October is right around the corner and in North Carolina that can only mean one thing. Ok, ok, it can mean several things, but here on the coast it means Oysters! For oyster lovers there is only one event on the October calendar, and that is the NC Oyster festival. So if you love oysters or are just looking for a great event to enjoy while visiting Ocean Isle Beach this fall, then you’ll want to keep reading.

The Essentials

The NC Oyster Festival kicks off with a bang on Saturday, October 19- 20, 2019, at 9 a.m. Saturday’s events continue until 6 p.m. On Sunday the fun begins at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are an affordable $5.00 for adults and admission for children under 12 is free. Remember to bring cash as they do not take credit/debit cards. Parking will be available on the mainland and a free shuttle will be provided (see below). All events are wheelchair and handicap accessible. There is a lot to do and see, so plan on spending the day at the event. Bring a chair if you want to ensure you’ll have a seat at the shows. Don’t forget to pick up some Oysters to take home.

Event Location

Getting to the festival is easy. Just plug in 3 West 3rd Street, Ocean Isle Beach, in your GPS

Don’t forget we have several vacation homes within a short walk or bike ride to the festival. Give us a call today for help finding you the perfect vacation rental.

Parking and Shuttles

Parking is easy and a free shuttle is provided for attendees of the event.

There are three parking locations and three bus stops for the shuttle.

1. Lot between Rick Street & Culpepper Rd (off Causeway)

2. Lot by Lowes Foods and Dollar Tree off Beach Drive (179) and Ocean Isle Beach Rd

3. Lot by Odell Williamson Municipal Airport

The Bus route moves from the Rick St/Culpepper Lot to the Lowes/Dollar Tree lot to the Airport Lot then back down Causeway over the Intracoastal Waterway and around the 1st Street Roundabout heading East. The shuttle will take a left on Monroe Street and then a left onto E. 2nd Street. Drop off will be by Laurinburg St.

Enjoy Unique Contests

It is all fun and games at the NC Oyster Festival, but there are some serious bragging rights on the line for those with a competitive leaning. During the two day event there are several competitions that are serious for the competitors and a whole lot of fun for the rest of us. Here’s what you need to know.

Oyster Eating Contest

We all know fans of Oysters love to have “just one more.” Here is your chance to take your passion for Oysters to a new level. The event takes place Saturday at 11:00 a.m. The contest costs $5.00 to enter, and the rules are simple; the person who eats the most Oysters wins! There are four heats with the winners of each heat advancing to the final competition. The winner takes home the trophy and bragging rights for a year. This event is limited to 40 participants.

Oyster Stew Cook-Off

Oyster Stew is a specialty on Ocean Isle Beach, and we are sure just one dip of the spoon and you will be hooked. Eight restaurants will compete for cash prizes and the title of North Carolina Oyster Champion on Sunday at 12:00 p.m. The best part of this competition is you get to try all the entries and vote for the People’s Choice award. Entry into the contests is $5.00.

Oyster Shucking Contest

How many oysters could you shuck, if you could shuck oysters? Well Saturday at 2:00 p.m. is your chance to find out. Now for visitors to Ocean Isle Beach this may seem a little strange, but this is serious business and a lot of fun to watch. The competition is open to amateurs and pros, so go ahead and jump on stage and give it a go. Now for the serious professional the stakes are high. This competition decides who will be crowned North Carolina Oyster Shucking Champion and advance to the National Oyster Shucking Championship. The winner receives $250.00 in prize money and another $200.00 towards travel expenses to attend the National Oyster Shucking Championships. Runner-up wins $100.00

Enjoy Live Music

No festival is complete without hip swinging, toe tapping live music, and the NC Oyster Festival is loaded with live music. This year the festival features five different acts all of which bring a different genre of music to the festival. From R&B to Country, and everything in between. If you love live music, you’ll love the NC Oyster Festival. One of our favorite acts is the Embers who play that unique Carolina Beach music that means so much to us here on the Carolina coast. Never heard of Beach Music? Check out our previous post: Discover the Sweet Soulful Rhythm of Carolina Beach Music

Ready to visit Ocean Isle Beach and enjoy the NC Oyster Festival? Of course, there is no reason to stay in a small over priced hotel room when a great vacation home is just a few clicks or a call away. Give one of our friendly reservationists a call today at 800-727-9222 or click on the button below to begin planning your NC Oyster Festival getaway. Don’t forget to bring your appetite!