2024 Fiddler Crab Festival: Steinhatchee’s Event of the Year

What to Know About This Year’s Family-Friendly Entertainment

The 2024 Fiddler Crab Festival in Steinhatchee, FL is almost upon us. Held February 16-18, 2024, this annual event hosted by the Steinhatchee Chamber of Commerce includes live entertainment, a fishing tournament, a chili cook-off, hundreds of arts and crafts and food vendors, an outdoor car and truck show, fireworks, a parade, wacky crab races, and so much more. Various local clubs and organizations, such as the Steinhatchee River Club, raise funds by volunteering their time during the action-packed but relaxing festival weekend this President’s Day weekend.

A Weekend Full of Fun, Festivities, Fishing, & Fiddler Crabs

Now in its 16th year, the famous Steinhatchee Fiddler Crab Festival is expected to draw 14,000+ people for fun, festivities, fishing, and fiddler crabs. The crab races are one of the festival’s most popular events. Watch these funny-looking tiny crustaceans with giant claws walk sideways and run through metal troughs in groups of 10. The winner of the race is proclaimed the fastest crab in Florida, much to the delight of onlookers of all ages. But that’s just one exciting event!

The Fiddler Crab Festival of 2024 is an opportunity for local businesses to showcase their wares and join in the merriment. Trophies are awarded to parade and fishing tournament participants, while fun is had by all in attendance. The festival is held one weekend every February, with the schedule posted well in advance. Other not-to-be-missed activities during this family-friendly festival include:

Live Entertainment – Live entertainment suitable for all ages is scheduled throughout the weekend, ranging from music to other types of performances.
Hundreds of Vendors – 300+ arts, crafts, and food vendors sell various foods, products, and souvenirs during the festival weekend. You never know what you’ll find here!
Parade – The Fiddler Crab Festival parade is a one-of-a-kind experience sure to be one of your family’s highlights. Parade participants enter golf carts, vintage cars, boats, and floats to take home the “King Crab” prize for the overall best entry and bragging rights for the year.
Fishing Tournament – Participants in the annual fishing tournament can compete for cash prizes, attempting to catch the heaviest redfish, trout, flounder, and more. 2024 registration is $30 per angler or $15 per child 12 and under.
Outdoor Car, Truck, & Boat Show – Don’t miss the outdoor car, truck, and boat show, showcasing the latest models and allowing you to talk to local dealers and manufacturers.
Chili Cook-Off – Taste various types of chilies and vote for your favorite during the annual chili cook-off. Who will have the spiciest dish of the day?
Fireworks – Enjoy a dazzling firework display on Friday and Saturday evening of the festival, sponsored by KYNEX. It’s the perfect way to introduce the headlining bands and other live entertainment during the weekend.
Beer & Wine Garden – After the fireworks, festivalgoers over 21 can enjoy a beer or glass of wine and live music in the beer garden. Beer and wine garden tips support the North Florida Boys and Girls Club. Make a difference by raising a glass and “Tipping the Boot!”
Fun Run – Stay active and enjoy the beautiful festival surroundings by registering for the annual Fun Run, suitable for people of all fitness levels and ages.
Swamp Water Challenge – Don’t miss the festival’s annual culinary competition, showcasing the skills of talented chefs from local restaurants. Visitors can vote on their favorite dishes.
Poker Run – Prizes are awarded for the best and worst hand during the family-fun Poker Run. Even if you don’t win a hand, you can still test your luck with the 50/50 raffle drawing.

Enjoy the Beauty of the Gulf Coast With Steinhatchee Marina

This beloved festival is an excellent time to enjoy the spectacular natural beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast, including everything the Steinhatchee Marina has to offer. Our modern marina is equipped with everything from a marina bar and on-site store well-stocked with fishing supplies and groceries to boat rentals and storage services for locals and tourists. Through our sister property, the Steinhatchee River Club, we provide state-of-the-art boat and RV storage as well as access to a private boat ramp and wet slips. Thanks to our friendly service and competitive rates, we’re the ultimate destination for a relaxing, convenient boating experience for the whole family during the Fiddler Crab Festival and year-round.

Why Choose Steinhatchee Marina at Deadman’s Bay?

Steinhatchee Marina at Deadman’s Bay is proud to be part of the Fiddler Crab Festival of 2024. As a scenic destination in the heart of Florida’s Big Bend, our marina offers world-class fishing and scalloping for anglers of all ages. Our accessible location makes us the ideal place for a fun-filled day out on the water with friends or family. Bring your boat and enjoy access to a private boat ramp and wet slips or try one of our affordable boat rentals, including skiffs, pontoons, tritoons, clear kayaks, and more. We’re just a hop, skip, and boat ride away from some of the area’s best hidden gems along the Gulf Coast. Our top-of-the-line RV and boat storage facilities are second to none, providing covered shelter from the elements and easy maneuverability for boats and vehicles up to 36’ for your convenience.

Contact Us About Our Boat Rentals & Storage Services

We look forward to seeing you at the 16th Annual Steinhatchee Fiddler Crab Festival this February! Festival hours are 5-11 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Festival admission is $5 per person (*subject to change), including a wristband for admission all weekend. Please contact us with any questions or concerns about the festival schedule or our boat rentals and storage services in the heart of Steinhatchee, FL.