Southwest Louisiana’s only crab festival returns Saturday, August 17, from 5-8 p.m. at the Burton Complex, 7001 Gulf Hwy., Lake Charles.

Arts and Crabs Fest celebrates the ties between Louisiana seafood and culture. With the purchase of a wristband, festival goers can access an extensive crab and beer tasting which features some of Southwest Louisiana’s most popular restaurants each offering a crab dish that is representative of their cuisine’s styles and personalities. Louisiana craft brew samples are offered as complementary additions to all dishes.

Throughout the event, crab chefs battle for festival-goers’ votes in the People’s Choice award, which is determined by the number of tips each chef receives, and an additional first place “Best Crab Dish” chosen by a judging panel.

 Additionally, the event will feature live French music and an eclectic art market with live demonstrations.

Arts & Crabs Fest is quickly becoming a signature event for Southwest Louisiana and is consistently a sell-out. A limited number of early bird tickets are priced at $30, and the remaining tickets will be $40 each.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Arts Council of SWLA at (337) 439-2787, or visit www.artscouncilswla.org.

Burton Coliseum Complex