The Texas Crab Festival is one of the most anticipated annual events hosted on the Bolivar Peninsula and has been a hit since its debut in 1986. Each year on Mother’s Day weekend, locals and visitors enjoy this three-day event filled with music, fun activities, and plenty of crabs. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the Texas Crab Festival. It’s time to start planning to come and enjoy all the crabby fun!
If you would like more information about the many fabulous events, festivals, and activities held on the Bolivar Peninsula, get a copy of our free Vacation Guide and start planning your unforgettable vacation any time of year. The guide is filled with all the best local things to do, see, eat, so don’t miss out on this valuable vacation planning resource.
All About the Texas Crab Festival
Featured on Food Network’s Eating America and named one of USA Today’s “10 Best Festivals to Dive Into,“ the Texas Crab Festival has something for everyone to enjoy. This family-friendly event attracts visitors from all over, has plenty of fun events to keep you busy all weekend, and is a must-attend event during your Crystal Beach spring vacation. This is a pet-free event, so guests are asked to leave their four-legged friends at home.
2025 Event Information
Dates: Friday, May 9 – Sunday, May 11
Hours: Friday, 4:00 pm-11:30 pm; Saturday, 10:00 am-11:30 pm; Sunday, 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Location: 1605 Hwy. 87 Crystal Beach, TX (Swedes Park)
Cost: Friday, $10; Saturday, $15; Sunday, FREE (ages 15 and under are free each day)
Parking: FREE
Food
When it comes to food at the Texas Crab Festival, it’s exactly what you’d expect! There is no shortage of amazing and unique crab dishes, and there’s even a crab gumbo cookoff. The contest, with four award categories, is open to everyone. There are over 90 food and craft vendors, so you’re sure to find something delicious to snack on. Cooler and outside food are not permitted.
Activities
There is a wide selection of fun activities at the Texas Crab Festival. Events include a 2-step dancing contest, horseshoe tournament, gumbo cookoff, 5K and 1K run and walk, wiener dog races, children’s pageant, game tournaments, crab races (yes, a race with real crabs!), scavenger hunt, children’s art contests, and much more. To learn more about these fun events and see the official 2025 schedule, click here.
Live Music
All weekend long, the Texas Crab Festival gives the stage to incredible local acts who share their musical talents for everyone to enjoy. From country music to a mariachi band and everything in between, you can dance the night away! Visit the festival’s music page to view the 2025 musical lineup.
Kids Zone
Children will flock to the dedicated “kids zone” with fun activities and things to do. Your kiddos will love the giant gator slide (along with several other large slides), a mechanical bull, bounce houses, obstacle courses, laser tag, basketball, baseball, and more. There’s even a Wipeout-style game for kids to try! If you have little ones, don’t miss the dedicated toddler play area where they can enjoy toddler-sized bounce houses, inflatables, and more.
Sleep Off Your Full Stomach at a Swedes Real Estate Vacation Rental!
After you’ve finished an exciting day at the Texas Crab Festival, come home to your Swedes Real Estate vacation rental and gear up for another great day! There is nothing better than resting and relaxing by the beach.
Browse our beautiful and comfortable vacation rental inventory and find one that is right for your travel needs. We have rentals that will accommodate groups of any size, up to 34 guests. Bring your friends and family along for a beach-tastic time. Book your vacation rental today!