Oak Harbor knows how to celebrate in style.

On Friday, a chamber of commerce event marking the beginning of crabbing season will feature crab racing, live music, a volunteer in a crab costume and, of course, crab cakes and cocktails.

The annual Crab Cakes and Cocktails event is in its third year, according to chamber director Christine Cribb. She predicts that it will continue to be very popular with the 300 tickets selling out well before it happens. She advises buying tickets early.

Whidbey Island Distillery will offer the “chamber lemonade,” which is made with whiskey, brandy and lemonade. Whidbey’s Spoiled Dog Winery will have special “Oak Harbor Bay” white and red wines. Wicked Teuton Brewing will have beer brewed in Oak Harbor.

Scott Fraser from Fraser’s Gourmet Hideaway will make crab cakes. In addition, China City, Noe Jose, Rustica and Zanini’s Catering will offer other crab dishes.

Hot Club of Troy will play for the crowd. The fun-loving Crab Queens are planning on attending.

New this year are the crab races. Cribb explained that little crabs that live under the rocks on Puget Sound beaches will be marked with numbers and set free in the middle of a circle. The first crab that makes its way out of the circle wins.

No crabs will be harmed in the races, Cribb said. The little guys will be set free after the event.

Crab Cakes and Cocktails is 4-7 p.m. Friday, July 27, at Flintstone Park on Bayshore drive. Tickets are $30 at the chamber office. They’re $35 at the event, but Cribb expects them to be sold out by then.

“It’s like the Music Fest,” Cribb said, “but just in a crab-related way.”