The Return Of The “R” Months Means
Oyster Festival Season Is In Full Effect
BALTIMORE
Mermaid’s Kiss Oyster Fest
September 19
Benefiting Oyster Recovery Partnership (ORP), the festivities cap its 25th anniversary and celebrate achievements, including 8.5 billion oysters planted throughout the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake, establishing the largest Shell Recycling Alliance in the nation and more! Enjoy creative small plates from top chefs, live music, an open bar and plenty of freshly shucked oysters. The evening will also feature a Bay-themed silent auction — and mermaids galore!
E-tickets: OysterRecovery.org
CHINCOTEAGUE
Chincoteague Island Oyster Festival
October 12
Celebrating the arrival of the oyster season. Enjoy oysters — raw, steamed, fritters, single fried and more. This is an advance-ticketed event that is typically sold out before the festival opens.
E-tickets: ChincoteagueChamber.com
TILGHMAN ISLAND
Tilghman Island Day
October 19
Arts and nautical crafts, boat-building demonstrations and boat-docking races, oyster shucking and crab-picking contests, a look at the life of a waterman — and much more. A fun day for the whole family!
More Info: TourTalbot.org
ST. MICHAELS
Oysterfest
October 26
Set on the picturesque grounds of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, OysterFest features oysters served a variety of ways, along with other local fare, craft beer, and spirits, live music on two stages, scenic river cruises aboard Winnie Estelle (weather dependent), an oyster stew competition, cooking presentations, Chesapeake Bay retriever and oystering demonstrations, children’s activities and more.
More Info: CBMM.org
OCEAN CITY
Shell Shocked at Fager’s Island
November 2 & November 9
The resort’s premier oyster and fall craft beer event. Admission includes a variety of AYCE oysters on the half shell, BBQ ribs, chicken and more. Craft beer provided by Evolution Brewing Co. A separate admission ticket is required for each date.
E-tickets: Fagers.Ticketleap.com
LEONARDTOWN, MD
U.S. Oyster Festival
October 19-20
Celebrate the 53rd anniversary of the U.S. Oyster Festival and the opening of the Chesapeake Bay’s oyster season. U.S. National Oyster Shucking Championships and National Oyster Cook-Off.
E-tickets: USOysterFest.com
TILGHMAN ISLAND
Oyster JAM & BREW FEST
November 2
Celebrate oysters Phillips Wharf-style, on its environmental center campus, by exploring the bounty from Maryland aquaculture and commercial harvests. Seven local craft breweries will also be on hand. Enjoy live music, oysters made a variety of ways, a cool auction and a great location.
More info: PhillipsWharf.org
SAXIS ISLAND, VA
Saxis Island Oyster Roast
November 2
Unlike many other oyster festivals, this oyster roast is held indoors — and features table service. Guests need only hold up a sign and a volunteer will bring over almost any seafood item from the menu — including steamed oysters, single fried oysters, clam chowder and fried clam strips.
E-tickets: SaxisIsland.com
MACHIPONGO, VA
Merrior & Terrior Oyster Extravaganza
November 9
Celebrate the Eastern Shore’s distinct viticulture and aquaculture offerings
and tout the hyper-local benefits of growing grapes within steps of some of the best aquafarming in the country. Admission includes a raw-bar tasting, roasted oysters and much more. Live music and limited seating available on a first-come first-served basis. Advanced- ticket-purchased required.
E-tickets: ChathamVineyards.com