Beachport Crayfish Festival – Saturday 28 February
If there’s one festival that perfectly captures the spirit of the Limestone Coast, it’s the Beachport Crayfish Festival. Returning on Saturday 28 February 2026, this much-loved event is a celebration of Beachport, its people, and its most famous resident – the Southern Rock Lobster.
Set against the beautiful surrounds of Centennial Park, the festival brings together locals and visitors for a full day of food, wine, music, art and family fun. It’s relaxed, it’s generous, and it’s unmistakably Beachport.
A Festival Built on a Proud Local Industry
Beachport is home to a thriving crayfish industry, with 18 cray boats operating out of the port and more than 100 people employed directly and indirectly across fishing, processing, supply and export. The Crayfish Festival is a chance to celebrate this iconic industry and share it with the many visitors who flock to the town and its stunning coastline each summer.
The day is as much about community as it is about seafood – a chance for locals to come together and for visitors to experience what makes this part of the Limestone Coast so special.
Yes, There Will Be Crayfish (Plenty of It)
If you’re coming for the crayfish, you won’t leave disappointed. Expect full crays, half crays and a range of cray-infused dishes, all in high demand throughout the day. The festival works closely with local fishermen and food vendors to increase supply and variety, with offerings from favourites such as The Lobster Pot, Fat Mullet, Beachport Lions Octopus, The Green Room and Best Ociana.
Not a Crayfish Fan? You’re Still Covered
No need to worry if crustaceans aren’t your thing. The festival also hosts a huge range of food trucks and local producers, including Rivoli Bay Lions, Happi Belli Vietnamese, Millicent Lions, Old Style Lolly, Rivoli Bay Burgers, Southern Hotdogs, Strawberries Galore, Spiral Spuds, Tant Icecream & Donuts and more. No one goes hungry.
Wine, Beer & Spirits – Including Zema Estate
The Beachport Crayfish Festival is a fully licensed event, showcasing some of the region’s best wineries, breweries and distilleries. Zema Estate will be there pouring Coonawarra wines by the glass or to take away, alongside an impressive lineup of Limestone Coast producers including; Cape Jaffa Wines & Loophole Brewing Co., Cheeky Rascal Cider, Parker Estate, Norfolk Rise, Raidis Estate, Rymill, Sinkhole Gin, St Mary’s Wines & Spirits, Woodsoak Wines and Woolstore Brewery.
Live Music, Entertainment & Plenty for the Kids
Music and entertainment run throughout the day, with a strong lineup of local talent including Leah Briggs, Christy Wallace, JB (Jason Baker), Low Expectations and Just a Band. Add in a deckhand tug-of-war, crayfish cooking demonstrations, market stalls, and a full kids’ zone with face painting, giant games, laser tag and a giant slide, and you’ve got a festival that genuinely caters to all ages.
Tickets & Planning Your Visit
Tickets are available online with Early Bird offers for individuals and families, plus free entry for children 13 and under and companion card holders. With affordable pricing, plenty of space and a full day’s program, it’s easy to see why visitors regularly comment on the relaxed vibe, great food and family-friendly atmosphere.
Many festival-goers choose to stay a few days – soaking up Beachport, exploring the coastline, and enjoying everything the Limestone Coast has to offer.
General Early Bird Admission ticket: $27.50
Concession Early Bird (incl. 14-17yrs) ticket: $22
Family Early Bird Admission – 2 Adults and 2 Children 14-17 years ticket: $77
Children 13 and under ticket: Free
See You in Beachport
Whether you’re a long-time local or visiting for the first time, the Beachport Crayfish Festival is one of those days that reminds you why regional events matter — good produce, good people and a genuine sense of place.
We’ll see you there, glass in hand.
