19th Annual Soft Shell Crab Festival around the corner

One of the first big community festivals of each year, the annual Soft Shell Crab Festival in Port Royal is just around the corner.Photo byOld Village Association of Port Royal

The Old Village Association in Port Royal has announced the date for this year’s 19th Annual Soft Shell Crab Festival. Perhaps one of the most wildly popular local events here in the Lowcountry, the big day is set for on Saturday, April 20th from 11am to 5pm.

In a coastal community like Beaufort, Port Royal and the sea islands, our seafood is special to us and folks love soft shell crabs and look forward to the brief season that they’re available each year. The annual party on the streets of Port Royal offers us all a day of fun celebrating the season.

In one of the first big festivals of the year, thousands flock to Paris Avenue in Port Royal to enjoy food, friends and community.

Every year, the event offers live music all day with a number of local bands, a classic car show, kids’ entertainment, a huge kid's Fun Zone, a variety of talented craft vendors…and even a charity crab race.

“This year’s Soft Shell Crab Festival will be like no other,” OVA said. “Expect to see MORE soft shell crab vendors, who will be preparing their crabs in variety of ways.”

One fun day each April to celebrate a season that only lasts approximately three to four weeks?

Yes. Of course. It's what we do in Beaufort, SC.

This is one super special local season, and the annual Soft Shell Crab Festival in Port Royal is one super special local event.