The first crab derby was held at the old Lexington Market Grounds after an argument ensued as to who had the fastest crabs in Baltimore in 1859. In 1920, the quickest crabs were selected by local bootleggers to outrun law enforcement between Lexington Market’s catacombs and points all over Maryland during prohibition…these efforts proved wildly unsuccessful, but gave us crab racing as we know it today. Since then the Lexington Market Crab Derby has been held every year to determine the fastest three year-old crustacean in Maryland. Hosted annually, the fastest crabs from across Maryland compete for the coveted Faidley/Devine Cup and to have their named etched into history on the winner’s trophy housed inside of Lexington Market.

This year’s Lexington Market Crab Race Festival will be held on the site of the old Lexington Market Crab Racing Grounds (the south parking lot) and will feature food from some of Lexington Market’s most iconic vendors including craft brews, music by the Kelly Bell Band, games and of course the world famous Lexington Market Crab Derby.

In the tradition of Lexington Market offering something for everyone, the crab derby will be no different with activities for young and old. A kid’s area will be supervised with games, crafts and activities. There will also be several new events added to the crab derby festival including an individual and team crab picking challenge to determine once and for all who the best crab pickers in Maryland are and a best hat contest for both men, women and children.

TICKETS

Kids 16 and under are free