All you need to know about the Mandurah Crab Fest 2017

The 2017 edition will feature 96 marquees, three stages, 102 temporary toilets, 135 stall holders, more than 200 performers and celebrities, 42 different crab dishes, several water performances, and three ticketed food experiences for those who want to get a taste of the festival away from the crowd.

Music stage

On Saturday, performances at the music stage – located at the Pinjarra Road end of the foreshore – will kick off with an official opening message and a welcome to country at 10am.

TJ O’Donovan, Jasmine Atkins, Meredith Whittle, Conan Chapman, Mitchell Martin, Brufield, Moorditj Brothers, Ancestrais Capoeria and JC DJ Live will then take over the stage between 10.40am and 7.30pm to get punters into the groove.

At 7.45pm, 2010 Australia's Got Talent winners Justice Crew will put an end to the first day of the festival with their slamming beats.

On Sunday, performances will take off at 10.10am after a morning welcome, followed by performances by the  Army Band and Benny Mayhem.

If you are feeling thirsty, at 2pm much-loved Australian band Thirsty Merc will bring their infectious summery tunes to the stage, before Jonny Taylor closes the festival at 3.10pm.

Harvey Norman cooking stage

On Saturday, the cooking madness at Crab Fest’s Harvey Norman Cooking stage  – located at the foreshore between Gibson and Cooper Streets – will take off at 10am, with chef and Crab fest stage host Dale Sniffen.

From 11am, celebrity chef Bark Beek, pizza master Theo Kalogeracos, and Channel 7 Monique Dirksz and Geof Parry will be on stage showing local foodies some of the best Australian cuisine.

At 5.15pm, a special surprise guest will hit the stage.

On Sunday, the day will start with the LiveLighter Recipe Decider.

From 11am, celebrity chef Bart Beek will take over the stage, followed by Channel 7 Syan Dougherty and Monika Kos.

At 2pm, the young winner of Crab Fest’s first Kids Cooking Competition will be announced and they will have the opportunity to share their best recipe with the audience.

From 3pm, chefs Bart Beek and Dale Sniffen will hit the stage to put an end to the festival.

Waterways fun

On Saturday, world-famous hydroflight athlete Ben Merrell will put his unique skills on display on the Mandurah estuary at 10.20am and 1.30pm, while Show Ski WA amaze spectators with their water routines at 12pm, 3.30pm and 6pm.

On Sunday, Mr Merrell will hit the water again at 12pm and 4.30pm, with Show Ski WA performing at 10.45am and 1.30pm. 

Children’s area

On Saturday, young punters will be able to enjoy unique performances and Crab Fest fun at the children’s area next to the Harvey Norman cooking stage.

From 10.15am, the Glencoe Primary School Choir, Constable Care, Fierce Dance School, Make Your Own Adventures with Shazzam, Metro Modelling and Dance Academy, Maxima Circus:Beyond Limits, and Wicked Dance Works will keep them entertained until 3.15pm.

On Sunday, performances will take off at 10.15am with Toxic Cheer and Dance followed by Constable Care Show, AIM Dance School, Make your Own Adventures with Shazzam, Wicked Dance Works, Maxima Circus: Beyond Limits, and Metro Modelling and Dance Academy.

In addition to the free activities, Crab Fest attendees will also be able to buy a spot in one of the festival’s ticketed food experiences.

At the High Tea Under the Fig Tree, attendees will be able to enjoy a gourmet high tea under Mandurah’s iconic fig tree – near Stingray Point – by some of the region’s best restaurants. Participants can book as spot in either the Saturday or Sunday event.

The Dinner Under the Stars with Fervor event is a unique pop-up dining experience under the stars by sibling chefs Paul and Bree Iskov. Attendees will enjoy a tasty 8-course degustation meal made with native ingredients. During the event local Bindjareb Aboriginal elders will also share heritage and traditional stories. Tickets are sold out.

At the Crab Boil sea lovers will be able to enjoy a unique meal of crabs, prawns, mussels, clams, sweetcorn, potatoes and smoky sausage overlooking the waters of the marina. The Crab Boil will be held on Saturday.

The Progressive Dinner Cruise is all about enjoying Mandurah’s breathtaking waterways while docking at some of the city’s best eateries for a sample of the local cuisine. Tickets are sold out.

In addition to performances and live entertainment, attendees will also be able to browse through stalls, check out the dishes by local restaurants, and participate in other free entertainment and amusement attractions.

The City will also hold a fireworks show at 8.30pm on Saturday visible from the newly finished eastern foreshore. 

Visitors coming to Mandurah for the occasion can travel on Transperth’s Mandurah Line to Mandurah Train Station where a free shuttle bus will pick them up and take them to the heart of the festival.

Free bike shelters will also be available around the festival for riders to lock up their bike.