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38th Annual 'World Famous' Blue Crab Festival: Dates, Parking, and Highlights

38th Annual World Famous Blue Crab Festival: Dates, Parking, and Highlights

Held along the historic Little River waterfront, the 'World Famous' Blue Crab Festival stands as one of the Grand Strand's largest annual events. What began as a modest gathering by the Intracoastal Waterway has grown into a premier attraction, expecting over 50,000 visitors this weekend. Enjoy live music, a dedicated kids' zone, and approximately 300 vendors offering arts, crafts, specialty foods, and business wares.

In addition to festival staples, savor fresh local seafood at waterfront restaurants. (We recommend the soft-shell crab sandwich at Crab Catchers.) The event runs Saturday, May 18, 2019, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, May 19, 2019, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It's easy to spend a full day exploring the abundance of activities and attractions.

Plan your parking ahead to avoid stress amid the large crowds. Designated satellite lots offer $5/car parking with continuous shuttle service to the festival: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Harbour Style Salon & Spa
Open grass lot behind building – no pavement parking. Marked area.
695 US-17
Little River, SC 29566
Click HERE for Map & Driving Directions

Hope Willard
701 Highway 17
Little River, SC 29566
Click HERE for Map & Driving Directions

River Hills Medical Plaza
8 a.m. pickup for volunteers
4237 River Hills Drive
Little River, SC 29566
Click HERE for Map & Driving Directions

Pizzeli’s – Handicap & Staff
Handicap parking for patrons, volunteers, and vendor staff only. Golf cart shuttle available. Open grass lot behind Pizzeli’s Italian Oven – no pavement parking. Marked area.
1698 US-17
Little River, SC 29566
Click HERE for Map & Driving Directions

Southwest Brunswick Branch Library
9400 Ocean Hwy W
Calabash, NC 28467
Click HERE for Map & Driving Directions

Note: Motorcycles cannot drive through the festival and must use designated lots.

Unofficial lots near the waterfront charge $5–$20 cash. Alternatively, take the water taxi from Harbourgate Marina ($15 round trip includes festival admission). Runs 9 a.m.–6 p.m., last pickup 5 p.m. Call 843-249-0870 or 843-280-8400.

Harbourgate Marina: 2100 Sea Mountain Highway, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Click HERE for Map & Driving Directions

General admission: $5 for ages 12+, available at gates or website. Thousands of volunteer hours make this a must-visit event.

For details, visit www.bluecrabfestival.org. Little River Chamber of Commerce: (843) 249-6604, info@LittleRiverChamber.org

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