland,” the nationally recognized singer and songwriter will take the stage alongside a full weekend of bands, performers and entertainment.
OLD BAY JOINS THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
What would a Maryland seafood celebration be without OLD BAY? Maryland’s most recognizable seasoning is joining us for the festival’s milestone 60th anniversary.
Stay tuned for exciting OLD BAY experiences, promotions, and surprises throughout the weekend!
Three days. Sixty years of tradition. One unforgettable celebration on the Chesapeake Bay.
Looking to be active? Co-located are the Big Ducking Run 10K/5K/Fun Run or the Bay Bridge Paddle!
We’ll see you September 11–13 at Sandy Point State Park!
On Thursday, Governor Wes Moore announced $20 million in historic revitalization tax credits through the Maryland Historical Trust, funding 10 projects that will leverage over $108 million in investment to repurpose historic properties for affordable housing, makerspaces, and community facilities across Maryland.
On Thursday, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich announced the launch of the updated MOVE Grant Program, aimed at reducing office vacancies by offering funding to businesses signing their first lease or expanding in the County, with grants of $8 to $15 per square foot for new office space.
On August 22, the New Neighbor Interfaith Alliance (NNIA) will host the 2026 Set Them Up for Success Volleyball Tournament and Family Fun Day from 9 am-4 pm at the Interdenominational Church of God in Gaithersburg, gathering volleyball teams, faith community members, and the public to raise funds to help recent refugees in Montgomery County attain independence.
An interfaith non-profit alliance of 37 faith communities and civic groups, NNIA raises funds to help resettled refugees with rental assistance, deferred medical care, English language skills and job placement. They also hope to expand their volunteer numbers to help more beneficiaries with job assistance, reliable transportation, and mentoring.
You’re Invited to the Community Fall Dance! 🍁
Join us for a fun, free evening of music, dancing, and community under the stars!
On Thursday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that officers at Washington Dulles Airport had seized 28 pounds of cocaine worth $900,000, concealed inside hot chocolate packages in a Guatemalan courier shipment in October. The courier was detained but later released and deported after prosecutors could not establish a direct connection to the drugs.
Results of second round Maryland high school football playoff games (MCPS games) can be seen below. Scores will be updated as we receive them (an F will signify the score is final):
The Montgomery County Police Department has shared that the intersection of Linden Lane at Newcastle Road in Silver Spring is closed for a death investigation. No foul play is suspected. Drivers should expect delays and seek an alternate route.
A $2,948,743-winning “FAST PLAY” lottery ticket was sold at J&S Liquors in Randallstown, MD on Thursday. Additional details below courtesy MD Lottery:
On Tuesday, a Clarksburg man was found guilty of third-degree sex offense by a Montgomery County jury for groping a woman at a 2021 graduation party. He he faces up to 10 years in prison, must register as a sex offender for life, and will be sentenced on December 20, 2024. (more…)
The Montgomery County Police, in partnership with Homeland Security and IRS-CI, announced it has led a successful investigation dismantling a Prince George’s County theft and fencing ring trafficking stolen goods worth $270,000 from major retailers and generating over $1 million in untaxed revenue with merchandise shipped to South America. (more…)
Earlier this year, the New York Times released its list of “22 of The Best Pizza Places in the United States” and the list included one Maryland restaurant.