The 41st Annual Texas Crab Festival is returning to Swedes Park in Crystal Beach from May 7–9, 2026, bringing a packed schedule of Music, Art, Food & Fun…Gulf Coast Style. And, among the traditions are the crowd favorite events and the family-friendly competitions. Whether you are a local or visiting the peninsula for the weekend, the lineup offers something for every age and interest.
The energy picks up on Friday evening with the Horseshoe Tournament at 6:00 pm, followed by the Texas 2-Step Dance Contest at 7:45 pm. Dancers can compete for cash prizes in both upbeat and slow categories—no entry fee is required, and sign-ups happen right at the festival.
Saturday is the busiest day of the festival, starting early for those looking to stay active:
- Morning Athletics: The 5K Run and 1K Walk kick off at 8:00 am.
- Culinary Competition: Also starting at 8:00 am is the highly anticipated Crab Gumbo Cookoff. If you prefer tasting over cooking, the Gumbo Tasting and People’s Choice voting begin at 11:30 am.
- Crowd Favorites: The famous Wiener Dog Races take over at 11:00 am, followed by the “Crab Legs” pageant-style contest at 12:30 pm on the Kid’s Stage, where contestants of all ages (from “Baby Crab” to “Fully-formed”) can show off their best crab walk.
- Afternoon Games: Competitions continue with the Washers Tournament at 1:00 pm, a high-stakes Crab Boudin Ball Eating Contest at 3:00 pm, and a Cornhole Tournament at 4:00 pm.
Throughout the entire weekend, visitors can enjoy the classic Crab Races, a staple tradition where spectators cheer on their favorite scuttling athletes. Younger guests will enjoy the magic shows by “Texas Magic Ambassador” David Wonders on Saturday at 1:00 pm and 5:15 pm. There is also a self-paced Scavenger Hunt running Friday and Saturday, offering riddles and prizes for those who enjoy exploring the grounds.
FRIDAY
Horseshoe Tournament 6:00 pm
Sponsored by Harold’s
No Entry Fee – Cash Prizes – Sign up at the Horseshoe Pits before the event
Texas 2-Step Dance Contest 7:45 pm
Sponsored by Crystal Beach Marketing
No Entry Fee – Cash Prizes – Sign up at the Dance Floor before the event
SATURDAY
5K-1K Run-Walk 8:00 am
Sponsored by Prestige Custom Builders
Now at Camp Margaritaville Resort – Same Day Registration accepted
Wiener Dog Races 11:00 am
Sponsored by Seacoast Surveyors
Watch the Dogs Race – Lots of Fun – In front of the Main Stage
Crab Gumbo Tasting 11:30 am
Sponsored by Ship’s Wheel
Sample the Cook-off Entries – Vote for People’s Choice – At the Pavilion – See you there
Crab Legs Contest 12:30 pm
Sponsored by Neches Federal Credit Union
A Pageant – like Contest for All Ages – Sign up at the Dance Floor before the event
Washers Tournament 1:00 pm
Sponsored by Parker’s Building Supply
No Entry Fee – Cash Prizes – Sign up at the Washer Boards before the event
Magic Show 1:00 pm & 5:15 pm
Sponsored by Crystalbeach.com
Magic by David Wonder – Everyone Welcome – Canopy Near the Crab Races
Crab Boudin Ball Eating Contest 3:00 pm
Sponsored by Tia’s Ocean Grill
No Entry Fee – Cash Prize – Limited Entry – Sign up at the Dance Floor before the event
Cornhole Tournament 4:00 pm
Sponsored by Ahh Shoot! Photography
No Entry Fee – Cash Prizes – Sign up at the Cornhole Boards before the event
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
Scavenger Hunt
Solve the Clues – No Entry Fee – Cash Prize
Entry Forms at the T-Shirt Booth
Live Crab Races
Sponsored by DeLeon Construction
Look for the Crab Race Track
Texas Crab Festival events page
