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National Crab Meat Day

A food observance on March 9 celebrating the flavor, versatility, and health benefits of crab meat in various recipes and cuisines.

Tuesday

March 2027

Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMarch 9

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYDining

ORIGIN

Community Origin

FOUNDING ENTITY

Not documented

FIRST OBSERVED

Not documented

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

The observance appears to be an unofficial food holiday common in the U.S. with obscure beginnings.

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INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate National Crab Meat Day on March 9 and give your taste buds a treat! This special day has been celebrated since the 1980s, when it was first created to honor this delicious seafood delicacy. Whether you're eating crab legs, crab cakes or some other form of crab meat dish, there's no better way to show your appreciation for this delectable crustacean.

TIMELINE

National Crab Meat Day Timeline

Creation of National Crab Meat Day

National Crab Meat Day was first observed in the early 1980s to honor and celebrate the delicious sweetness of crab meat.

Crab Meat Dairy Dish Invention

During this decade, innovative chefs create a variety of crab meat dishes, including crab bisques and soufflés, adding to the ways to enjoy this versatile seafood.

National Crab Council Formation

The National Crab Council was formed to support sustainable crab fishing practices and ensure the continued supply of delicious crab meat.

Emergence of Online Crab Retailers

Online retailers specializing in delivery of fresh and high-quality crab meat start to appear, providing access for non-coastal areas of the US.

Crab Meat Festival

The first crab meat festival was held, attracting foodies and seafood lovers from across the country to join in appreciation of crab meat.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Crab Meat Day

Plan a crab boil

Crab boils are popular for special occasions like National Crab Meat Day. Gather your friends and family and host a seafood feast in your backyard. Add potatoes, corn, onions, garlic, and lemons to the boil, and you’ll have an unforgettable celebration.

MAKE

Make crab cakes

Crab cakes are a delicious way to celebrate National Crab Meat Day. Mix crab meat with eggs, bread crumbs, and seasonings for quick and easy crab cakes that will be sure to please your guests.

CREATE

Create a crab pasta dish

Pasta dishes are always a hit. Toss cooked fettuccine noodles with sautéed onions and garlic, add in crab meat and white wine, top with Parmesan cheese, and you have an easy yet tasty dinner.

Go out for crab

Visit your local seafood restaurant or seafood market for fresh crab meat or pre-cooked frozen varieties. You can even order online from specialty seafood stores if you want to make it extra special.

ATTEND

Attend a crab festival

Many cities around the country host festivals dedicated to the harvest of crabs during certain times of the year. Check out your local event listings to see if there’s one near you.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Crab Meat Day

Crab meat supports sustainable fishing

By purchasing crab meat from sustainable sources, you can be sure you're helping protect ocean ecosystems and ensuring that future generations will be able to enjoy this wonderful resource as well. So if you're an eco-conscious foodie, buying sustainably harvested crab is definitely the way to go!

Crab meat is healthy

Crab meat is an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, and essential fatty acids. Plus it's low in fat and calories, making it a great option for those looking to add some healthy variety to their diet. It's also packed with minerals like selenium which help boost the immune system.

Crab meat is delicious

Whether it's steamed, boiled or baked, crab meat has a delicate flavor that's perfect for nearly any recipe. Its sweet and succulent taste is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, its light texture makes it easy to incorporate into many dishes!