Indulge in the ultimate celebration of briny delights and coastal culture at the top oyster festivals in America! From the East Coast to the Gulf and beyond, these vibrant events honor the beloved bivalve with an array of mouthwatering dishes, live music, shucking contests, and family-friendly fun.
Whether you’re a seafood aficionado or just looking to savor the flavors of the sea, these oyster festivals offer an unforgettable experience that will leave you shucking for joy. So, grab your appetite and join us on a journey through the best oyster festivals in the country – it’s time to taste the ocean’s finest treasures!
1. Acme Oyster House Oyster Festival (New Orleans, Louisiana)
A celebration of oyster culture with live music, oyster shucking contests, and an abundance of delicious oyster dishes. Happens annually in the spring. Learn More >>
2. Wellfleet OysterFest (Wellfleet, Massachusetts)
A weekend-long event showcasing Wellfleet’s famous oysters, featuring shucking contests, cooking demos, and arts and crafts vendors. Takes place in October. Learn More >>
3. Apalachicola Seafood Festival (Apalachicola, Florida)
Although not exclusively focused on oysters, this festival celebrates the famous Apalachicola oysters alongside other Gulf Coast seafood delights. Takes place in November. Learn More >>
4. Milford Oyster Festival (Milford, Connecticut)
One of the largest oyster festivals in the U.S., featuring a wide variety of oyster dishes, live music, arts and crafts, and a classic car show. Happens in August. Learn More >>
5. Oysterfest Atlanta (Atlanta, Georgia)
A unique celebration of oysters in the heart of the city, with an array of oyster dishes, live music, and family-friendly activities. Takes place in February. Learn More >>
6. Long Island Oyster Festival (Oyster Bay, New York)
A historic festival celebrating Long Island’s oyster heritage with seafood vendors, live entertainment, and a shucking contest. Takes place in October. Learn More >>
7. Oyster Cook-Off and Craft Beer Weekend (Gulf Shores, Alabama)
A delicious event that combines oyster dishes from renowned chefs and craft beer tastings on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Takes place in November. Learn More >>
8. St. Marys Rock Shrimp Festival (St. Marys, Georgia)
Although mainly focused on rock shrimp, this festival also offers a variety of oyster dishes and celebrates the coastal seafood culture. Takes place in September. Learn More >>
9. Beaufort Oyster Festival (Beaufort, South Carolina)
An annual festival that highlights South Carolina’s oyster industry with oyster tastings, contests, and live entertainment. Takes place in October. Learn More >>
10. Damariscotta Oyster Celebration (Damariscotta, Maine)
A quintessential Maine festival that honors the state’s renowned oysters with tastings, competitions, and boat tours. Takes place in September. Although mainly focused on rock shrimp, this festival also offers a variety of oyster dishes and celebrates the coastal seafood culture. Takes place in September. Learn More >>
Discover the coastal charm and culinary delights of oyster festivals across America. These lively events offer a shucking good time, where you can savor the freshest oysters, indulge in seafood delicacies, and enjoy a festive atmosphere. From the Gulf to the East Coast, these gatherings are a paradise for seafood enthusiasts and an opportunity to celebrate the ocean’s finest treasures. Mark your calendars and join the festivities – it’s time to get your fill of briny goodness at the top oyster festivals in the country!
Please note that the availability and dates of these festivals may vary, so it’s always a good idea to check their official websites for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit.
