Your Fripp Island getaway is bound to be a refreshing and fun experience no matter when your travel plans bring you this way. Between the beautiful landscapes and easy access to in-town fun as well, there’s no shortage of options for visitors to enjoy themselves. That said, if you’re fortunate enough to be heading here in the month of April, you’ll be right on time to participate in the highly anticipated and annual Soft Shell Crab Festival! This delicious and energetic gathering brings together locals and visitors alike in the name of fantastic flavor and blue crab delicacies. It’s a free event that’s open to participants of all ages that’s organized by the Old Village Association of Port Royal each year.
To make the most of your Fripp Island vacation, be sure to take a look at our free Vacation Guide to learn about the area’s best attractions and activities!
Where is the Soft-Shell Crab Festival Held?
Typically, the annual Soft Shell Crab Festival is held mid-April on a Saturday from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm. Participants can make the most of the flavorful fun along Paris Avenue in Port Royal. When you arrive, you’re sure to be in good company as this festival often welcomes upward of 10,000 visitors in a day! Parking can be found for the festival along many of the side streets running alongside Paris Avenue as well as in several locally designated lots.
What to Enjoy at the Festival
In 2024, the Soft-Shell Crab Festival will be celebrating its 19th year and it’s shaping up to be as exciting as the last 18! This springtime festival is highlighted by soft shell crab dishes, but there’s much more to enjoy beyond the food options too. The festival is designed to be a family-friendly gathering that includes a variety of Lowcountry delicacies to try as well as live music and themed activities too. In years past, Souls Harbor, Sole Mate, and Bounty Hunter have taken to the festival stage in style. As you wander around, you’ll find many local restaurants serving up soft shell crab in a way that’s unique to their eatery. There will also be plenty of BBQ, ice cream, and burgers to go around as well. Those who stop by with little ones will love that the festival typically hosts a variety of kid’s zones and entertainment that’s fit for kids as well. There’s also often a classic car show on-site and performances by the Larew Dance Center. Don’t miss out on the festival’s annual crab race where 5,000 rubber crabs can be “adopted” by festival goers for a small fee. They’re then dropped into Battery Creek to race with winners eligible for impressive cash prizes!
Enjoy Your Fripp Island Journey in Style
Whether you’re here for the annual Soft Shell Crab Festival or enjoying a sunny and fun stay another time of year, booking accommodations through Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort is a sure way to infuse luxury and style into your journey. Reach out today to learn more about our inviting options and how we can help you make more of every moment in South Carolina. We can’t wait to see you in Fripp Island soon!
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