Crabfest, officially the Salcombe Crab Festival, is a lively celebration of our local fishing, food, drink, and tourism industries, highlighting the very best of our distinctive region.
Mark your calendars, this year, you can get all the Crabfest action on Sunday 3rd May 2026.
Join fellow seafood enthusiasts and savor the taste of freshly prepared crabs. Take part in interactive cookery demos by award-winning chefs, master the art of crab picking, try your hand at crab pot making, enjoy live music, fun activities for kids, and so much more!
How Crabfest was born
The brown crab, also known as Cancer Pagurus caught by the Salcombe fleet off the South Devon coast, is celebrated as some of the finest in the world. So renowned is the rich, distinctive flavor of our local crustacean that it inspired its very own annual festival - hence, the birth of Crabfest.
Meet the chefs
One of Crabfest’s highlights, the Chefs’ Demo Marquee brings together a lineup of talented and charismatic chefs eager to share their culinary skills, creativity, and passion. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or tasting crab and seafood for the first time, the Chefs’ Demo Marquee offers an entertaining and inspiring experience that will leave you wanting more.
Supporting local charities
The Rotary Club of Salcombe hosts Crabfest to support local causes. Over the years, the festival has helped fund two night landing sites for the Devon Air Ambulance, contributed to a defibrillator at Salcombe Fish Quay, supplied a new vehicle for Salcombe’s First Responders, and provided crucial support to a range of other community charities.
Stay with us
Make the most out of Crabfest and spend the whole weekend in all the action. Arrive on Friday and take it easy with a trip to our Beach club Spa before settling into our restaurant and bar for an evening of seasonal delights. Spend Saturday embracing the beauty of Salcombe, wander the local footpaths and find secluded coves. Sunday is the main event - Crabfest is all day in the heart of Salcombe and you can explore the stalls and experiences on offer.
