05/11/2026 to 05/16/2026
Outer Banks Soft-Shell Crab Week
May 11-16, 2026
When it comes down to the real flavors of the Outer Banks, we think this cult classic best captures the taste of our locals water. And did we mention how fresh these crabs are? Straight from the shedders in the backyard to tables at the participating restaurants and seafood markets. From the classic sandwich to creative appetizers and indulgent dinners, our consortium of crustaceans will have you coming back for more.
Soft-shells? What are we even talking about? A soft-shell is a crab that has temporarily shed its tough exterior in favor of a softer, more sensitive side. These crabs are removed from the water as soon as they molt or, preferably, just before to prevent any hardening of their shell. This means that almost the entire animal can be eaten, rather than having to shell the animal to reach the meat. Catching soft-shell crab is very time-sensitive and requires that any caught crabs be kept in climate-controlled areas immediately after catching until they molt, at which point they can be safely removed and sold.
And in case the question ever appears on a certain tv show, a group of crabs is called a consortium.
