Cocktails & Crustaceans Returns to the Waterfront With Lobster Boil, Open Bar, and Live Music

Summer is getting an early start along the Delaware River as the Independence Seaport Museum brings back its third annual Cocktails & Crustaceans on Thursday, May 21, from 6 to 9 p.m.

The signature waterfront fundraiser combines seafood, cocktails, music, and history for an evening that supports the museum’s mission of preserving Philadelphia’s maritime heritage.

Cocktails & Crustaceans is more than just a night out—it’s a key fundraiser that helps the museum continue its work sharing the stories of the region’s waterways, historic ships, and global connections. Tickets are available at phillyseaport.org/lobsterboil/.

Proceeds from the event support exhibitions, educational programming, and the preservation of maritime artifacts that define Philadelphia’s role as a historic port city.

Guests can look forward to a full evening experience that blends food, drinks, and entertainment, including:

• Open bar with specialty cocktails
• Classic lobster boil featuring whole Maine lobster
• Oyster shucking station
• Non-seafood options like pasta and chicken
• Summer desserts
• Live music and steel drum performances
• Dancing with waterfront views

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour inside the museum’s newest exhibit, Seeking Profit and Power: Philadelphia, China Trade, and the Making of America, before transitioning outdoors for dinner and entertainment.

Set against the backdrop of the Delaware River, the event offers a unique way to celebrate the start of the season while supporting a local cultural institution.

With its mix of elevated dining, immersive programming, and scenic views, Cocktails & Crustaceans continues to grow as one of the city’s standout spring fundraising events.