The North Carolina Oyster Festival (also known locally as the Ocean Isle Oyster Festival) is a long‑standing coastal harvest celebration held in Ocean Isle Beach, NC. It’s a two‑day event that highlights oyster cuisine, shellfish contests, live music, arts & crafts, and family‑friendly entertainment.
The 2025 edition marks the 44th annual festival.
📅 Dates, Times & Location (2025)
- Dates: Saturday, October 18 & Sunday, October 19, 2025
- Times:
• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM - Location: Town Center Park, 11 E 2nd Street, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
- Admission: $5 per adult (cash only). Children 12 and under enter free.
🎯 Festival Highlights & What to Do
Here are some of the signature attractions and events:
- Oyster Shucking Contest — amateur and professional shuckers compete for top honors.
- Oyster Eating Contest — see who can eat oysters the fastest.
- Oyster Stew Cook‑Off — Sunday’s contest to crown a chowder champion.
- Live Music — local and regional bands performing a mix of genres across both days.
- Arts & Crafts Vendors — local artisans, handmade goods, coastal crafts.
- Children’s Activities & Family Zone — games, kid-friendly entertainment, and fun for all ages.
One unique note: the festival enforces strict no outside food, drink, water, coolers, cups, pets, alcohol, smoking, or vaping rules inside the grounds.
✅ Tips for Attending & Getting the Most
- Bring cash. Admission is cash-only; ATMs are available.
- Arrive early. Parking and shuttles are busiest around midday.
- Use the free shuttle. Designated lots (e.g. Lowe’s Food & Odell Williamson Airport) provide shuttle access.
- Respect festival rules. No outside food, drinks, pets, smoking, etc.
- Bring a chair or blanket. For enjoying performances and relaxing between events.
- Plan your schedule. Decide ahead which contests or performances you don’t want to miss.
- Check weather. Coastal fall can bring changing conditions — dress in layers.
- Support local vendors & artisans. The festival is a great opportunity to discover local seafood, crafts, and more.
Why You Should Go in 2025
- It’s one of the region’s premier oyster and coastal cuisine events.
- Great mix of food, music, contests, and community spirit.
- Family-friendly and accessible for many budgets.
- Celebration of local heritage and seafood culture.