What’s better than a crawfish dinner? Trick question!
“The only thing better than a crawfish dinner is five crawfish dinners.”
— Coach Red Beaulieu, The Waterboy
There’s not much that’s more enjoyable than Louisiana’s creole or Cajun food, but experiencing it with thousands of other people who love it, too, is pretty darn fun.
If you haven’t already, you will have to be sure to visit one of the country’s Crawfish festivals. Crawfish season typically begins in March, but varies from season to season based on the harvest. So, grab these tasty mudbugs while you can, because Crawfish season ends when hurricane season begins.
Here are 5 Crawfish Festivals You’ll Want to Taste for Yourself:
1. Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival
Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, May 2, 3 & 4
The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival began in 1960 as a spin-off of the Breaux Bridge Centennial Celebration. In 1959, The Louisiana Legislature named Breaux Bridge the Crawfish Capital of the World. Since then, the world-famous Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival has gained national and even international appeal. Thousands flock annually to the festival that features live music (more than 30 bands!), dance contests, arts & crafts, a carnival, and of course, that Louisiana crawfish.
2. Texas Crawfish & Music Festival
Old Town Spring, Texas, April 25 – 27 & May 2 – 4
Since 1986, The Old Town Spring Texas Crawfish & Music Festival has garnered the attention of Crawfish enthusiasts across the nation. With a stellar musical lineup, guests enjoy live bands, vendors and killer food. This year’s headliners include the Charlie Daniels Band and the Los Lonely Boys. Active military and their spouses receive free admission.
Colombia, South Carolina, May 3
The Rosewood Crawfish Festival in South Carolina features 10,000 pounds of fresh Louisiana crawfish. Attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy other Cajun favorites, including crawfish etouffe, jambalaya, boudin and more. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, more than a dozen food vendors will be on hand selling burgers, gator and southern fair. More than music and crustaceans, the Rosewood Crawfish Fest offers clean family fun for the whole family.
Tualatin, Oregon, August 1, 2 & 3
While some festivals may stop at food and music, the Tualatin Crawfish Festival offers attendees a wide array of activities and entertainment. The Crawfish Crawl, an annual 5k/10k/Half Marathon, draws hundreds of participants and prizes are given to top place holders. Other festival attractions include a crawfish boil, crawfish eating contest, a parade and a watermelon-eating contest. Yum!
5. Pensacola Crawfish Festival
Pensacola, Florida, May 2, 3 & 4
If you’re in Florida, you won’t want to miss the Pensacola Crawfish Festival. As one of the largest crawfish boils in the state, the Pensacola Crawfish Festival draws thousands to Downtown Pensacola’s beautiful waterfront. More than 30,000 attendees come out to get their Cajun on during this 3-day event. The Crawfish festivities will commence in Bartram Park and will feature live music, a 5k, 10k and more than 16,000 pounds of crawfish. What’s not to love?
Crawl on over to a crawfish festival before it’s too late! Did we miss your favorite mudbug experience? Share your favorite crawfish festival in the comment section or let us know on Facebook. Let the good times roll!
Image Credit: Ryan Harvey
