Mississippi Museum Debuts CrawFest Celebrating State's Iconic Crustacean

The inaugural event will feature crawfish-themed cuisine, live music, and educational activities.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks' Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is hosting the first-ever CrawFest on Saturday, February 28th. The family-friendly festival will celebrate the state's iconic crawfish through food, music, and interactive science exhibits.

Why it matters

Crawfish are a beloved part of Mississippi's culinary and ecological heritage. This new festival aims to educate visitors about the important role crawfish play in the state's waterways and wetlands while also showcasing the crustacean's prominence in local cuisine and culture.

The details

CrawFest will feature crawfish-inspired dishes from local food vendors, live music performances blending country blues and bluegrass, and hands-on science stations highlighting crawfish diversity and their ecosystem impacts. Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for youth, and $8 for seniors, with free entry for museum members.

  • CrawFest will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from noon to 5 p.m.

The players

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks

The state agency that oversees the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science and is hosting the inaugural CrawFest event.

Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

A museum in Jackson, Mississippi that focuses on the state's natural history and wildlife, and is the venue for the CrawFest festival.

TB Ledford and the Accumulators

A local music group known for blending country blues, bluegrass, and jug-band influences, who will be performing live at CrawFest.

Sal & Phil's Seafood

A local food vendor that will be serving crawfish-inspired dishes at the CrawFest event.

Dr. Flava's Louisiana Kitchen

A local food vendor that will be serving crawfish-inspired dishes at the CrawFest event.

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The takeaway

CrawFest provides a unique opportunity for Mississippians and visitors to celebrate the state's iconic crawfish through food, music, and interactive science exhibits. The festival highlights the cultural and ecological significance of this beloved crustacean in the region.