The Texas Crab Festival in Crystal Beach is one of the Gulf Coast’s most exciting events, drawing crowds for its delicious seafood, lively entertainment, and thrilling competitions. From wiener dog races to gumbo cook-offs, this festival offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie, a competitor, or just looking for family-friendly fun, the Texas Crab Festival delivers an unforgettable experience.
One of the festival’s most beloved events is the Wiener Dog Race, where adorable dachshunds dash to the finish line, much to the delight of cheering spectators. These tiny competitors show off their speed (or sometimes their stubbornness) in a race that’s as entertaining as it is cute.
For those who prefer human competition, the 5K Race offers a chance for runners to test their endurance along the scenic shoreline of Fort Travis Seashore Park. Participants of all ages joined in, with top finishers taking home awards and bragging rights.
No Texas festival is complete without great food, and the Gumbo Cook-Off brings out the best local chefs to compete for the title of best gumbo. Visitors get to sample rich, flavorful creations while judges determine the ultimate winner.
For those who love a challenge, the Boudin Ball Eating Contest was a highlight. Contestants raced to devour as many crispy, savory boudin balls as possible, with the fastest eater earning plenty of applause.
The festival also featured a 2-Step Dance Contest where participants showed off their best moves to a couple of country tunes, The energy was contagious, and winners walked away with prizes.
Families and adventure-seekers enjoyed the Scavenger Hunt, exploring the festival grounds to solve clues and collect prizes. It was a great way to engage with all the festival had to offer while having a blast.
For those who love classic backyard games, the festival hosted multiple tossing competitions, including: Horseshoes, Washers, and Cornhole. Competitors battled it out for trophies and cash prizes, making every match a thrilling spectacle.
Visitors left the Texas Crab Festival with full stomachs, big smiles, and—for some—cash prizes in hand. With its mix of food, games, and friendly competition, this event continues to be a must-attend celebration of Gulf Coast culture.
Mark your calendars for next year’s Texas Crab Festival—you won’t want to miss it!
The inaugural HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT brought lively competition and festival fun! (R to L) First Place-Waterways Warriors, Bryan & Kimberly: Second Place-The Shimmy, Ryli & Michael: Third Place-C4, Jorge & Hayley
Boots, spins, and TWO-STEP magic at this year’s DANCE CONTEST!
First Place- Tony Gonzales & Mary Matte: Second Place- Derrida Hugaboon & Cody Seals; Third Place- Brenda & William Foster
Runners scuttled to the finish line—the CRAB RUN was shell of a good time!
5K Overall-Female, Michelle Genzel (Full List)
5K Overall-Male, Mateo Vicens (Full List)
Kids 1K (Full List): Female-Autumn Cleary; Male-Abel Collier
Claws were out and flavors were bold, this CRAB GUMBO COOKOFF “shell-ebrated” a pinch of perfection! (L to R) People’s Choice-Select Kookers; Second Place-Krew de Roux; First Place-Kookin with kin; Third Place-Grovey Cajun
These pups were grillin’ the WIENER DOG RACE competition—talk about a hot dog showdown! (R to L) First Place-Rocko (Raquel Carmona); Second Place-Paco (Sandra Lundy); Third Place-Mallie (Madison Padgett)
CRAB LEGS CONTEST contestants truck a pose and crab-walked to victory in this quirky pageant with six fun categories, from Baby Crab to Fully-Formed Crab!
Contestants went claws-to-the-wall in the wildest CRAB BOUDIN BALL Eating Showdown. Winner Rory Callahan downed 11 boudin balls.
Top WASHER TOURNAMENT tossers ‘washed’ the competition—guess you could say they cleaned up! (L to R) First Place-Ashley & Will; Second Place-James & James; Third Place-Jeff & John
SCAVENGER HUNTers were looking for victory—turns out, the real treasure was the clues they cracked along the way! Congratulations to the winning team, Layla (age 10) and Heather Cantu. Dad told us she wasn’t even as excited at Christmas as she was when she won the scavenger hunt.
Competitors bagged in the CORNHOLE COMPETITION—guess you could say they were on target for victory! (L to R) First Place-Mickey & Brandy; Second Place-Turbo & Kristen; Third Place-Shannon & Misty
