Blue Crab Festival 2026

The Blue Crab Festival, held on Memorial Day weekend along the riverfront in Palatka, Florida, celebrates local culture, flavors, and family fun. Organized by local community members, this big event is brought to you by the volunteers who live there.

This year's Blue Crab Festival runs from Friday, May 22, through Sunday, May 24, 2026, and features live music, fun for the kids, a water ski show, and (of course) great seafood.

Festival Highlights

The festival kicks off on Friday, May 22, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. and features bands, food, and vendors, and continues from 12:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, and from 12:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 24.

Seafood: The star of the menu is, of course, the blue crab. Harvested from both Florida coasts, the blue crab can be prepared in multiple ways: boiled and served with butter, added to gumbo, or marinated in a salad. Enjoy lots of delicious and fresh seafood at this event, including shrimp, crabs (including blue crab), and scallops. Food is served throughout the weekend.

For the kids: 

Arts and crafts: Browse works from Northeast Florida artisans.

On the water: 

• Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to noon—Water Ski Show.
• Saturday, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.—Water Ski Show

Fireworks:

• Saturday, from 9:00 to 9:30 p.m. 

Live music: 

• Enjoy local and regional performers. See the full schedule below.

Event Details

Admission and parking: Free

When: Memorial Day Weekend, Friday to Sunday, May 22 - 24, 2026. The festival kicks off on Friday, May 22, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. and continues from 12:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, and from 12:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 24.

Where: Downtown Palatka, at 210 St. Johns Ave. Palatka, Florida 32177.

Visit the event's website for more information, or call (386) 329-0100.

2026 Live Music