The month of May is a celebrated time of year for many along the Grand Strand, with consistently sunny, warm weather as the usual fare, two motorcycle events, and the annual Little River Blue Crab Festival.

The latter is one of the most popular festivals in the entire southeast, drawing thousands of visitors during the mid-May weekend. 

Taking place along the Little River waterfront/site of the old fishing village, 2025 marks the festival’s 43rd anniversary, and takes place May 17-18. 

Whether it’s fresh, local seafood from one of the acclaimed waterfront restaurants, or sampling delightful festival food, this event has it all, including live music, gorgeous views, kid-friendly activities, arts and crafts booths, business and community organization expos, and much more. Additionally, satellite parking and shuttles are available.

The Little River Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center hosts this event each year, and Harrison Santangelo, Director of Business Development for the Chamber, says the festival continues to offer more food, more events, and something new and different each year. For example, he notes, one change this year is that the kids’ area bouncy house is free, thanks to the generosity of the Kiwanis Club members of North Myrtle Beach/ Little River.

“If you come to the Blue Crab Festival every year, you’ve only truly been to one,” because of the changeups, he explains. “We always go with 200+ vendors, and that’s only because we have very little space to work with… We had to turn down more than 100 vendor applicants this year, alone. I guess we’re highly sought after!” 

The 43rd Annual Little River Blue Crab Festival
Saturday - Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
4468 Mineola Ave.
$10 admission; kids 12 and under, free
(843) 249-6604, BlueCrabFestival.org