On October 21, the Annual NC Oyster Festival turns Ocean Isle Beach into an Oyster lovers paradise. Since 1980 this two-day, family-friendly event has taken place on Ocean Isle Beach and is one of the true reminders that fall has arrived. Combining great food, live music, competitions and dozens of vendors this is definitely the place to be on October 21, 2017. Making a trip to Ocean Isle Beach has never been easier, with many great fall specials we have the perfect home for your family to enjoy the NC Oyster Festival. We even have
homes available within walking or biking distance to the festival.
The Basics
The NC Oyster Festival kicks off with a bang on Saturday, October 21, 2017. Saturday events take place from 9 am to 6 pm., the fun continues Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Tickets are an affordable $5.00 for adults and admission for children under 12 is free. Parking is available on the mainland with free shuttle services. All events are wheelchair and handicap accessible. With lots of events and live music be sure to plan on spending a full day exploring the festival. Don’t forget to pack some sunscreen, we just know there is going to be a perfect Ocean Isle Beach sun shining this weekend. Don’t forget to pick up some Oysters to take back home. If you need tips on preparing oysters
check out our previous post: How to Grill the Best Seafood On Your Ocean Isle Beach Vacation
Live Music
Move, Groove and Shag the afternoon away to the music of the best bands in the region. With five live acts, there is something to suit everyone. From Cowboy boots to boat shoes the festival has plenty of music to get the heart pumping, hips swaying, and the feet tapping. Check out the Chocolate Chip & Company for some funk, R&B and Reggae perfect to get in the mood for island life. For you, country music lovers Trey Calloway is sure to bring the house done with his upbeat tunes.
One highlight of the festival you won’t want to miss takes place Sunday at 3 pm when The Embers take the stage. For those of you visiting the North Carolina coast for the first time, you’re in for a treat. Beach Music is our music and we can’t wait to share this infectious and fun music with newcomers to Ocean Isle Beach. For a complete list of bands and their scheduled time.
Click here.Competitions
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 spirit. Here are a few details of the competitions during the Oyster Festival.
Oyster Eating Contest
We all know fans of Oysters love to have, “just one more” well here is your chance to take your passion for Oysters to a new level. The contest cost $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.
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 1:30 pm. The best part of this competition is you get to try all the entries stews and vote for the People’s Choice award.
Oyster Shucking Contest
How many oysters could you shuck, if you could shuck oysters? Well here is your chance to find out. Now, for visitors, this may seem a little strange, but this is serious business and well… 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 $275.00 in prize money and another $200.00 towards travel expenses to attend the National Oyster Shucking Championships.
Shag Dance Contest
Shag dancing is a fun and simple dance to learn. If you think you’re ready to go up against the best, or just want a fun competition set to the great music of The Embers then polish up those dance shoes and get ready to sway your hips to fame. The competition is open to Amateur, Novice, and Advances with prize money for the winner of each category. Please be sure to register at least an hour before the 1 pm start.
Shopping and Food
150! Yes, you guessed it, this year’s festival features over 150 different vendors, eateries, crafts, and artisans. Many of the vendors have been coming to the festival for 10 to 20 years. It is never too early to start working on that holiday shopping. You won’t want to miss Apple Frankie’s who for twenty years has been serving up funnel cakes with loads of sweet confectionary sugar. The kids will love learning about the majestic sea turtlesthat visit the beaches of Ocean Isle Beach each year. Stop by the
Ocean Isle Beach Sea Turtle Project booth to learn more. If you want to do a little pre-shopping planning
click here for a list of all the vendors who will be at the festivals.
The NC Oyster Festival is the perfect way to experience Ocean Isle Beach and we have the perfect Ocean Isle Beach rental just waiting for you and your family. With many great fall specials on beautiful homes, we are sure this will be a weekend to remember. Check out our link below to find the perfect Ocean Isle Beach vacation for your family.
