Big Decision Ahead: Bowie Narrows City Manager Search to 5

The search for the next City Manager in Bowie is officially underway—and it’s drawing attention from across the country.

Earlier this year, the City partnered with Strategic Government Resources (SGR) to lead the recruitment process. The response was strong, with candidates applying from 21 states, signaling just how competitive and high-profile this role has become.

After a thorough review, the City Manager Search Committee narrowed the field to a group of semifinalists who completed detailed questionnaires and submitted pre-recorded video interviews. From there, five standout finalists were selected to move forward.

Now, the process enters its most important phase.

Each finalist will take part in a two-day, in-person interview experience designed to go beyond the résumé. Candidates will tour the community, meet with senior city leadership, sit down one-on-one with the Mayor and City Council members, and participate in full panel interviews.

It’s all part of ensuring Bowie selects a leader who not only brings experience—but truly understands the community they’ll serve.

A big decision is on the horizon… and it will help shape the future of Bowie for years to come.

Meet the candidates

Free Rabies Shots + Microchips for Pets in Bowie 🐾

Pet owners in Bowie can take advantage of a FREE Rabies Vaccination & Microchip Clinic on Saturday, April 18 from 10:00am to 1:00pm at Bowie City Hall.

Hosted by City of Bowie Animal Control and the Prince George's County Health Department, this event is open to all Prince George’s County residents.

Services include:

Rabies vaccinations
Microchipping

There’s no cost—but only 100 vaccines are available, so it’s first come, first served.

Before you arrive:

• Pets must be at least 12 weeks old and healthy

• Use a non-retractable leash or secure carrier

• Muzzle aggressive dogs

• Bring your completed vaccination form and any prior rabies records

Pets with proof of prior vaccination may receive a three-year certificate; others will receive a one-year certificate.

👉 A simple, free way to protect your pet—and stay compliant with county law.

More information

Food Truck Frenzy Friday, April 17

More information

Bowie Restaurant Week Is Back—Here’s Your Excuse to Eat Your Way Through the City 🍽️

Clear your schedule (and maybe skip cooking for a few nights)—Restaurant Week 2026 is coming to Bowie from April 20 through 26, and it’s shaping up to be one of the tastiest weeks of the year.

For seven days, local favorites and hidden gems across Bowie are rolling out special menus, prix-fixe meals, and exclusive deals you won’t find any other time. Whether you’re craving comfort food, bold flavors, or something new, this is your chance to explore the city—one plate at a time.

Even better? Every bite supports the small businesses that make Bowie’s food scene so unique.

🍴 Restaurants already on the list (with more being added daily):

B. B. U Kitchen
Center Pocket
Elite Nutrition Cafe
Ramouns Kitchen
Shantoo Togetherness
Texas Roadhouse
Word of Mouth (Food Truck)

This is your sign to try that spot you’ve been driving past for months… or finally revisit your favorite.

More information

Sydni Marie’s LOVE IS A VIBE

More information

Savor Bowie Spring 2026 Food, Wine & Music Festival

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.

The Bowie Insider has all the events you need in one place, so that you don’t have to scroll all over the internet looking for things to do in Bowie

April 16

• 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 15301 Hall Rd. Bowie 11:00am - 11:30am

• Fit & Strong, South Bowie Community Center 1717 Pittsfield Lane
  Bowie 11:00am - 12:30pm

• Fresh Voices: Creative Writing Workshop, Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd. Bowie 4:00pm - 5:30pm

• Game On: Chess and Checkers, South Bowie Library 15301 Hall Rd. Bowie 4:00pm - 5:30pm

• Technology Help, Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd. Bowie 4:00pm - 5:00pm

• City Manager Finalists Meet and Greet, Bowie City Hall 15901 Fred Robinson Way Bowie 6:00pm - 7:30pm

• Thomas G. Pullen Arts Academy Dance Department Presents: “SHOWBIZ”, Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, 15200 Annapolis Rd Bowie [See show times]

April 17

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

• Play and Grow: Ages 0–3, South Bowie Library 15301 Hall Rd. Bowie 10:30am - 11:30am

• Food Truck Frenzy - City Hall Main Lobby 15901 Fred Robinson Way
  Bowie 4:00pm - 7:00pm

• Craft and Create: Poetry and Art, Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd.
  Bowie 3:30pm - 5:00pm

• Sydni Marie’s LOVE IS A VIBE, Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, 15200 Annapolis Rd Bowie 7:00pm

April 18

• WB&A Trail Season Opener, Jafe Cycling Bike Shop
  10250 Martin Luther King Junior Highway, Bowie 8:00am

• Free Rabies and Microchip Clinic, Bowie City Hall (Back parking lot near Pond) 15901 Fred Robinson Way Bowie 10:00am - 1:00pm

• Puzzle Swap, Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd. Bowie 11:00am - 1:00pm

• Spring Lawn Care Seminar, Patuxent Nursery 2410 North Crain Hwy. Bowie 11:00am - 12:00pm

• Bowie Green Expo, Benjamin Tasker Middle School 4901 Collington Road
  Bowie 12:00pm - 4:00pm

• Local Author Book Event - The Missing Piece, Barnes & Noble Bowie Town Center 15455 Emerald Way Bowie 12:00pm

• Mini STEAM Fair, South Bowie Library 15301 Hall Rd. Bowie 1:00pm - 3:00pm

• TEM Fun: Boats! Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd. 2:30pm - 4:00pm

• Kids Achieve Club, Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd. 4:00pm - 5:00pm

• Savor Bowie 2026 Spring Food Wine and Music Festival, Bowie Town Center 15606 Emerald Way Bowie 11:00am 6:00pm

April 19

• City Gymnasium Closed

• Asphalt Angels SPRING Car, Bike & Truck Show, 6814 Laurel Bowie Rd, Bowie 9:00am - 2:00pm

• Local Author Book Event - Dare to Dream: Heaven's Glance, Barnes & Noble Bowie Town Center 15455 Emerald Way Bowie 12:00pm

April 20 - Bowie Restaurant Week, April 20 - 26

• Senior Program: Driving Safety, Bowie Senior Center 14900 Health Center Drive Bowie 10:00am - 11:00am

• Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 0–2, South Bowie Library 15301 Hall Rd. Bowie 11:00am - 11:30am

• Regular City Council Meeting; Budget Work Session #2: Public Works Department, Water and Sewer Divisions, City Hall Council Chambers 15901 Fred Robinson Way Bowie 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

April 21

• Safety and Smoothies, 3902 Town Center Blvd. Bowie 10:00am - 12:00pm

• Senior Program: Emergency Preparedness - Common Types of Allergies, Bowie Senior Center 14900 Health Center Dr. Bowie 10:15am - 11:15am

• Kids Achieve Club, South Bowie Library 15301 Hall Rd. Bowie 6:30pm - 7:30pm

April 22

• Positively Moving - Presented by ArtStream, South Bowie Library 15301 Hall Rd. Bowie 1:30pm - 3:00pm

• Pins and Needles: Crochet, South Bowie Library 15301 Hall Rd. Bowie 2:00pm - 4:00pm

• ArtBae Bowie Beats & Brushes, Kenhill Center 2614 Kenhill Drive
  Bowie 6:00pm - 8:00pm

🗓️ Know of other Bowie area events not listed? 🗓️

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

Want to sponsor the Bowie Insider - Click here to email us

Meme of the Day