Why start off the week in a crabby mood when you can end it that way? The 63rd Annual Hard Crab Derby and Fair in Crisfield is an escape worth crawling to on all fours — but that hopefully won't be necessary. (Depends on how the workweek goes.) The festival celebrating crabs begins Friday and is the perfect excuse to plan a three-day weekend. The crab cooking contest starts at 9 a.m., and is followed by days of entertainment including swim meets, skiff races, a carnival and more. Head back home on Monday and use Labor Day to recoup.

The plan: The fun starts Friday evening, with rides, games, arts and crafts, and free admission to festival grounds. If you're feeling nostalgic for the festivities of July, then make it a weekend escape, because Saturday morning the derby features a street parade, and the festival ends Sunday with a fireworks finale.

The spirit of the derby, the National Hard Crab Derby Race, will take place Saturday afternoon, as well as the Governor's Cup Crab Race and a crab picking contest.

There will be live entertainment throughout the festival, including Jimmy Buffet-style music and an Aerosmith tribute band. Stay through Sunday evening for a "Crisfield Idol" show.

The details: The derby is Sept. 3-5. Grounds open Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at noon. It takes place at Somers Cove Marina Grounds, 7th Street, Crisfield.

There is no admission fee to the grounds, but there are individual fees for certain concerts and contests. For more information go to crisfieldchamber.com or call 410-968-2500.