October 17-18, 2026
Town Center Park, Ocean Isle Beach, NC
The Annual North Carolina Oyster Festival on Ocean Isle Beach
The annual North Carolina Oyster Festival is returning to Ocean Isle, and it’s bringing more fun than ever! Join thousands of oyster lovers for a weekend you won’t forget on the North Carolina coast.
Live music, shucking competitions, oyster-eating contests, cook-offs, kids’ games, and more will all take place October 17-18, 2026, at Town Center Park. Check out all the festival happenings below and get ready for an unforgettable vacation this fall!
The Countdown to the NC Oyster Festival Is On!
Festival Overview
The North Carolina Oyster Festival has been a fall tradition on Ocean Isle Beach for more than four decades. What began as a celebration of the area’s oyster industry has grown into one of the largest festivals on the North Carolina coast, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year. Today, the festival weekend attracts more than 45,000 attendees who come to enjoy fresh seafood, live entertainment, local vendors, family-friendly activities, and exciting competitions.
Hosted by the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce, the festival showcases the culture, food, and coastal traditions that make this part of North Carolina so special.
What to Do at the North Carolina Oyster Festival
The fun kicks off bright and early on Saturday, October 17th. Head to Town Center Park and spend the day exploring local crafts, sampling extraordinary food, and joining in all the excitement!
NC Oyster Festival Schedule
Saturday – October 17th, 9 AM – 6 PM | Sunday – October 18th, 10 AM – 5 PM
Arts and Crafts
Explore local artisans’ booths showcasing handmade paintings, ceramic earthenware, jewelry, clothing, body-care items, woodwork, baked goods, and much more! With so many vendors to check out, we know you’ll find some incredible keepsakes.
Full Vendor List Coming Soon
Live Music
Local and regional bands keep the vibes going all weekend long with performances featuring everything from classic rock and blues to country and even R&B. This year, the lineup includes:
- The Sea-Cruz Band: Friday, October 16th Kickoff Party – FREE! 6 PM – 8 PM
- The Caroline Keller Band: Saturday, October 17 | 9 AM – 12 PM
- Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot: Saturday, October 17 | 3 PM – 6 PM
- Chocolate Chip & Company: Sunday, October 18 | 10 AM – 1 PM
Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and scope out a spot near the stage as you dance and sing along to fan favorites.
NC Oyster Festival Contests
Oyster Shucking
How fast can you go? Test your skills against amateurs and pros.
- When: Saturday, October 17
- Where: Contest Tent
- Time: 12 PM
- Entry Fee: FREE!
- Open to: Amateurs and Professionals (specific rules apply for professionals)
Oyster Eating
Prefer to reap the reward of the shuckers? This is the event for you!
- When: Saturday, October 17
- Where: Contest Tent
- Time: 1:30 PM
- Entry Fee: $5 per bucket
- Open to: Anyone with an appetite!
Oyster Stew Cookoff
Six restaurants will compete for the title of Oyster Stew Champion at this crowd-favorite competition. Bring your empty bellies and get to the festival early Sunday. Only 350 tasting tickets will be sold.
- When: Sunday, October 18
- Where: Contest Tent
- Time: 1 PM
- Entry Fee: $5 per ticket (350 tickets will be sold for public tasting and voting for People’s Choice)
- Open to: Six restaurants compete
Festival Food
Sampling oyster stew is certainly part of the fun, but that’s just on Sunday. What about the rest of the festival? If you don’t snag one of the tasting tickets, don’t worry! There’s plenty of delicious seafood to keep you satisfied all weekend long.
Food trucks and local restaurants will be on-site serving up everything from oysters on the half shell to po-boys, Rockefellers, and steamed or fried delicacies. Beyond the star ingredient, you’ll also find pizzas, sandwiches, BBQ, crab and other seafood, plus a variety of sweet treats.
Parking and Transportation at the North Carolina Oyster Festival
Free parking is available at the Lowes Foods parking lot (6278 Beach Drive) and the Odell Williamson Municipal Airport (6080 Beach Drive). Complimentary shuttle service runs continuously from both locations to the festival grounds throughout the event. Because traffic onto Ocean Isle Beach is often heaviest between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., visitors should plan to arrive early and allow extra time for parking and shuttle transportation.
Paid parking is also available at the Ocean Isle Beach Pier. Be sure to park only in designated areas, as vehicles parked in unauthorized lots may be towed.
The festival is wheelchair accessible, and ADA-accessible transportation is available from the Lowes Foods parking lot.
For the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, outside food and beverages, coolers, alcohol, smoking materials, vaping devices, and pets are not permitted inside the festival.
Where to Stay for the North Carolina Oyster Festival
Williamson Realty offers vacation rentals throughout Ocean Isle Beach, including properties within walking distance of Town Center Park. That means no searching for parking, waiting for shuttles, or sitting in festival traffic—just a short walk and you’re at the gate!
With more than 100 vacation homes available during Oyster Festival week, it’s easy to find a property that fits your group and travel style. Choose from oceanfront homes with stunning views, canal-front properties with private docks, homes with private pools, and spacious rentals designed for family gatherings and group getaways.
Skip the middleman, book directly with Williamson and save big on your Oyster Fest getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions about the NC Oyster Festival
Admission to the North Carolina Oyster Festival is $5 per adult, and free for kids 12 years and younger. Ticket purchases are cash only.
The festival takes place at Town Center Park in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, located at 11 E. 2nd Street.
No. Pets are not permitted on festival grounds. The festival also prohibits alcohol, smoking, vaping, coolers, and outside food or beverages.
Yes. In addition to oysters, the festival will serve BBQ, burgers, seafood items such as crab cakes and shrimp, hot dogs, and traditional festival foods. Local food trucks and vendors will be on site, so there’s something for everyone.
Many reserve their stay 3-6 months in advance. The festival brings in upwards of 45,000 people each year, so booking early is key, especially if you want a property within walking distance of Town Center Park like the ones offered at Williamson Realty.