The Blue Crab Festival

The Blue Crab Festival is making its highly anticipated return May 22-24th, 2026, & this year, it’s more than a festival – It’s a movement.

Under the theme #ComebackCrawl, the 2026 event marks a powerful return to community roots, hometown pride, and volunteer-driven tradition. Taking place in downtown Palatka and along the scenic St. Johns Riverfront.

The waterfront Memorial Day Celebration is being organized and produced entirely by local volunteers – a true grassroots effort to bring the beloved festival back to the people of Palatka and surrounding regions.

“This isn’t just about bringing the festival back,” organizers say. “It’s about bringing it home.”

Momentum is already building across the region. Vendor and Food truck applications are pouring in daily as organizers carefully curate a strong mix of seafood, crabs, specialty foods, art, crafts, and unique marketplace vendors. Sponsors are stepping forward, and local businesses are rallying behind what many are calling a fresh chapter for a longtime tradition.

From the riverfront to the downtown streets, the energy is unmistakable.

What to Expect at the 2026 #ComebackCrawl:

• Two live entertainment stages with performances throughout the weekend
• The official entertainment lineup announcement on April 1st, 2026
• The return of the fan-favorite ski show on the St. Johns River
• A family-friendly Kids Zone that will offer free and paid activity options
• A curated selection of food trucks, vendors, and local businesses

Organizers say, “The festival belongs to the community & in 2026, the community is leading the way.”

Additional announcements, entertainment details, and volunteer opportunities will continue rolling out and can be found on the official Blue Crab Festival Facebook page and the Blue Crab Website, PalatkaBlueCrab.com.