4 days ago
Crisfield, MD's, Hard Crab Derby returns for 78th year: Crab races, cooking contests, more
Crisfield, Maryland's National Hard Crab Derby will return for its 78th year this month.
Here's what you need to know about the annual crab-centered event, including crab cooking contest rules, when to catch a glimpse of the competitive crab races and much more.
OCEAN CITY'S SEAFOOD FESTIVAL: Ocean City, Md., to debut its inaugural seafood festival featuring cooking demos this fall
When and where is this year's National Hard Crab Derby?
The National Hard Crab Derby, a staple event on the Eastern Shore, will take place from Aug. 29-31, 2025, in downtown Crisfield.
This year's big event will feature crab races, cooking and picking contests, as well as a boat docking contest, crafts, live entertainment, beauty pageants, a parade, fireworks and more.
Crisfield, also known as "The Crab Capital of the World," is home to the Somers Cove Marina, one of the largest marinas on the East Coast.
WHITE MARLIN OPEN WINNERS: White Marlin Open final leaderboard: Ocean City angler comes out on top with white marlin
All things crab: Crab races, crab picking and crab cooking
The Hard Crab Derby's variety of crab-themed festivities will kick off with the 61st annual crab cooking contest at 9 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 29, at Somerset Intermediate School.
During this time, a special panel of food experts will choose the tastiest entries in the following four categories: appetizer, soup/salad, main dish and crab cakes. The deadline for all food entries is Friday, Aug. 22.
Judges will evaluate all entries based on appearance, overall flavor, crab flavor, originality, texture, clear directions, ease of preparation, ease of serving and appropriate use of crab meat. Judges will also get to sample each dish.
The top three recipes in each group will receive a plaque and cash prize, ranging from $50 to $100. A grand prize winner will also be selected to win an additional $100. The best presentation winner will also receive honors.
Next up are the crab picking contest and crab races, both crowd-favorite events, on Saturday, Aug. 30. The events will take place back to back at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. respectively.
EAST COAST OYSTER RESTORATION: 'Largest oyster restoration initiative in world' leads to major breakthrough
Crisfield's National Hard Crab Derby to feature parade, more
The Hard Crab Derby will also play host to a big parade on Main Street. The parade will start at about 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30.
The parade route will begin at Somerset Avenue and W. Main Street, and later end at 6th Street and West Main Street.
More festivities include food vendors, an artisan marketplace, a Miss, Little Miss & Mr. Crustacean Pageant, and a mechanical bull.
HOME RUN AT SAVANNAH BANANAS: Savannah Bananas give 4-year-old facing gastroparesis inspiring moment as home run hitter
Live entertainment at Crisfield's National Hard Crab Derby
Dance the night away with Tranzfusion on Friday, Aug. 29, from 7-10 p.m. for just $25 per person. Then, jam out to local band SMITTY & On The Edge on Saturday, Aug. 30, from 7-10 p.m., also for $25 per person.
Full Circle will take the stage on Sunday, Aug. 31, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. for a total cost of $10 per person. Crisfield's National Hard Crab Derby will wrap things up with a colorful fireworks show later that same night.
For more information on how to get tickets, visit the Crab Derby site. A full schedule of the 78th annual National Hard Crab Derby events can be found online at
OCMD FIRE DEPARTMENT'S BOATS: How Ocean City Fire Department's fireboats keep the resorts waters safe
Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@
This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: A guide to Crisfield, MD's, 78th annual Hard Crab Derby festivities
Solve the daily Crossword
