The annual Stone Crab Festival in Naples, Florida is a must event. 

The three-day block party in October always starts at 5:30 p.m. with the traditional cracking of the first stone crab claw of the season. The festival is one of Naples’ annual festivals that really pays homage to the city’s roots. Founded in the 1800s, Naples was only accessible by water until 1915. In its earliest beginnings, Naples was a thriving boating and fishing community. Today, Tin City and other Old Naples waterfront communities are still thriving with local shops, restaurants, events, galleries, cruise boats, and of course, fishing. The free Stone Crab Festival in Naples kicks off the beginning of stone crab season as well as tourist season. People look forward to it and come out with the entire family every year. 

The stone crab claws are provided by Pinchers. They come with a mustard sauce, although, depending on whom you ask, they taste just as good without it. And if you’ve never tried stone crab, the festival is a great chance for you to do so. For many seasonal residents, the festival is their “welcome back” to Naples, the breeze from the Gulf of Mexico and the abundance of warm sunshine.

After the cracking of the crab, attendees enjoy live music.

There are always fun activities for the kids, including the M&M’s ice cream eating contest, raffle prizes, the Freedom Waters Foundation Kids Corner filled with vendor booths with local art, activities, clothing, jewelry, Florida novelties, fresh stone crab claws, and other seafood dishes and treats from more than 20 restaurants.

Event organizers always expect about 25,000 to attend and enjoy some good old-fashioned seafood. 

More than 15,000 pounds of stone crab claws would be served during the annual festival weekend. 

The Stone Crab Festival in Naples is a great way to meet people and get to know the community. Even if you don’t like seafood, it’s still fun to visit Tin City, Bayfront, the Port of Naples and explore other parts of historic downtown Naples. In addition to stone crab, drinks and barbeque fare will also be available. 

History of Stone Crabs in Naples, Florida

History of Stone Crabs in Naples, Florida

The local newspaper explored the history of stone crab season in Southwest Florida. The paper says the earliest mention on the record of stone crab season was in 1977. They are called stone crabs for the simple reason that under the water they look like river rocks. Their claws are also so powerful, they crush things like stones. In other words, you wouldn’t want to be on a stone crab’s bad side. 

Royal Shell Naples Vacation Rentals Available

If the Stone Crab Festival in Naples, Florida sounds like something you’re interested in, we have a variety of vacation rentals in Naples from which to choose. Stay in a romantic bungalow on or near the beach. Or bring the entire family and stay in a breathtaking estate with Gulf of Mexico views.

Let us know if you’ve planned a vacation around the Stone Crab Festival in Naples, or if you’ve stumbled upon it another way. Enjoy the weather, the food and the camaraderie. Don’t forget to visit the beach, too! We hope you have a fantastic time in sunny Southwest Florida. If you have any questions, any of our vacation planning advisors can help. Contact us today. We make it easy so you can focus on creating lasting memories!