Arts & Crabs Fest 2017: Lake Charles' Must-Attend Celebration of Crab, Art & Music
Updated August 4, 2017
Indulge in delectable crab dishes, locally brewed beers, vibrant local art, and live music at Arts & Crabs Fest—one of Southwest Louisiana's premier August events. This beloved festival celebrates Louisiana's deep passion for music, art, and cherished "secret recipes," selling out annually. As a longtime arts enthusiast in Southwest Louisiana, I've served crab specialties and volunteered with the Arts Council of Southwest Louisiana for years. It's a multi-sensory experience that unites the community in true festive spirit.
Inspired by the Creole Nature Trail, Arts & Crabs Fest brilliantly connects local culture with the land. Join us on Saturday, August 19, from 5-8 p.m. at Burton Coliseum. Named a "Top 20 Event in the Southeast" by the Southeast Tourism Society, it's an unmissable highlight. Local chefs unveil innovative crab creations paired with brews from Lake Charles' Crying Eagle Brewing Co., while homegrown Louisiana musicians get everyone dancing.
Top chefs showcase their most creative crab recipes, and attendees vote for the "Best Crab Dish." Sample them all and make your voice heard—the winner is crowned at evening's end. Here's the exciting 2017 lineup:
- The Bekery – Crab Quiche
- Blue Dog Café – Corn & Crab Bisque
- Dat Truck Elevated Food Truck – Crabmeat Ravioli Ravigote
- Hi-Licious Street Kitchen – Pork & Crab Soup Dumpling Mini-Bun
- Kiss the Cook Catering – “Petit Doigts” (Sauteed Crab Fingers)
- Luna Bar & Grill – Galactic Crab Dip
- On-Go-Mex – Caribbean Crab Tostada
- Paul’s Rib Shack – Surf & Turf Smoked Crab Mac-N-Cheese
- PJ’s Coffee – Crab & Tasso Cheesecake
- Rikenjak’s – Crab Oscar Styled Donut
- Roly Poly – Shrimp & Corn Bisque
- The Velvet Pig – Crab, Spinach & Mushroom Stuffed Pastry
Live music features the newly formed Cajun trio Nee de Traditionne ("Born from Tradition"), young artists preserving Louisiana's rich musical heritage.
The Art Market presents a diverse array of Southwest Louisiana and Lake Charles fine art, handcrafted goods, and captivating live demonstrations.
Secure your tickets now at artsandcrabsfest2017.eventbrite.com—they sell out every year! Early bird price: $30 (rising to $40 soon). 21+ only.
Special Note from the Arts Council of Southwest Louisiana:
Arts & Crabs Fest is sponsored by the Arts Council of SWLA, Lake Charles/SWLA Convention & Visitors Bureau, Deep South Productions, Burton Complex, Big Easy Foods, Crying Eagle Brewing, Automotive Alignment & Brake Service, Coca-Cola, CSE Credit Union, Dr. Uzma Porche, First Federal Bank of Louisiana, IBERIABANK, Image 360, Knight Media Printing, KPLC, L’Auberge Lake Charles, LA Radio Communications, Louisiana Lottery, Parker Brand Creative Services, and the Louisiana Division of the Arts.
Proceeds support the SWLA community through the Arts Council's programs and events. Follow us on Facebook or call (337) 439-2787 for details. See you there!
