Crab Fest is a big event in Mandurah, so we have put together a list of some of the common questions we get about attending.

When is Crab Fest happening? 

16-17 March, 2024 

We’ll kick things off with ticketed events on Friday 15 March!

Where is Crab Fest taking place? 

Crab Fest is happening on the Mandurah Foreshore. There are plenty of things to see and do on the Western Foreshore, Eastern Foreshore, Smart St Mall, Mandjar Square, and the Mandurah Ocean Marina.

Why do we have Crab Fest?

The much-loved festival is a significant and iconic part of Mandurah’s story and an integral part of the state’s annual event calendar. As well as being WA’s biggest free regional event, Crab Fest is a major and important economic driver for the city. It provides a big injection into the local economy, as well as delivering many social benefits to local businesses and the community.

The festival also provides a platform for local artists, musicians, and performers to showcase their talents, further contributing to our local economy.   

In addition to supporting our local economy, the festival’s success generates positive publicity for Mandurah, promoting Mandurah's cultural and culinary heritage and increasing our profile as a place to visit and invest in. Read more about Crab Fest, where it has come from and why we have it. 

How do I get to Crab Fest?

Travelling to the Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest couldn't be easier! With free shuttle buses and bike stations, planning your trip has been made even easier.  

Come to the event by train, bike or scooter, car or taxi. Read more about getting to Crab Fest

Where are the bike parking stations?

There are bike parking zones in the below locations: 

• Smart Street Mall
• Behind the Visitor Centre

For more information, please refer to the Crab Fest map. 

What is happening at Crab Fest?

As well as the return of the crowd favourites like the Saturday night fireworks, we're excited to bring you some new and exciting elements for the whole family. 

There'll be fresh food, live music, performances, children’s entertainment, competitions, cooking demonstrations, celebrities, aquatic entertainment… the list goes on! 

View the Crab Fest program

Are there fireworks and at what time?

Yes! fireworks at Crab Fest will be taking place on Saturday at 8.30 pm. 

Best viewing spots for the fireworks include the Eastern Foreshore and all the way to Stingray Point. Fireworks will be set off at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre end of Mandjar Bay. 

What are the road and water closures?

To ensure that the Mandurah Crab Fest can safely bring the 2024 event to life, the following road and water closures are needed. View the closures page for more info

Where can I see the celebrities at Crab Fest?

One of the best places to spot the celebs will be at the Spudshed Cooking Stage. 

Visit the Channel 7 hub to see Channel 7 stars over the weekend. 

You’ll also be able to catch the epic music headliners lighting up the Seaside Estate Music Stage. 

Last but not least, for the young and the young at heart, we'll also be welcoming back Fat Cat to Crab Fest this year.

What food and drink experiences are at Crab Fest?

Crab Fest is the ideal foodies' destination so you’ve come to the right place! Crab Fest boasts an huge array of freshly cooked dishes from local and visiting chefs. 

Relax, kick back and enjoy some cold wines and brews from the Peel Region in the bar areas along the event footprint.

For this and more, check out the Food and Beverage page.

Are there any non-seafood options at Crab Fest? 

Not feeling like seafood? Not a problem. With over 50 vendors and local businesses participating in Crab Fest, there’ll be something to suit everyone. 

For full list of vendors, check out the Food and Beverage page.

Who is performing on the Seaside Estate Music Stage and when?

Show-stopping headline performances, local musicians and good-vibe entertainment will delight crowds at this year's Mandurah Crab Fest with something for everyone.  

See more on the music stage schedule

What music and entertainment can I find at Crab Fest? 

There’s heaps of free entertainment and activities for all the family to enjoy over the weekend. From live music and fireworks to cooking demonstrations and kids' activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Crab Fest. 

Read more about what's on for the music and entertainment lovers

What is happening on the Children's Stage?

There will be plenty of fun-filled activities, including the popular Children's Stage and Fat Cat. 

Check out the Children's Stage where all the talent is sure to keep you entertained. From magic shows or clowns to the numerous dance groups a great Crab Fest weekend awaits! Check out the schedule

Are the rides and activities free? 

There is a whole range of free and low-cost workshops, rides and activities for everyone to enjoy across the footprint.

What can I take my family to see at Crab Fest?

There’s plenty of FREE and low-cost fun across the whole Crab Fest weekend for the whole family to enjoy. Crab Fest is a family-friendly event, so for the weekend, the foreshore is a smoke-free zone (alcohol restricted to licensed bars). 

And so much more, check out the program now 

Where can I watch the Action Sports Games? 

At the Western Foreshore. See some of Australia's best action sports athletes putting it all on the line competing for over $20,000 in cash and prizes. Witness adrenaline-pumping action with the wakeboarders lighting up the Mandurah estuary with massive aerial tricks, rolls, and spins on Friday and Saturday. 

Can I bring my pet to Crab Fest?

We love pets but please leave your furry friends at home this weekend. For the enjoyment and safety of everyone coming to Crab Fest, animals are not permitted anywhere within the event footprint. Assistance Animals are welcomed with their identification vest. 

Where can I find more information on road closures and alternative routes?

• Catch the train & free shuttle bus 
• Drive & park at locations close by 
• Cruise in by boat from along the coast 

If you're a local... 

• Ride your bike or walk - free secure bike parking stations! 
• Park up & catch the shuttle bus near you
• Boat in & park up 

With free shuttle buses and bike stations, planning your trip has been made even easier. 

All you need to know to plan your weekend, including road & water closures

Is Crab Fest accessible? 

We're dedicated to creating the best possible experience for all visitors to Crab Fest. There's heaps of event info to support people with disability to plan their visit including:

• parking & drop-off/pick-up bay 
• universal access toilets 
• Changing Places facilities 
• chillout zone 
• social story 
• map and pathway access 
• mobility scooter charging station 

Plan your Crab Fest weekend, read more about accessibility

Is there first aid accessible at Crab Fest?

Yes, three First Aid stations are set up in the below locations: 

• Southern end of the Eastern Foreshore (near Estuary Pool) 
• Central Eastern Foreshore (near Spudshed cooking stage) 
• Boardwalk next to Simmos Ice Creamery and Cicerellos

How do I find my lost child? 

If your child is missing, please visit one of the two Constable Care tents. These are located at 

• opposite the Toilet block on the Eastern Foreshore
• Next to Simmos on the Boardwalk

Where’s the best place to park?

With a little planning, you can take the hassle out of parking! The best spot to park is at a designated Charity parking area not far from the event. 

Coming from north of Mandurah?

• Park at John Tonkin High School oval (off Tindale Street) and then catch the free and convenient, regular shuttle service straight to the event. 
• Park at the Multi-storey car park at Mandurah Train Station and catch the free shuttle into the event.
• Park at a Charity Parking Location. The Rotary Club works with local clubs and community groups to manage the charity parking with all proceeds donated to the local community and sporting groups. 

Heading to Crab Fest from south of Mandurah?  

• The Western Foreshore car parking, manned by the local SES team, will also have a $5 parking fee with proceeds going to the SES. 
• Then take a short walk over the bridge to get amongst the Crab Fest activities. 
• Not only will it make your parking easier but you will also be helping the Mandurah community. 

Check out the event map for the shuttle bus drop-off and pick-up spot.

Be sure to check the Closures page, as it may impact your driving plans.

Where are the crabs from?