The first weekend in May is almost upon us, which means the annual Panacea Blue Crab Festival is right around the corner! The 44th staging of this great event will take place on May 4th-5th at Woolley Park in downtown Panacea, and it promises to be one of the most exciting community gatherings of the year. Find out how you can plan your excursion and get the most out of your trip to the Panacea Blue Crab Festival this year.
Enjoy one of Wakulla County’s most beloved traditions
What started out as a modest function to promote the Wakulla County crab industry in 1975 has grown into one of the most popular events in the area. The Panacea Blue Crab Festival has now been going strong for 44 years, and it has incorporated new traditions as it has blossomed.
What hasn’t changed is that this festival is still a wonderful celebration of the blue crab and its importance to our local area. Crabs have been a staple food of people living in and around Wakulla County for centuries, because they are abundant in the Gulf waters, easy to prepare, and—most importantly of all—delicious! The Panacea Blue Crab Festival is the perfect opportunity to honor this delicacy and enjoy an afternoon of fun.
Dine on fresh-caught crab and soak up all the fun
You’ll definitely have ample opportunity to sample some great fresh crab at the festival, but there will be plenty of other excitement for you to take in while you’re there. The event kicks off on the evening of Friday, May 4th, with the Free Gospel Sing starting at 6:30 PM in Woolley Park, adjacent to the gorgeous Dickerson Bay.
The celebration then begins in earnest on Saturday, with live entertainment, games, and competition taking place all day long. The mullet toss and the crab picking contest are always popular with attendees, so be sure to check them out. Several different area musical acts will be entertaining you throughout the festival, and there will also be plenty of children’s activities, food and beverage vendors, and arts and crafts available for sale.
Explore our beautiful county up close
The Panacea Blue Crab Festival is just one reason why Wakulla County is such a unique haven on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Our connection to the natural environment around us is irreplaceable, and all of the outdoor activities that are a part of life here demonstrate that fact. Whether you’re a hiker, angler, kayaker, or just a nature enthusiast, you’ll find plenty to love about Wakulla County. Check out our accommodations page to start planning your trip to the Panacea Blue Crab Festival today, and discover how you can turn your journey into a full-fledged natural adventure.
