Do you consider yourself to be the ultimate crab soup fanatic? Then it may interest you to know that the 2026 installment of the East Coast She-Crab Soup Classic is taking place this Saturday, April 18.
An event presented annually on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront (at the famed King Neptune statue, no less), this is your chance to sample some of the most contested She-Crab-Soup culminations as an active taste-tester.
As a ticketed event and beloved community tradition, the open-air foodie festival primarily serves as a fierce competition among some of the most acclaimed area restaurants, battling it out with the crabbiest compilations. The ultimate hope is to score bragging rights for dishing up the “Best She-Crab Soup” of all. Among the two most coveted award titles are the Critics’ Choice Awards and the Sean Brickell People’s Choice Awards. The first one is designated by some of the region’s top-most culinary experts specializing in coastal cuisine. The latter is a more interactive endeavor that you, as one of the lucky taste-testing attendees, get to contribute your vote towards directly.
This year’s event will welcome in somewhere around 20 participating restaurants. While subject to change in the days leading up to the event, the lofty lineup currently includes: Becca’s Restaurant & Garden, Blue Pete’s, Catch 31 Fish House & Bar, Citrus Café CP Shuckers (Shore Drive location), Freemason Abbey, Mo’z BBQ & Grill at FFX Theatre, Prime 757, Scotty Quixx East, Shadowlawn Eats, Tempt, Tides Coastal Kitchen, and Yianni’s Wine & Food.
In addition to the competing restaurants, various area merchants, local artisans, and specialty vendors will be set up throughout the day. This provides plenty of opportunities and ongoing fun to last the day.
As mentioned previously, the East Coast She-Crab Soup Classic is presented as a ticketed event. Because tickets at the gate cannot be guaranteed, you can score yours in advance online here. All guests, upon entering the festival, will receive a ballot to vote for their top three favorite soups.
The East Coast She-Crab Soup Classic will take place from noon to 2:30 p.m. at 31st Street Park. The event will be held rain or shine. Dogs, strollers, and beach chairs are not permitted in the tasting area.
All proceeds from alcohol sales benefit the Virginia Legends Walk Foundation. Learn more on the site link.