Second Annual Sausalito Crab Festival Draws a Crowd
Saturday, February 21, was the day of the second annual Sausalito Crab Festival. In the tradition of the Herring Festival of old that took place in Sausalito’s Gabrielson Park, the festival was a meeting ground for locals and visitors alike, where one could sample a variety of crab-inspired snacks, and of course, whole crabs.
The Crab Festival is hosted by the Sausalito Sustainable Waterfront Association (SSWA) with support from Clipper Yacht Harbor and Fish Restaurant (locally known as “Fish”) and other local waterfront businesses. Fish dedicated the day’s entire menu to the salty crustaceans, Hog Island provided oysters, and Patagonia Provisions ran the beer tent.
Two local sport fishing boats, Hog Heaven and Outer Limits, took festivalgoers on an hourlong Bay cruise; various local vendors set up shop to display their wares, such as Seaside Weavers with their crab-pot doormats and other items woven from recycled crab nets and other types of lines and fabrics. And, of course, members of the local crab fishing fleet were on hand to share some stories and background about their craft.
Launched in 2025, the Crab Festival was created as an avenue to support and strengthen the local commercial fishing fleet, which has faced significant challenges in recent years. It was envisioned as a celebration that builds awareness, fosters community, and brings people together around fresh local crab, good food and a shared love of the waterfront. Judging by the popularity of the second festival last Saturday, it seems the organizers are succeeding in their goals. Sausalito city councilmember Jill Hoffman was in attendance to announce a new initiative that will allow commercial fishermen to sell directly to consumers. Initiatives like this reflect the work SSWA is doing to promote and preserve the working waterfront while providing greater access to locals and visitors.
Of course, no festival is complete without music. This year’s stage acts included three bands.
Given that this was only the second Sausalito Crab Festival, judging by the number and enthusiasm of the attendees, next year’s Crab Fest will be a humdinger!