The Blue Crab Festival returns to Palatka May 22–24, 2026, bringing fireworks, live music, water ski shows and three days of family‑friendly events to the St. Johns River waterfront over Memorial Day weekend.
Here’s what attendees can expect and a look at the weekend line-up.
What is the Blue Crab Festival known for?
Set against the scenic backdrop of the historic St. Johns River, the Blue Crab Festival has become one of Palatka’s signature annual events and one of the most popular Memorial Day weekend festivals in Northeast Florida.
From live music and fireworks to waterfront ski shows, local shopping and festival food, the annual celebration continues to draw thousands of visitors from across the region each year looking for a classic Florida festival experience close to home.
When is the 2026 Blue Crab Festival? What can visitors expect?
Festival festivities officially begin Friday at 6 p.m., when vendors and live entertainment kick off a full weekend of activities along Palatka’s waterfront district. The annual event will stretch through historic downtown, with more than 100 vendors lining St. Johns Avenue from Memorial Parkway to 6th Street.
Visitors can expect a mix of handmade crafts, artwork, specialty items, festival foods and local favorites throughout the weekend.
What is the Gatorland Water Ski Show at the Blue Crab Festival?
One of the most anticipated attractions returning to the 2026 Blue Crab Festival is the world-famous Gatorland Water Ski Show Team. Known for its fast-paced performances, towering pyramids and gravity-defying stunts, the team has become a longtime fan favorite during Palatka’s Memorial Day weekend celebration.
Festivalgoers will have two chances to catch the action on Saturday, May 23, with performances scheduled for 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. along the St. Johns River waterfront. The high-energy ski shows are expected to once again draw large crowds to downtown Palatka for an up-close view of the thrilling riverfront entertainment.
At what time are the fireworks over the St. Johns River?
Saturday night’s festivities will wrap up the festival with a fireworks spectacular over the St. Johns River at 9 p.m.
The annual fireworks display has become a Blue Crab Festival tradition, drawing large crowds to the downtown riverfront as the Palatka skyline lights up over the water.
Live music headliners and entertainment lineup
Music lovers can expect live entertainment throughout the entire weekend, with performances designed to appeal to a wide range of audiences.
One of this year’s featured acts is Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man, a tribute band celebrating the music of rock legend Bob Seger. Organizers say the festival lineup will include a variety of genres and performances across the three-day celebration.
New this year: New senior shopping hours added for 2026
Festival organizers are also adding a new feature for 2026 with special early shopping hours designed specifically for seniors.
Beginning at 9 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, guests can enjoy a quieter shopping experience before live music begins and larger crowds arrive downtown. The added hours are designed to give visitors more time to browse vendors and enjoy the festival atmosphere at a slower pace.
Blue Crab 2026 main stage festival schedule
Friday
- 6 to 6:25 p.m. Opening ceremony
- 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cold Shot Band
- 8 to 9 p.m. Duval County line with special guest Jimmy Sexton
- 9:30 to 11 p.m. Firewater tent revival
Saturday
- 10 to 11 a.m. Jovie & the HoneyChuckle
- 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Ski show
- 12 to 1 p.m. Long Strange Day
- 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Jimmy Parrish and The Waves
- 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Ski show
- 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Toxic Cats
- 4:30 to 5 p.m. The Wedding Line Dance Co.
- 5 to 6 p.m. Fat Cactus
- 6 to 6:30 p.m. The Wedding Line Dance Co.
- 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Shopping Mall Guerillas
- 8 to 9 p.m. JP Soars and the Red Hots
- 9 to 9:30 p.m. Fireworks
- 9:30 to 11 p.m. Ramblin Gamblin Man: Bob Seager Tribute
Sunday
Sunday’s closing festivities will include a gospel music segment, bringing a soulful and family-friendly finish to the Memorial Day weekend celebration. Here’s what to expect:
- 10 to 11:30 a.m. United Worship: Gospel Performance
- 12 to 1 p.m. Chillakaya
- 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Brothers Futch
- 3 to 4 p.m. Paper City Hustlers
- 4 to 4:30 p.m. Paks Karate
- 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Palmetto Kickers
- 6 to 7 p.m. Branford Highway
- 7:30 to 9 p.m. Big Engine
Road closures and traffic impacts for the Blue Crab Festival 2026
According to organizers, residents and visitors should expect significant traffic impacts and road closures throughout the downtown area beginning Thursday, May 21, at 10 p.m.
The following roads will be closed:
- St. Johns Avenue from Memorial Parkway to South 6th Street
- Memorial Parkway from South 3rd Street to Reid Street
Road closure signs will also be posted at:
- Laurel Street and South 7th Street
- Oak Street and South 7th Street
Organizers are also advising attendees to avoid traveling between Reid Street and Crill Avenue. Instead, motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes such as South 9th Street or South 13th Street to help reduce congestion and delays.
Where is the Blue Crab Festival this year?
The festival will take place along the Palatka Riverfront in Palatka, FL.
Doris Alvarez is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for The Florida Times-Union. You can get all of Jacksonville’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free Daily Briefing and News Alerts newsletters at jacksonville.com/newsletters.
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