Come
get
yours
Thank you for attending!
We’ll see you again Next Year
Thank you to all who came out and helped us celebrate the coast!
Sign up for our newsletter to stay tuned for updates.
We’d Love to hear from You!
We’d love to hear your feedback on our event. Please click the button below to answer a short survey about your experience.
Highlights from The 2025 Crabfest Experience
Authentic BC Crabboil
A tradition enjoyed for thousands of years. Irresistible BC Dungeness crab, mussels, prawns, potatoes & corn, seasoned and garnished to perfection!
Music & Entertainment
A celebration of BC’s coastal culture. Live music, local bevies, cultural performances, family fun and educational exhibitors anchored in sustainability, community, and ocean stewardship.
Seaside
Family Zone
Packed with fun activities that celebrate the ocean. On the Astro Turf giving the vibes of the grassy park. Pic Nic Benches and Pic Nic blankets!
What’s in the Bucket?
- 1 BC Dungeness crab clustered
- SSI Mussels
- Prawns from Smiths Inlet
- BC potatoes from BC Fresh, corn & local bread
- Seasoned to perfection!
- Garnished with lemon, parsley & Canadian butter
Reserve your Bucket Pickup Time
Purchase your CrabBoil Bucket in advance and select a one-hour pickup window — then stay and enjoy the festival all day!
This will help with line ups and help us reserve the right amount of crab.
**Day of available while supplied last.
Food at CrabFest
The BC Dungeness CrabBoil is the main event, fresh, local, and served hot from the boil. Prepared onsite by executive chefs from the community.
- Concession Stand: stocked with festival snacks and sweet treats, including chips, soda, ice cream and candy bags. Found in the Seaside Family Zone in the shipping container.
- Hot Dog Hustlin’: Classic favourites, fresh off the grill
- Greek N Go
Sip your way through the day with BC-made beverages
- Driftwood Brewery & Spirits
- Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse
- Straight & Narrow
- Prohibition Vineyard
- Spinnakers Non-Alc & Soda
Get Involved!
We are looking for volunteers to join the crew! We are looking for many roles to fill! JOIN THE CRABBY CREW
Volunteer With Us
BC CrabFest wouldn’t be possible without the amazing support of our volunteers. join the crew.
Music, Art, Culture
Want to get involved? We’re bringing together a full day of local coastal culture, art and community.
Media & Press
Contact us to claim your VIP Media Pass or to request an interview with the team of fisherman and organizers.
Help Build Brighter Futures in Our Community
A celebration of Food and Community
CrabFest 2025 is proud to be powered by two dynamic partners whose contributions are shaping both the quality and heart of this year’s event: Cool Aid and Camosun College’s Culinary Arts Program.
Shared Proceeds for Community Impact
In the spirit of community support, the voluntary donations collected at the CrabFest will be shared between Cool Aid and Camosun College Culinary Arts Program. These contributions will help fund:
- Cool Aid’s commitment to providing healthy meals
- Camosun’s Culinary Arts Program, supporting hands-on education and student opportunities
Donate today to make a difference
Donate today and help someone take their next step forward.
In addition, all event food leftovers and returnables will be donated to Cool Aid in support of healthy meals.
Our Partners
Our SPONSORS
Get Involved in CrabFest 2025!
Want to Shout Us Out and Need More Info?
Have Questions?
Do I need to bring anything?
Definitely bring your appetite! Crab tools and bibs provided. We also recommend bringing hand sanitizer and even more hand wipes.
Is there parking?
Car Parking
Parking is free on Sundays
Find spaces and see where the parkades are located
Bike Parking
Parkades offer free, covered parking for bicycles.
Or there is also the free Bike Valley
Can I buy fresh crab to take home?
Yes! Commercial vessels will be moored with fresh catch and will be available to purchase onsite.
What kinds of Family Activities?
The Birdhouse Creative Studio will facilitate hands on seaside family fun activities! We will use the ‘picnic’ area at Ship Point which is covered in astro turf. Enjoy face painting, water table, lawn games and more. Be sure to check out the schedule!
Do I need to purchase my crab in advance?
Yes! Purchasing your Crab Bucket in advance will secure your meal. Advanced Bucket Sales are necessary for us to estimate the number of crabs needed for each pick up window and to streamline the lines. While Crab Bucket Sales will be available on the day of the event, they are very limited in quantity and only available while supplies last.
Is crabfest wheelchair accessible?
This year, the festival will be held at Ship Point, a wheelchair-accessible venue. Accessible porta potties will be available on-site to ensure comfort for all guests. If you have any specific accessibility needs or requests, please don’t hesitate to contact us crabfest@crabben.ca
Is the event free?
The event is by donation at the door. There will be a full day of programming.
Donations at the door will be distributed between Cool Aid and Camosun College Culinary Arts program.
To discover the taste of BC Dungeness Crab, purchase your Crab Bucket in advance.
What is the entertainment?
Enjoy the Lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers, live DJ sets, Sea shanties, musical theater, book readings, educational exhibitors and more!
What Organizations will be in the Marketplace?
|
1 |
BC Crab Fishermen’s Association |
|
2 |
Reciprocity Trusts |
|
3 |
Ocean Wise |
|
4 |
Island Chefs Collaborative (ICC), Victoria Chefs Federation (VCF), Camosun Culinary Program, Food Day Canada. |
|
5 |
SeaChange Marine Conservation Society (2 10x10s) |
|
6 |
T. Buck Suzuki Environmental |
|
7 |
Maritime Museum of BC |
|
8 |
Dakini Tidal Wilds |
|
9 |
Peninsula Streams |
|
10 |
Gorge Waterway Action Society |
|
11 |
Children’s Author / Illustrator |
|
12 |
Prince of Whales |
|
13 |
Cool Aid |
|
14 |
Pacific Dive Fisheries |
|
15 |
Surfrider Foundation South Vancouver Island |