Enjoy the Annual Blue Crab Festival in Little River, SC
Celebrate 44 years!
Held along the historic Little River waterfront, the World Famous Blue Crab Festival is back for its 44th year on May 16–17, 2026 and it’s still one of the biggest and most anticipated events along the Grand Strand.
What started as a small waterfront gathering has grown into a full-scale coastal celebration, drawing thousands of visitors each year for a weekend packed with seafood, live music, and local flavor.
What to Expect
From the moment you arrive, it’s all about the atmosphere with waterfront views, live beach music, and the unmistakable smell of fresh seafood in the air.
Across the festival, you’ll find:
- Hundreds of vendors featuring arts, crafts, specialty foods, and local businesses
- Live entertainment throughout the day with beach music and regional bands
- A kids’ zone with games, crafts, and activities for all ages
And of course, the real star of the show—blue crab. Whether you’re going all in on steamed crabs, grabbing a crab cake, or trying something more creative, this is the place to do it. Waterfront restaurants nearby keep the momentum going if you’re ready to sit down and dig in.
Event Details
- Dates: May 16–17, 2026
- Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days
- Location: Historic Little River Waterfront
- Admission: $10 (children 12 and under are free)
With crowds expected, it’s smart to plan ahead. Satellite parking and shuttle services are available to help make getting in and out easier.
Make a Day (or Weekend) of It
This isn’t a quick stop kind of event. Between the food, music, shopping, and waterfront setting, it’s easy to spend an entire day here without running out of things to do.
While you’re in town, take some time to explore more of the area. Little River is known for its laid-back vibe, fresh seafood spots, and scenic views along the Intracoastal Waterway.
🎥 And don’t miss our quick look at the area in this video.
The Blue Crab Festival is just one of many reasons to visit this time of year.
See what else is happening during your stay with our full guide to Things to Do in May in Myrtle Beach
As a lifelong South Carolinian and nearly lifelong Grand Strand resident, Nora Battle knows there is lots to love about the Myrtle Beach area. She is a full-time stay-at-home mom to two boys, ages 3 and 6 months, and a part time travel contributor for Visit Myrtle Beach. She’s passionate about all things Myrtle Beach, and knowledgeable about what makes the destination such a smart choice for families. Nora especially enjoys dining out, bargain hunting, and spending time outdoors adventuring with her children, husband (also a Grand Strand native) and her two dogs.