Crisfield, MD — It’s time to grab your mallets and mark your calendars! The 78th Annual National Hard Crab Derby, proudly hosted by the Crisfield Area Chamber of Commerce, returns to Crisfield, Maryland, this Labor Day Weekend, August 29–31, 2025, bringing a weekend packed with crustacean-themed fun, live entertainment, and Chesapeake charm.
A beloved Eastern Shore tradition, the National Hard Crab Derby offers something for everyone—locals and visitors alike. From the famous crab races and crab picking and cooking contests, to the colorful Crab Derby Parade, Boat Docking Competition, live concerts every night and spectacular waterfront fireworks show to cap off the “homecoming” weekend this is the ultimate celebration of Maryland’s seafood heritage.
New this year, we’re turning up the volume with an exciting concert package featuring live performances by Tranzfusion, Smitty & On The Edge, and Full Circle Band—all for just $50! Want the best seats in the house? VIP tables are available with servers for an upgraded experience. On Sunday, along with our 53rd Annual Boat Docking Competition at the historic City Dock, thrill-seekers can test their skills on our new mechanical bull, a fun addition to an already packed weekend.
Weekend Highlights Include:
Every Day/Night:
- 🎵 Live Concert Series (Tranzfusion–Friday, Smitty & On The Edge–Saturday, Full Circle Band–Sunday – $50 package, VIP tables with servers also available)
- 🎡 Carnival Rides – Family-friendly fun for kids and youth with a mechanical bull on Sunday
- 🦀 Food Vendors Galore – Indulge in every kind of crab dish imaginable plus more!
- 🧵 Artisan Marketplace – Handcrafted goods, coastal gifts, and local treasures
- 👑 Miss, Little Miss & Mr. Crustacean Pageant Winners – Celebrating local youth with charm and pride
Friday, August 29:
- 🍴 Crab Cooking Contest – Watch the pros show off their seafood mastery
Saturday, August 30:
- 🏃 Mike Sterling 5K & 10K Races – A scenic run through Crisfield’s waterfront views
- 🎺 Crab Derby Parade – A festive procession through the heart of Crisfield
- 🍴 Crab Picking Contests – Watch the pros show off their seafood mastery
- 🦀 Crab Races – A one-of-a-kind spectacle that puts the spotlight on the region’s star crustacean
Sunday, August 31:
- ⛪ Festival of Worship Services
- 🚤 53rd Annual Boat Docking Contest – Witness precision boat docking at its finest with some fun thrills
- 🐂 Mechanical Bull Riding with Line Dancing
- 🎇 Fireworks Show – are launched over the water, visible from many spots near the marina and downtown Crisfield.
Crisfield, the “Crab Capital of the World” and the Crisfield Area Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to come out and be a part of this iconic event that celebrates local seafood, community, and heritage.
For tickets, concert passes, event schedules, and vendor info, visit www.nationalhardcrabderby.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @nationalhardcrabderby.
Additional Information About the Event:
The 78th Annual National Hard Crab Derby is a one-of-a-kind Labor Day weekend festival held in Crisfield, the “Crab Capital of the World”, that blends quirky crab racing, spirited cooking and picking contests, pageantry, 5K & 10K races, carnival rides and maritime heritage with the 53rd Annual Boat Docking Competition. It’s a must-attend for anyone seeking a truly local Eastern Shore experience packed with family fun, community pride, and delicious crab-inspired food and entertainment. The National Hard Crab Derby began in 1947, created by Egbert L. Quinn, editor of the Crisfield Times, to celebrate the town’s rich crabbing heritage. Over time, it has evolved from a small local event with crabs racing out of a chalk-drawn circle, into a major Labor Day weekend tradition, drawing visitors from across the Mid‑Atlantic and beyond. It is one of Crisfield’s premiere events, along with the J.Millard Tawes Crab & Clam Bake, making it a major economic boost for the area.
Crab Races & Governor’s Cup
Crabs are entered into numbered compartments and released onto a sloped track. The first to exit wins each heat, with heat winners advancing to the final showdown. The ultimate victor earns the Governor’s Cup—named after Maryland native J. Millard Tawes—and bragging rights for a lifetime. Crabs will be available for purchase with a $5 donation from the American Legion Post 16 Sons and Auxiliary beginning at 9am (Aug. 30) in Somers Cove Marina.
Crab Cooking Contest
The 61st Annual Crab Cooking Contest kicks off on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Somerset Intermediate School near Westover. Recipes are judged on flavor, originality, presentation, and use of crab meat. Top entries will earn prizes and a grand prize award.
Pageants
The event includes contests for Miss Crustacean, as well as Little Miss and Little Mr. Crustacean. These pageants crown local youth 15-18 years of age and children aged 5–6 and celebrate lasting community tradition. Winners gain recognition for life.
Crab Picking & Boat Docking
Crab Picking Contest: Contestants, usually locally employed seafood workers from Crisfield, have 15 minutes to pick as much crab meat as possible. Prizes include cash awards up to $500 for winners.
Boat Docking Challenge: Boat captains test their skills in a docking competition, often with a substantial purse. Many captains are local watermen with a long history of working the waters of Tangier Sound and the Chesapeake Bay.
Other Festivities
Festival grounds come alive with carnival rides, along with this year’s mechanical bull riding, live music and concerts every night, 5K/10K races, arts & crafts vendors, local food, a lively parade down Main Street, and a dazzling waterfront fireworks finale Sunday night.
Would you like tips on attending, looking to enter a contest, or interested in local dining and seafood spots in Crisfield? Call the Crisfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center at 410-968-2500
