The National Hard Crab Derby

06/02/2026

Butler's Farm Market was blessed by royalty earlier today. 2026 Miss Eastern Shore Teen Volunteer and lil Mr. Crustacean stopped in to pay us a visit. Thank you for coming in!! Please come back at any time!! Mowgli and Izzy love you and so do we.

05/28/2026

Some of the best memories of the National Hard Crab Derby come from the events that once made Derby weekend unforgettable. Who remembers the Miss Crab Claw Contest or the hilarious Crabbiest Boss Contest? Or the roar of the Powerboat Races and the creativity of the Plastic Bottle Boat Regatta? Did you know there even used to be a Greased Pig Contest?

Friendly competition also filled the town with a Croquet Tournament, Tennis Tournament, and the hands‑on Crab Pot Making Contest. And of course, the harbor lit up with the beloved Boat Parade.

These events are just the tip of the iceberg. They may be retired, but they’re still part of what makes Crisfield’s Derby tradition so special. Here’s to the memories that shaped our community and the stories we still love to share. 🦀💙

05/26/2026

05/23/2026

Congratulations to our 2025 Miss Crustacean 🦀 She is now a high school graduate! We know you are going to have a ✨bright ✨ future ahead! You have made the City of Crisfield so proud of you this year in all of your accomplishments! 👩‍🎓

05/23/2026

Crisfield, get excited — Grub House Inc is rolling in to serve up serious flavor at the National Hard Crab Derby, happening September 4–6, 2026 🦀🎉🔥

We’re thrilled to welcome this crowd‑favorite crew to the festival grounds, serving up a menu that’s guaranteed to keep you fueled for all three days of fun!

Pit Beef 🔥

Pit Turkey & Ham 🍖

Sausage 🌭

Dirty Drinks 🥤

Bottled Water 💧

Chicken Tenders 🍗

Fresh Cut French Fries 🍟

From sizzling meats to crispy fries and ice‑cold drinks, Grub House Inc is bringing the flavor — and we can’t wait for you to dig in 😋🔥

Join us Labor Day Weekend for food, festivities, and the beloved traditions of the Hard Crab Derby. Let’s make 2026 unforgettable 🦀🎡🎶

🦀🎉

05/21/2026

🦀🎉 Exciting Vendor Announcement! Wild Bill’s Soda Is Joining the 2026 National Hard Crab Derby! 🥤🎡

We’re thrilled to welcome Wild Bill’s Soda to the National Hard Crab Derby, happening September 4th–6th, 2026 right here in Crisfield, MD!

If you’ve seen them at fairs and festivals across MD & DC, you already know the vibe — premium craft sodas, iconic mugs, and those all‑day refills that keep the good times flowing. 🍻🔥

This year, they’re bringing their full Wild Bill’s experience to the Derby weekend. Stop by their booth, grab a mug, and sip your way through crab races, live entertainment, parades, and all the Labor Day traditions we love.

Crisfield, get ready — it’s going to be a refreshing one!

05/19/2026

🏃‍♂️💨 A Crisfield Tradition That Runs Deep! 🦀❤️

The National Hard Crab Derby’s iconic 10K race first hit the streets in the 1980s — and later became the Mike Sterling Race, honoring the legendary runner who dominated year after year.

Mike Sterling himself ran in that very first 10K, crossing the finish line in an incredible 32 minutes and 1 second. Pure speed! 🔥

Every Crab Derby weekend, the race kicks off bright and early on Saturday morning, and even after 40+ years, it remains one of the most beloved traditions in the entire celebration. 🌅🎉

Here’s to the runners, the history, and the hometown pride that keeps this race alive! 🏅💙

Sign up for this year's race NOW: https://runsignup.com/Race/MD/Crisfield/MikeSterling10k5k

05/14/2026

🎉 Exciting Vendor Announcement! 🎉

We’re thrilled to share that Bestar Tanghulu will be joining us as a vendor at the National Hard Crab Derby, happening September 4–6, 2026 right here in Crisfield, MD!

Get ready to enjoy their delicious, glossy candied fruit treats while celebrating one of Crisfield’s biggest traditions. 🍓🍏🍇

Help us welcome Bestar Tanghulu to the Derby — and be sure to stop by their booth!

05/09/2026

The 46th Mike Sterling 10k/5k is on Saturday September 5, 2026. It includes the following events: 10k Run, 5k Run, and 10k Ruck.