Published 9th March 2026

Get ready… Crab Fest is back!

Mark your calendars for 14–15 March as the iconic Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest celebrates its 25th anniversary. This much-loved, free community event showcases the very best of Mandurah’s coastal lifestyle, with a weekend dedicated to great food, local culture, and of course the famous Blue Swimmer Crab.

Visitors can expect a vibrant atmosphere packed with live entertainment, family-friendly activities, market stalls, and incredible seafood. It’s a true celebration of everything that makes Mandurah special and a fantastic weekend out for locals and visitors alike.

Festivities run 10am–9pm on Saturday and 10am–7pm on Sunday, with events spread across some of Mandurah’s most scenic locations including the Mandurah Eastern Foreshore, Mandurah Western Foreshore, Mandjar Square, Smart Street Mall, and the Mandurah Ocean Marina. Each precinct will be buzzing with stalls, stages, rides, and plenty of attractions to explore.

With so much happening across the weekend, it can be hard to know where to start. To help you experience the very best of the festival, we’ve rounded up some must-do experiences at Crab Fest so you can soak up the atmosphere and make the most of this iconic Mandurah weekend.

Our Top 10 Things to See & Do at Crab Fest 2026

Seaside Estate Music Stage

Head over to the Seaside Estate Music Stage on the Mandurah Eastern Foreshore, located near the Kwillena Gabi Estuary Pool, where live entertainment will be running throughout the weekend. With a lineup of talented musicians and performers, the stage will be buzzing with energy from start to finish. A highlight of Saturday night will be a set from DJ Havana Brown, who will take to the decks with crowd favourites like “We Run the Night” and “Warrior.” Then on Sunday evening, the festival wraps up in style with an unforgettable performance by Thelma Plum, performing beloved tracks including “Backseat of My Mind” and “Homecoming Queen.”

Spudshed Cooking Stage

Food lovers won’t want to miss the action at the Spudshed Cooking Stage on the Mandurah Eastern Foreshore. Throughout the weekend, talented chefs will be cooking up a storm with live demonstrations, sharing tips, techniques, and delicious inspiration. Expect special guest appearances from familiar faces including Tony Galati, Mayor Amber Kearns, Susannah Carr and Rick Ardon, along with contestants from My Kitchen Rules and stars from Home and Away. With plenty of live cooking, expert tips, and tasty samples, this stage will be a feast for the senses and a must-visit for anyone who loves great food. 

$20 Crab Fest Cruises

Take to the water and experience the festival from a different perspective with special $20 Crab Fest Cruises from Mandurah Cruises. Set sail through Mandurah’s beautiful waterways and keep an eye out for playful Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins as you cruise past the city canals and the picturesque Mandurah Ocean Marina. Along the way, enjoy fascinating live commentary from knowledgeable local guides who share insights into the region’s wildlife, waterways, and coastal lifestyle. These 40-minute cruises depart every 15 minutes from 10am to 5pm all weekend, making it easy to jump on board and be part of the action. Visit the Mandurah Cruises Gift Shop or book online to secure your spot and see Crab Fest from the water. 

Alcoa Family Zone

Families are in for a treat at the Alcoa Family Zone in the Mandurah Ocean Marina. Kids will be kept busy all weekend with roving entertainers, SciTech activities, amusement rides, and plenty of other fun surprises. Don’t miss the action on the ALCOA Children’s Stage, featuring performances from local dancers, singers, entertainers, and school groups, guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages.

Pop-up Bars

Celebrate Mandurah’s coastal lifestyle with a drink or two at the pop-up bars along the Eastern Foreshore. From crisp beers and ciders to local wines and creative cocktails, there’s something to suit every taste. Thanks to the teams at Boundary Island Brewing Co, Thorny Devil Brewing, and Crafted Catering & Events, you can grab a refreshing drink while soaking up the festival atmosphere. For a more immersive experience, these local legends are also offering ticketed events: Buckle Up with Boundary Island Brewing Co, Fire & Ice with Thorny Devil Brewing, and Cocktail Masterclasses with Crafted Catering & Events, all perfect for tasting, learning, and enjoying the weekend in style. 

Spudshed yellow brick road

Explore the Spudshed Yellow Brick Road for an interactive and educational trail celebrating local produce and farming. Proudly associated with WA-based independent supermarket chain Spudshed, this colourful trail gives families a fun, hands-on way to learn about food sourcing, sustainability, and where their meals come from. With plenty to see, touch, and discover along the way, the Spudshedz Yellow Brick Road is a must-visit for kids and adults looking to combine learning with festival fun.

The Food

Crab Fest is a true foodies paradise, with a weekend overflowing with delicious options at every turn. Wander through a huge selection of gourmet food stalls, fun food trucks, and local vendors, each serving up their own signature Crab Fest creations. Of course, the star of the show is the blue swimmer crab, featured in a variety of mouthwatering dishes, but there’s something for everyone, including options for non-seafood eaters and vegetarians. From fresh, local flavours to inventive festival twists, it’s the perfect way to taste the best of Mandurah while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

Mini jets WA

Get your heart racing with Mini Jet WA where speed meets skill on Mandurah’s waterways. Dedicated to growing and sustaining the exciting world of mini jet boating, Mini Jet WA brings both spectators and enthusiasts an unforgettable experience. Catch the high-energy races as these miniature jet boats zoom across the water with incredible agility and speed. 

Fireworks

What could be better than enjoying amazing food? Watching Mandurah’s night sky light up with fireworks while you eat! Don’t miss the crowd-favourite fireworks display on Saturday evening at 8:45pm, viewable from anywhere along the Eastern Foreshore. Bring your loudest cheers and soak up the spectacular show, it’s the perfect way to wrap up day one of Crab Fest and get excited for all the fun on day two!

The fish trap cookbook

Take the flavours of Crab Fest home with you with The Fish Trap, a cookbook inspired by 25 years of the festival’s most iconic recipes. Crab Fest has long been about unique tastes and unforgettable food experiences, and this collaborative cookbook captures that spirit. The Fish Trap showcases locally inspired recipes from Mandurah’s top restaurants and chefs, along with delicious creations featuring local produce from guest contributors beyond the region. It’s a celebration of Mandurah’s food culture, perfect for festival fans, food lovers, and anyone who wants to recreate the magic of Crab Fest in their own kitchen.

Accessibility, Amenities & Other Helpful Information

Everyone deserves to have an enjoyable experience at the Mandurah Crab Fest this year. CLICK HERE to view the Event Map, with reference to the below features.

The event is mostly wheelchair accessible – some events also include priority seating.

For those who may find busy and unfamiliar environments overwhelming, you can find the Chill Out Zone on the Eastern Foreshore and the Sensory Container at Keith Holmes Reserve to provide quiet, calming areas as well as the ability to borrow chill out kits. This is also where you can find the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower (HDS) stand and request a complementary HDS lanyard.

Toilets and changing facilities can be found in multiple locations.

Very limited parking is available along the foreshores so it is recommended to take advantage of public transport and the complementary shuttle buses.

This is a family-friendly event and so for the weekend the foreshore is a smoke free zone.

This is a pet-free event though service and assistance animals are welcome when in their identifying vests.

Three first aid stations will be set up through the event located at the southern end of the Eastern Foreshore, central Eastern Foreshore, and at the boardwalk next to Simmos Ice Creamery.

Over the weekend three information tents will be set up along the foreshore to aid and direct you.

For more information, FAQs, and to plan the perfect weekend for you, visit crabfest.com.au and we hope to see you there!