Located in the small and charming town of Leonardtown, Maryland, the U.S. Oyster Festival is one of the most important events of its kind in the entire United States of America!
The event takes place over two days, October 18th and 19th, drawing a crowd of over 22,000 over the weekend.
Family-friendly fun you can have at the U.S. Oyster Fest
While the shellfish is the start of the show, there’s a whole lot of fun to be had at this oyster fest beyond shucking and slurping some of the best oysters in the nation!
In addition to the oysters, favorites from around the region will also be available for purchase, including crab cakes, world-class chowder, stuffed ham, and, of course, fair staples like funnel cake, to ensure you leave full and happy.
Aside from the food, there are also several activities that you can enjoy during your visit:
- Education Exhibits – Learn firsthand what it means to be a waterman, learn about the Chesapeake Bay watershed, oysters, and more!
- Shop from artisans and craft vendors – Over 50 local vendors will offer unique items for festival goers to peruse and purchase.
- Kid Zone – A ‘Bounce-House’, a goat petting area, pony rides, and a chance to meet a real mermaid!
- Sample Craft Beers – In addition to the world-class food available at the festival, dozens of craft beers will be available for you to sample and enjoy.
- Amateur Shucking Competition – Compete for prizes and bragging rights with your friends and family (held at 2 pm both days).
- Watch the U.S. National Oyster Shucking Champion live!
When is the U.S. National Oyster Shucking Championship
The main event of the U.S. Oyster Festival, the National Oyster Shucking Championship, will take place on Sunday, October 19th, the final day of the festival.
The competition brings together the best of the best oyster shuckers from across the country, who then compete for the title of U.S. Shucking Champion and for a chance to represent the United States at the International Championship in Galway, Ireland.
If you’re curious how the competition works, here are the rules so that you can watch the competition without getting lost:
- Contestants shuck 24 oysters – judgement is based on speed and presentation.
- Oyster not cut completely from the shell – +3 seconds
- Oyster presented on a broken shell – +1 second
- Oyster with grit, blood, or other foreign substance – + 3 seconds
- A cut oyster – + 3 seconds
- Oyster not placed properly on the shell – + 2 seconds
- Missing oyster – + 20 seconds
How to get tickets
The tickets for the festival can be purchased online from the festival’s website.
Single-day tickets:
- Adults over 18 – $15 + fees
- Youth 6-17 years old – $5 + fees
- Kids 5 & under – Free
Weekend tickets:
- Adults over 18 – $25 + fees
- Youth 6-17 years old – $8 + fees
- Kids 5 & under – Free