Home and Away stars James Stewart and Ada Nicodemou will be this year’s Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest event ambassadors, joining a huge weekend of family fun, food, and festivities in the seaside city.
James and Ada will make their way to Mandurah for the iconic Crab Fest event on March 14 and 15, joining a host of Channel 7 celebrities throughout the weekend including 7NEWS Perth hosts Tim McMillan, Angela Tsun, Susannah Carr, and Rick Ardon, contestants from My Kitchen Rules, plus other personalities including chefs and Perth radio stars.
Crab Fest crowds can catch Ada, who has been a staple of the Australian screen industry for more than 30 years, and James, who scored his breakout role in Packed to the Rafters in 2008, and other personalities on the Spudshed Cooking Stage and various other locations throughout Crab Fest weekend.
The event ambassadors were announced at today’s Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest media launch held at local bar Little Stiller, where Mayor Amber Kearns officially launched Crab Fest 2026. The day included a special, hands-on crab cracking activity with local fisherman Damien Bell.
Mayor Amber Kearns said the excitement was building for another successful Crab Fest weekend.
“It’s awesome to welcome James, Ada, and everyone joining us for Crab Fest. I’m grateful they’re coming to experience Mandurah and be part of a weekend that really shows what our city has to offer,” she said. “Crab Fest is such an incredible weekend for Mandurah. The whole city comes alive, and I love seeing people enjoy the energy, the atmosphere, and everything that makes this place so special.
“I’d love everyone to come along, enjoy the food, the activities, and the fun, and be part of a weekend that really captures the heart of our Mandurah.”
Home and Away’s James Stewart said: “I’m so excited to be coming back to the Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest! I had such a great time last time, the people were really friendly, the atmosphere was incredible, and the food was unbelievable! Especially when it came to the crabs! This time I’m bringing my girlfriend along with me too, because one of her favourite things in the world besides me are crabs. Can’t wait to be back in Mandurah, W.A.… See you soon”.
As well as a jam-packed program of free activities and entertainment over the weekend, several ticketed events are now on sale for those looking to add to their Crab Fest experience. These events showcase local business specialities, food and drinks, and Mandurah’s stunning waterways, and will be held from Saturday, 7 March, leading all the way into Crab Fest weekend.
The ticketed events are being hosted by range of businesses to celebrate Crab Fest, from boat cruises, Pilates, and crafty workshops to gourmet food, beer brews, wine, and cocktail making classes.
A full list of events can be found at www.crabfest.com.au
The City of Mandurah’s Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest will be held on March 14 and 15, 2026, and this year marks the 25th anniversary of Mandurah’s iconic annual event.
Mandurah Crab Fest is one of WA’s biggest free regional events, attracting more than 100,000 people to the city centre and waterfront spaces each year. The 2026 event footprint will stretch from Mandurah’s city centre and along the Eastern and Western Foreshores, through to Mandjar Square and over to the award-winning Mandurah Ocean Marina.
Highlights of the 2026 Crab Fest include the Seaside Estate Music Stage with headline acts Havana Brown and Thelma Plum, the popular Spudshed Cooking Stage, free family entertainment and activities, ticketed events, a dedicated Children’s Stage, action sports, water activations, fireworks plus pop-up food stalls and licensed bars.
For more information, go to www.crabfest.com.au
The Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest is a City of Mandurah event, supported by the State Government through Tourism WA’s Regional Events Program.
