Posted in Maryland February 24, 2019 by

Watch Blue Crabs Race At The Quirkiest Festival In Maryland

You’ve probably seen horses race, maybe even pigs race, but how about blue crabs? Only in Maryland! Check out the state’s quirkiest festival that’s home to the National Hard Crab Derby. Yes, it’s a real thing and you can only find it right here in the Old Line State. Read on for the details and mark your calendar!

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
The National Hard Crab Derby takes place every Labor Day weekend in Crisfield, Maryland.
Facebook / The National Hard Crab Derby
Never been to Crisfield? It's located on Maryland's eastern shore, pretty much as south as you can go.
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The town is known as the Blue Crab Capital, and they celebrate all things crabby during the annual National Hard Crab Derby festival.
Facebook / The National Hard Crab Derby
There are several days of events, including a traditional Miss Crustacean pageant, followed by a parade...
Facebook / Facebook / The National Hard Crab Derby
...all sorts of vendors that sell local goods...
Facebook / The National Hard Crab Derby
...and carnival rides to round out the nights.
Facebook / The National Hard Crab Derby
There's also a 10k, seafood cook-offs, and even crab picking contests!
Facebook / The National Hard Crab Derby
It's no surprise that the largest crowd gathers for the crab derby.
Facebook / The National Hard Crab Derby
I mean, where else can you watch crabs race each other? This very Maryland event is a must-see at least once.
Facebook / The National Hard Crab Derby
According to the event website, "Fifty live crabs at a time are launched from the wooden "crab cake track" onto a wet flat surface pitched at an angle. The first crabs off the surface are the winners of that heat."
Facebook / The National Hard Crab Derby
Bet you never thought you'd cheer on blue crabs before. It's quite a sight. Go ahead and keep your Labor Day weekend open. You're going to want to see this.
Facebook / The National Hard Crab Derby

For more information about The National Hard Crab Derby, visit the website.

Check out more seafoood festivals in Maryland by clicking here!