Steve Fox has spent nearly two decades creating memorable experiences at Bread & Circuses, but his most ambitious idea yet won't take place inside his restaurant.
Instead, on Sunday, August 23, Fox and veteran Baltimore broadcaster Jimmy Mathis will transform Delaware Avenue into an outdoor festival unlike anything Towson has seen before.
The Server Games will bring together local restaurants, live music, family activities, food trucks, outdoor bars and friendly competitions celebrating the people who make Towson's hospitality industry thrive. The event is expected to run from noon until 2 a.m. and will benefit the Signal 13 Foundation, which supports the families of law enforcement officers.
"This isn't just another event," Fox said. "We're creating something that celebrates the people who make Towson's restaurants special every single day. Servers work incredibly hard taking care of everyone else. For one day, we're turning the spotlight on them while bringing the entire community together."
Fox hopes The Server Games becomes an annual tradition that people immediately associate with Towson.
"We're building something that's fun for everyone," he said. "Whether you're coming for the music, the competitions, the food or just to spend the day with your family, we want people to leave saying, 'I can't wait until next year's Server Games.'"
A Concert Worth Planning Your Weekend Around
An AI Mockup of the soon to be converted concert and vendor Area for The Server Games at Bread and Circuses and and adjacent parlking lot 401 Delaware Avenue.
Even if you never step into one of the server competitions, the entertainment lineup alone promises to make August 23 one of Towson's biggest live music days of the summer.
Headlining the festival is Crushing Day, one of Maryland's premier live rock bands, joined by crowd favorites Homestead and The Cal Young Project. Together, they'll provide nearly a full day of live entertainment, turning downtown Towson into an outdoor concert venue complete with giant LED video screens and festival seating.
Adding even more excitement, 98 Rock will be on site as the event's presenting sponsor, helping bring one of the region's most recognizable entertainment brands directly into the heart of Towson. Their involvement underscores the festival's ambition to become one of the area's marquee annual summer events.
More Than Music—Fun for Every Generation
Fox says The Server Games has been designed to be just as enjoyable for families as it is for restaurant workers.
Visitors can expect food trucks, local vendors, eight outdoor bars, interactive games and activities throughout the day. Children and adults alike will have opportunities to test their skills in attractions such as a soccer penalty kick challenge, putting contests and other festival games.
Soccer fans should also keep an eye out for members of the Baltimore Blast, who are expected to attend the festival and meet guests throughout the afternoon.
"Our goal is simple," Fox said. "We want families spending the day in Towson. We want people discovering our restaurants, supporting local businesses and realizing just how much this community has to offer."
Restaurant teams from Towson and across the area will compete in entertaining challenges highlighting the speed, coordination and personality that define great hospitality. Combined with live music, food, community partners and a charitable mission, Fox believes the event has all the ingredients to become one of Towson's signature traditions.
"We're not just putting on an event," Fox said. "We're creating an experience that belongs to Towson."
Easy Parking across the street at Baltimore County Public Library
Park directly across the street at the Baltimore County Public Parking. Ample spaces available at weekend parking rate which is $2.00 for the first three hours and $1.00 for each additional hour (or any part thereof), with a daily maximum charge of $10.00. Open until 4 AM. Payment may be made by cash or credit card. Cash is accepted at all Pay Station locations
About Steve Fox:
Steve Fox is one of Towson's best-known and longest-serving restaurateurs, recognized for blending exceptional food, history, literature, and community into a dining experience unlike any other. As the owner of Bread & Circuses Bistro & Bar, he has spent more than 15 years building the restaurant into a Towson institution known for its creative menu, distinctive atmosphere, and commitment to culture and hospitality. Originally opened in 2008 as The French Press, the restaurant evolved into the eclectic bistro that today anchors Delaware Avenue.
A Towson University graduate, Fox believes restaurants should nourish both the body and the mind. That philosophy is reflected in Bread & Circuses through literary themes, historical events, and artistic collaborations, including a recreation of the final first-class dinner aboard the RMS Titanic. In 2024, he also unveiled a mural honoring F. Scott Fitzgerald's Tender Is the Night, celebrating the author's connection to Towson. A longtime supporter of local arts, live music, and community engagement, Fox continues to make Bread & Circuses a gathering place where food, culture, and conversation come together
About Jimmy Mathis:
Jimmy Mathis is a veteran Baltimore broadcaster, Emmy Award-winning television journalist, and former WBAL NewsRadio host. Before joining WBAL, he covered the White House, Pentagon, and U.S. Congress as a Washington-based television journalist. Known for his direct commentary and deep Maryland roots, Mathis has also been active in politics, media production, and public affairs.
