14 Must Try Crab Festivals in Maryland
What better way to enjoy (and celebrate) Maryland’s culture and cuisine than with a crab extravaganza?
Delicious food, great drinks, live entertainment, and tons of fun and games make these community events super special.
Put these top crab festivals in Maryland on your list of things to do this summer and fall.
What is a Maryland Crab Festival?
A Maryland crabfest is a magical celebration of one of Maryland’s most signature foods: blue crabs.
You can eat any number of Maryland dishes, drink local craft brews and wines, listen to live music and participate in fun competitions, crab-themed shopping, and even boat cruises.
What Food Can I Expect At A Crab Festival?
If you’re thinking of attending a Crab feast in Maryland, your taste buds are in for a treat!
Crabs are the top thing on the menu of course, but depending on the feast, you can also expect to eat clams, oysters, fish, fried chicken, hot dogs, Maryland soups, onion rings, french fries, watermelon, corn on the cob, cucumber salad, and bbq beef.
As far as drinks go, there are often craft-brewed beers, wine, carbonated beverages, water, and sometimes even cocktails.
What Activities Can I Expect At A Crab Festival?
Depending on the crab fest, you can expect live music, arts and crafts for sale, crab-picking, crab racing, pull-tab games, petting zoos, raffles, dancing, crab-picking demos, cooking demonstrations, parades, fireworks, DJs, and cruises.
Crab Festivals in Maryland
1. The St. Mary’s County Crab Festival
Culture and cooking combine into fabulous June fun at the St. Mary’s County Crab Festival just south of Leonardtown.
Stop by for crab soup, crab cakes, steamed hard crabs, and an abundance of seafood. Once you’ve filled your belly, shop for crab-themed crafts from local crafters.
Live music, a classic car show, a petting zoo for the kids, and a crab-picking contest round out the fun.
June 10, 2023
2. Birdland Crab Feast
Celebrate Maryland during the Birdland Crab Feast in Baltimore.
All-you-can-eat steamed crabs, delicious food, bottomless beer and wine, and O’s baseball make this July crab fest a memorable one.
It is hosted by Jimmy’s Famous Seafood and features famous Marylander guests like Olympic Gold Medalist Rick Krivda.
Sun, Jul 23, 1 PM
3. Choptank Cruise & Crab Feast
Step aboard an authentic 80-foot paddle-wheeler and float down the Choptank River during the Choptank Cruise & Crab Fest!
The crabs are specially prepared by the Suicide Bridge Restaurant, and promise to be mouthwatering. While you eat, you’ll enjoy amazing views of Maryland’s Eastern Shore and the Choptank River.
June 9, 2023, 9-5pm
4. Bushels & Brews
Chow down on delicious blue crabs, roasted corn, and roasted red potatoes during the Bushels & Brews Crab Festival in Easton.
This fun all-day event is held in August and September and includes all-you-can-eat crabs, live music, and a cash bar with sangria, soft drinks, wine, beer, water, and Maryland Orange Crush.
Reservations recommended.
8/12/23 & 9/9/23
5. Oyster Fest at Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
Swap out crabs for oysters to keep things varied at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s favorite fall festival: the Oyster Fest.
Sort through oysters then slurp, savor, and delight your palate with the seafood banquet.
Live music on two different stages, tranquil boat rides, and sizzling cooking demonstrations make this event even more of a smash hit.
If you are in the area, be sure to check out some Chesapeake boat tours and some beaches in Chesapekae bay.
6. J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake
The menu at the J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake in Crisfield is enough to get anyone’s belly rumbling!
Chow down on steamed crabs, flaky fresh fish, french fries, onion rings, corn on the cob, watermelon, and clams. The clams are served raw, steamed, and fried so you can taste ALL the ways and find your favorite.
Want the VIP experience? Reserve your own “Crab Trap Tent” complete with a personal DJ, bathroom, and beer wagon.
7. Annual Crab Feast Fundraiser
If you’re looking for something special to do in September, look no further than the Annual Crab Feast Fundraiser in Parkville.
Dancing, raffles, door prizes, and a mouthwatering menu await!
Chow down on steamed crab, BBQ beef, fried chicken, Maryland-style crab soup, corn on the cob, salad, fruit, cakes, beers, iced tea, coffee, and more.
August 4, 2023
8. Baltimore Magazine’s Crab Fest
The Baltimore Magazine’s Crab Fest is a foodie extravaganza, featuring over 20 famed food vendors from the area.
Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, Beye Beignets, Conrad’s Crabs, El Guapo, Fallen Pine Oyster Company, The Blind Tiger, and Towson Hot Bagels are only a few of the crowd-pullers.
Enjoy shopping and live music while you sip on specialty cocktails or non-alcoholic delights.
This year its on Sat, Sep 30, 5 – 9 PM
9. Annapolis Crab Feast
Annapolis is home to its self-proclaimed “World’s Largest Crab Feast” hosted by the local Rotary Club.
The Annapolis Crab Feast is held in August and features delicious blue crabs, sweet corn, beef bbq sandwiches, hot dogs, draft beer, and Maryland veggie crab soup.
Everything is all-you-can-eat and drink.
Fri, Aug 4, 5 – 8 PM
10. Middletown Volunteer Fire Company Crab Feast
Maryland Blue Crabs are the star of the show at the Middletown Volunteer Fire Company Crab Feast.
This signature Middletown event includes raffles, pull-tab games, 50/50, and of course, crabs!
Take the kids along for this all-you-can-eat-and-drink extravaganza. And if your little ones aren’t into crabs, there are other foods available such as hot dogs and fried chicken.
July 8, 2023, 3-8pm
11. The Crab Place Crab & Cruises
If you’re looking for a spectacular experience, The Crab Place Crab & Cruises in Crisfield is truly one of a kind.
Kick off the fun with an amazing feast featuring blue crabs, steamed shrimp, sweet corn, meatballs, mac & cheese, cucumber salad, wings, hushpuppies, and Smith Island cake.
Sip on craft beer while listening to a live DJ and demos by a world-class crab-picking champion.
Next, board the boat for a sunset cruise toward Tangier Island. Dance on the upper deck and dine at the complimentary raw oyster bar.
May 2023 thru Oct 2023
12. Susquehanna Wine and Seafood Festival in Havre de Grace
Seafood and wine make the Susquehanna Wine and Seafood Festival stand out from the crowd.
This waterfront event is family-friendly and packed with fun. Order food from your favorite food truck, then check out the cooking demos, mixology demonstrations, shopping opportunities, and live music.
13. National Hard Crab Derby
The National Hard Crab Derby in Crisfield sounds like the most entertaining Maryland crabfest out there.
Join a crab-picking contest, participate in a crab race or crab-cooking contest, watch the parade and fireworks, and enjoy the beauty pageant and live entertainment at this unique festival.
Eat crabs, and have a blast making memories this September.
14. Maryland Seafood Festival
Another top Crab feast in Maryland is the Maryland Seafood Festival in Annapolis. It is held in August at the Naval Academy Stadium.
Feast on crabs and oysters, listen to live music and feast some more.
Sat, Aug 19, 11 AM – 7 PM
FAQs on Maryland CrabFest
What is the best month to eat crab in Maryland?
The best month to eat crab in Maryland is September and October. This is when the crabs are at their largest and fattest, and the meat is the most flavorful. The crabs are also more plentiful in the fall, so prices are typically lower.
What is the crab season in Maryland?
The crab season in Maryland typically runs from April to November. This period is when the Maryland Blue Crab is most abundant and readily available in the Chesapeake Bay, the primary body of water where these crabs are harvested.
Where is Crab Fest in Maryland?
There are many crab festivals in Maryland, but the one you are referring to is probably Baltimore Magazine’s Crab Fest.
What crab is Maryland known for?
Maryland is known for its Blue Crab, or Callinectes sapidus. The popular seafood delicacy is found in the Chesapeake Bay and other coastal regions along the eastern seaboard of North America.
Conclusion: Crab Festivals in Maryland
Crab festivals in Maryland are a great way to get out and enjoy the summer. Not only do these events provide an opportunity for bonding with family, friends and neighbors but they also offer a chance to try some delicious local seafood dishes.
Whether you’re looking for steamed crabs, crab cakes or other treats, there is sure to be something at one of Maryland’s many crab festivals that will tantalize your taste buds.
Delicious food and plenty of fun await at these spectacular crab festivals in Maryland. Which ones make your bucket list?
