Bowie Insider Issue #322

Introducing the “Best of Bowie” Series — We Want to Hear from You!

What makes Bowie truly shine? Is it the cozy café where you sip your morning latte, the stylist who knows your hair better than you do, or the florist whose bouquets brighten your home? We’re launching our new “Best of Bowie” series to celebrate exactly that—the places, people, and small businesses that make our community special.

Each week, we’ll spotlight a local favorite—starting with Bowie’s best restaurant—and we want your voice to help guide the way. From salons and flower shops to gyms, boutiques, and bakeries, your recommendations will shape the list.

This is more than a roundup. It’s a love letter to the city we call home. So get ready to tell us: where do you go, who do you trust, and what hidden gems deserve the spotlight?

Get ready to nominate your favorites and stay tuned!

Brightseat Tech Park: Massive Data Center Project Near Bowie Raises Hopes—and Concerns

A sweeping redevelopment plan is unfolding in Landover, Maryland, where developers propose turning the long-abandoned Landover Mall into Brightseat Tech Park—a $5 billion data center campus across 87 acres. If approved, the project would feature five data centers consuming up to 820 megawatts of power, making it one of the region’s largest tech infrastructure hubs.

Communities surrounding Landover—including Bowie, Glenarden, and Mitchellville—could feel the ripple effects: increased traffic, changes in local aesthetics, and environmental impacts. Some fear the project is moving too quickly, without enough public input or transparent long-term planning.

In response, local groups and coalitions—like the Maryland Data Centers Analysis Group—are calling for environmental impact studies and public forums before any final decisions are made. Their aim is not to stop development entirely but to ensure it’s community-informed, sustainable, and equitable.

There’s no doubt data centers are essential in today’s digital economy. They power everything from cloud storage to artificial intelligence. But as they grow in number and size, so does the importance of smart planning—especially in densely populated regions like Prince George’s County.

For Bowie residents watching from just a few miles away, this is more than a Landover story. It’s a regional moment with the power to reshape landscapes, budgets, and lives for decades to come. As plans evolve, staying informed—and involved—will be key to shaping a future that balances progress with community values.

How do you feel about data centers coming nearby?

Deadline to Apply for Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit is September 15

Maryland taxpayers have until September 15 to apply for the state's Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit. The program offers up to $5,000 in tax credits for eligible residents making payments on student loans, with $9 million in total funds available. To qualify, applicants must be Maryland residents, file state taxes in 2025, and meet specific student loan debt thresholds. State employees receive priority, and recipients must prove the credit was used to pay down their loans.

More information

Bowie International Festival This Saturday, September 13

Save the Date: Celebrate Africa - September 28

Attention Bowie Business Owners, Non-profits, Civic Organizations: Get Ready for the Bowie Directory Launch!

The Bowie’s business landscape is always evolving—just think of once-popular businesses like Old Bowie Town Grille, Sears, GameStop, and Pier 1 Imports that have come and gone. Now more than ever, it’s vital for local businesses to stay visible and connected. That’s why we’re excited to announce the upcoming launch of the Bowie Directory—a new online resource designed to spotlight businesses right here in our community. With a free basic listing, the Bowie Directory will help residents discover local shops, services, and entrepreneurs with ease. Businesses will gain greater exposure, improved search visibility, and local customers. Don’t be a best kept secret in Bowie and miss your chance to be part of this powerful local resource. Sign up now to be notified when the directory goes live and secure your free listing.

More information

We want to hear from you…

Tell us what you want to read more about in the Bowie Insider. From more about how the city runs and our local government events to local sports, local business, taxes, business spotlights, schools, colleges, shopping, volunteer opportunities and more.

Click here to send us an email and let us know, we’d love to hear from you.

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September 11

• Monarch Waystations: Discoveries and Maintenance, Belair Meadows (off Belair Drive before entering 3 Bowie 9:00am - 10:30am

• Get Fit Mobile: Fitness on the Fly, Fairwood Park

  12390 Fairwood Parkway Bowie 6:00pm - 7:00pm

• Pop-Up Park Picnic: Couple Date Night (Self-Guided), Whitemarsh Park 100 White Marsh Park Drive Bowie

• Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 0-2, Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 10:15am - 10:45am

• Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 2-3, South Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 11:00am - 11:30am

• Teen Zone, Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 2:00pm - 4:00pm

• Computer Basics: Open Lab, South Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 3:00pm - 4:00pm

September 12

• Play and Grow: Ages 0-3- South Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 10:30am - 11:30am

• Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 3-5: Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 10:15am - 10:45am

• Chair Yoga, Belair Mansion 12207 Tulip Grove Dr Bowie 10:00am - 11:00am

• Zen & Now: Mental Health Workshop for Teens, Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 12:00pm - 1:00pm

September 13

• Community Garden Workday Community Gardens (behind the Kenhill Center) 2614 Kenhill Drive Bowie 7:00am - 9:00am

• Community Shred, Judah Temple A.M.E. Church 14500 Mount Oak Road Mitchellville 10:00am - 1:00pm

• Bowie International Festival, Allen Pond Park 3330 Northview Drive Bowie 11:00am - 3:00pm

• Kids Kaboose at Old Bowie, Welcome Center Old Town Bowie Welcome Center 8614 Chestnut Avenue Bowie 10:00am - 11:30am

• Praise House Presents: You Are His Desire Worship Concert, Bowie Center for the Performing Arts 15200 Annapolis Rd Bowie [See show times]

• Teen Zone, Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 2:00pm - 6:00pm,

• Legally Blonde the Musical, The Bowie Playhouse 16500 White Marsh Pk Dr, Bowie [See show times]

• “Square Up” – Welcome Back - Square Dance, St Matthew's United Methodist Church, 14900 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 7:30pm - 10:00pm

September 14

• Farmers Market, Bowie Center for the Performing Arts 15200 Annapolis Rd Bowie 9:00am - 1:00pm

• The Ultimate Princess Party with Belle, Tiana and Cinderella, M Lounge Events Bowie 15619 Emerald Way Bowie 2:00pm - 4:00pm

September 15

• CRMSDC Annual Golf Classic 2025 - A Day of Business Golf, The Country Club at Woodmore 12320 Pleasant Prospect Road Mitchellville 7:30am - 4:30pm

• Regular City Council Meeting, City Hall Council Chambers 15901 Fred Robinson Way Bowie and Watch Online 8:00pm - 10:00pm

• Bi-County Business Roundtable Breakfast, Homewood Suites – 9103 Basil Court, Largo 9:00am - 11:00am

September 16

• Senior Program: Fall Prevention Seminar, Bowie Senior Center 14900 Health Center Drive Bowie 10:00am - 11:30am

• Grand Opening Ceremony for the WB&A Trail Patuxent River Bridge WB&A Trail Patuxent River Bridge (Anne Arundel County Side) 10:30am - 11:30am

• Kids Create: Arts Olympiad, South Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 6:30pm - 7:30pm

• True Crime Tuesdays, Ashling Kitchen & Bar 1286 State Rt 3 S #Suite 3 Crofton 6:30pm - 8:30pm

September 17

• Paint & Sip at Courtyard by Marriott Bowie Courtyard by Marriott, 15400 Promenade Drive, Bowie 6:30pm

• Positively Moving, South Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 1:30pm - 3:00pm

• Teen Zone, Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 2:00pm - 6:00pm

• Teen Action Group (TAG), South Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 4:30pm - 5:30pm

• Navigating the College Admissions Maze, Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 6:00pm - 7:00pm

• Writers' Group: With Pen in Hand - Poetry, South Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 6:30pm - 7:30pm

🗓️ Know of other Bowie area events not listed? 🗓️

👉Click Here to let us know about your upcoming event.

Schedules for Local Pro Sports Teams

Washington Commanders Schedule 🏈 

Baltimore Ravens Schedule 🏈 

Washington Mystics 🏀 

Washington Wizards 🏀 

Chesapeake Baysox Schedule⚾️

Baltimore Orioles Schedule ⚾️

Washington Nationals Baseball Schedule⚾️

DC United Soccer Schedule⚽️

Washington Spirit Soccer Schedule⚽️

Meme of the Day