Mandurah's eastern foreshore will play host to Crab Fest once again, this year on March 16 and 17.
Crab Fest is WA’s biggest free regional community event, showcasing two days of amazing food and entertainment while celebrating the iconic blue manna crab.
The award-winning annual festival turns 21 this year, and organisers are excited to welcome Channel 7’s Andrew O’Keefe, host of The Chase Australia and Lynne McGranger from Home and Away as Crab Fest Ambassadors.
This year’s major music acts are ARIA award winner Josh Pyke and chart topper Montaigne. With five acclaimed top 10 albums, four ARIA Awards and countless sold out tours to his name, Josh Pyke has firmly established himself as one of Australia's most respected and beloved artists. Montaigne has sold out two national tours, has appeared at many national festivals and is writing album number two.
Crab Fest offers something special for food lovers with fresh seafood and locally inspired dishes, a dedicated cooking stage with live demonstrations and unique local food experiences. The foreshore will also come alive with live music, plenty of free family entertainment, Channel 7 celebrities and, of course, a spectacular fireworks display over the estuary.
This year, to kick things off, there is an exclusive Friday night ticketed event called A Taste of Crab Fest, hosted by celebrity chef Ben O'Donoghue.
This foodie heaven will give guests a sneak peek of some of the delicious dishes from local restaurants using fresh local produce.
Organisers are also opening the waters and welcoming boaties to enjoy the festival by getting closer to the action, and they are creating a paddling area so the kids can splash around and cool off in the shallow waters.
City of Mandurah Mayor Rhys Williams said each year Crab Fest attracts more than 100,000 local, national and international visitors to beautiful Mandurah.
“Crab Fest is such a great event for our community and celebrates the best that Mandurah has to offer. It’s an integral part of WA’s annual event calendar and delivers economic benefits to our local community," he said.
“We are so proud that this year Crab Fest will be inducted into the WA Tourism Awards Hall of Fame after taking out Gold three years in row, and continues to make its mark on WA’s event calendar."
Crab Fest is supported by the State Government through Tourism WA’s Regional Events Program, made possible by Royalties for Regions.
Visit www.crabfest.com.au.
- Source: City of Mandurah