Come celebrate everything Oyster as Town Center Park on nearby Ocean Isle Beach is transformed into a walking district offering a variety of foods, crafts, contests and musical performances.
2024 will mark the 43rd anniversary of the North Carolina Oyster Festival. October 19 and 20, celebrate everything Oyster with a variety of foods, crafts, contests, children’s activities and musical performances at Town Center Park in Ocean Isle Beach. The Festival’s signature Oyster Shucking Contest will be held on Saturday.
There will be plenty of oyster dishes to sample as well as food of all types. Bring a chair to sit back and enjoy live music featuring a variety of genres. Dancing is encouraged!
North Carolina Oyster Festival
Saturday, October 19th from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, October 20th from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The North Carolina Oyster Festival will feature local cuisine, arts and crafts, children’s activities, live music, an oyster eating contest, the Oyster Shucking Contest, and the delectable Oyster Stew Cook-off.
The ‘Fest is made possible by the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce and the support of many generous area businesses and a wonderful group of volunteers and, most importantly, the weekend’s dedicated revelers.
Festival-goers can enjoy watching the shuckers compete for the title of 2019 North Carolina Oyster Festival Shucking Champion on Saturday and on Sunday taste the best of the best as the competition heats up for the Oyster Stew-off. Bring your chairs and enjoy the lineup featuring popular beach bands, cover bands, and everything in between.
Price Range: $5.00 / Children under 12 are FREE
Concert Schedule:
Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot
On Stage: Friday, October 18 6:00pm-8:00pm
Sea and Sand Band
On Stage: Saturday, October 19| 10am-12pm
Darrell Harwood
On Stage: Saturday, October 19| 1:00pm-3pm
Terry Douglas Band
On Stage: Saturday, October 19| 4:00pm-6:00pm
Chocolate Chip & Company
On Stage: Sunday, October 20| 10:30am-12:30pm
The Embers featuring Craig Woolard
On Stage: Sunday, October 20| 2:00am-4:00pm
Contest Schedule:
Oyster Shucking Contests
Date: Saturday, October 19th
Time:
Shucking Professional: 11:30am
Shucking Amateur: 12:00pm
Location: Contest Tent located on 2nd Street
FREE to enter
Show off your shucking skills and your need for speed with our oyster shucking contest. Guidelines for professional shuckers will be followed. Prizes will be awarded to winners!
Please note: Applications can be filled out in advance but participants must register in person at the contest tent.
Oyster Eating Contest
Date: Saturday, October 19th
Time: 1:30pm
Location: Contest Tent on 2nd Street
Cost: $5 per bucket
You can never have too much of a good thing! The oyster eating contest is proof of that! Compete with other oyster lovers to speed eat as many oysters as you can and earn the title of “Oyster Eating Champion.” If you love oysters or have been accused of swallowing your food whole, this contest is for you!
Please note: Applications can be filled out in advance but participants must register in person at the contest tent.
Slurp it!
Stir it!
Oyster Stew Cook-Off
Date: Sunday, October 20th
Time: 1:00pm
Location: Contest Tent
Cost: $5 per ticket
Wow the crowds and earn their favor by putting your cooking skills to the test. Impress the judges and you could earn yourself the title of “Oyster Stew Champion.”
