Palatka’s iconic Blue Crab Festival has been bringing crab and family fun to the downtown waterfront for almost 30 years. This year’s festival will kick off Friday, May 26, and run through Sunday, May 28, and will feature a jam-packed schedule of entertainment. Festival headliners include Molly Hatchet, whose hits include "Flirtin' With Disaster" and "The Rambler"; Sugarhill Gang, who brought hip hop to the billboard charts with “Rapper’s Delight”; and the Ying Yang Twins, a rap duo known for their hits “Salt Shaker” and “Halftime,” as well as their collaborations with the likes of Britney Spears and Lil Jon. Sunday, May 28, is “Local Day” and will feature two local bands that were selected by fans on social media.
“This year, we’re really excited to have some great acts, including the AFC South Champions Jacksonville Jaguar D Line and Jags safety Andre Cisco with his new music project, Deeski Montana & Friends,” said Jeanetta Cebollero. “We’re also introducing a Rooftop VIP experience on Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets include an open bar, some swag, our awesome Blue Crab shirt, and the opportunity to meet our headlining groups. These tickets are limited and they’re going to go fast.”
The Palatka Blue Crab Festival will feature music at multiple venues, including a craft beer tent, as well as vendors, food trucks, games, activities, the Gatorland Waterski Deluxe show on the St. Johns River, a waterslide and more. All performances are free. The VIP rooftop experience is a ticketed event. Tickets may be purchased at eventbrite.com. Search for “blue crab rooftop VIP.”
Blue Crab Festival t-shirts are available for presale at palatkabluecrabfestival.com.
Event sponsors include The Law Offices of Ron Sholes, the City of Palatka, Barwick Banking Company, Beck Auto Group, Ancient City Entertainment, Burkhardt Sales & Services, Jack Daniels, Bud Light and Putnam County Tourist Development Council.
“And of course, there’s the main act, the blue crab,” says Cebollero. “The blue crab is the ultimate local celebrity — they’re sweet, delicious, and tender. You’ll see them served a variety of ways — steamed or boiled with butter, swimming in gumbo, crabcakes or tossed into a fresh salad. The blue crab is a staple of the South, and what better way to celebrate a true American Memorial Day Weekend than with great food and great tunes?”
The festival will be held 6-11 p.m. May 26, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. May 27 and 2-10 p.m. May 28 in downtown Palatka, 210 St. Johns Ave. Admission and parking are free. The festival is hosted by the City of Palatka and produced by Ancient City Entertainment.
For vendor and sponsorship opportunities or to become an event volunteer, contact Jeanetta Cebollero at ancientcityentertainmentgroup@gmail.com.
Go to palatkabluecrabfestival.com and follow along on Facebook @bluecrabfestivalpalatka and Instagram @palatkabluecrabfest.
