It’s never easy to bid adieu to Washington’s picture-perfect summers, which somehow seem to get shorter every year. But we can ease our minds knowing that fall in the PNW is basically the most gorgeous season there is. The colorful leaves and crisp sweater weather are always a welcome change after a stretch of hot, sunny days, but it’s the fall festivals that make the season extra spectacular! If you can only make it to one fall festival in Washington state this year, we hope you’ll consider making it the Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival in October. Ask anyone who’s been to this epic annual Washington seafood festival, and they’ll tell you it’s well worth making the trip.

The Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival is held in beautiful Port Angeles, which sits on the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival / Facebook
The festival is typically held the second weekend in October, and it's never too early to start planning!
So... what makes this seafood festival so special, anyway?
Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival / Facebook
We're glad you asked. Here are just a few fantastic reasons to attend:
First, it's free to attend.
Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival / Facebook
Of course, you'll have to pay for your food, souvenirs, and the crabs you buy, but you can also have a blast without spending much money. Aside from purchasing chilled crabs to-go (available daily), you can eat plenty of delicious seafood right on-site.
Check out the Central Tent and the City Pier for all the tasty options. All of the best seafood in Washington seems to find its way here!
Danielle Hendrickson / Google
Have we mentioned the highlight of the festival, the old-fashioned Crab Dinner? This special event is held daily in the Crab Central Tent, and it's a blast. A full crab meal is $40, and you can choose a curbside pickup if you'd rather not be with a crowd. This is one event you'll want to plan for in advance.
Also, you won't come entirely for the food. The events are just as fun.
Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival / Facebook
Enjoy live music while you feast, participate in the 5K Fun Run, or check out the Grab-a-Crab Derby. This is where you can try to catch a crab... and if you happen to catch a tagged one, you win a discount or prize.

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This is such a great way to celebrate the region’s diverse bounty: the seafood, the traditions, and the laid back coastal vibe.
Danielle Hendrickson / Google
After all, the Dungeness Crab was named after the nearby village of Dungeness.
Vendors galore will have their shops set up, offering everything from hand-carved sculptures to one-of-a-kind trinkets.
Steve Hiday/GoogleReviews
Last but not least: Dungeness Crab is delicious, and you won't ever find a better selection than you will here.
Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival / Facebook
This is as good as it gets, seafood lovers!
Vrigil Alarcon/GoogleReviews
The food comes in all shapes and forms, so even novice crab crackers can walk away satisfied. Scallops, shrimp, crab cakes, and more are all available here!
Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival / Facebook

Fresh-caught crab, fun events for all ages, and endless views…have we convinced you yet? Mark your calendars: the 2024 festival dates are October 11-13.

Learn more about this exciting annual event and get your crab dinner tickets on the Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival website.

If you need a place to stay for the festival this year, this airy, beach-inspired cottage is the perfect place to kick back in between rounds of seafood. But don’t skip over exploring the rest of Port Angeles as well! This charming waterfront town is as darling as they come and boasts a few hidden surprises as well.

This One Small Washington Town Has More Outdoor Attractions Than Any Other Place In The State

 

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Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival

Jennifer | April 25, 2024

Does Washington have any famous seafood restaurants?

Washington state is renowned for its fresh and delicious seafood, thanks to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Here are some widely-known and loved seafood restaurants you might want to check out:

 

What are the best waterfront restaurants in Washington?

Whether looking for a casual dining experience or a fine dining one, you can enjoy views of the Sound, ocean, or one of Washington's many scenic lakes at these waterfront restaurants:

 

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