NC Oyster Festival Returns on Oct. 17-18

One of our area’s most popular local events each year is the oyster festival. This year marks the 35th Annual Oyster Festival that will take place on October 17 and 18 at 8 East Second St., Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.

The festival is treasured by Brunswick County natives and visitors alike. It’s here where you’ll find arts and crafts, an oyster stew cook-off, plenty of great music and lots of dancing. Events during the weekend include the following:

NC Oyster Festival Road Race
The road race will take place on October 18 beginning at 8 a.m. on 1st Street at Ocean Isle Beach. There will be a 5K, 10K, and 1-mile fun run. Enjoy a great run on beautiful Ocean Isle Beach. Walkers are welcome to register for the 5K. Only runners will be allowed to register for the 10K.

 

The Muddy Oyster Challenge
This challenging obstacle mud course includes climbing over walls, carrying heavy objects, traversing bodies of water, and crawling under barbed wire. Individuals and teams can sign up for The Muddy Oyster Challenge being held on Saturday, October 10, at 44 Indigo Flats Rd. East, Tabor City, NC. 

 

The Shaggin’ Oyster Challenge
Get your Shag on Sunday, October 18 at 1:30 p.m. at the Main Stage and compete in one of three divisions for your share of the minimum $1,500 prize money pool! Contest divisions will be Amateur, Novice, and Junior. The Shaggin’ Oyster Challenge is sponsored by the Coastal Shag Club of Shallotte 

 

Oyster Shucking Contest
Join us on Saturday, October 17 at 1:00 p.m. to put your shucking skills to the test. The winner of the North Carolina Oyster Shucking Championship will receive a plaque, $275 cash, and $200 traveling cash to be sued for travel to and from the National Oyster Shucking Contest in Leonardtown, Maryland. The second place winner will receive $200. Third place will receive $175.

 

Oyster Eating Contest
You can never have too much of a good thing. The Oyster Eating contest is proof of that! Join us at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 17 and compete with other oyster lovers and speed eaters for title of “Oyster Eating Champion! If you love oysters or have been accused of swallowing your food whole, this contest is for you!” Rules are simple: contestants must use forks and all oysters must be cleared from a tray before starting a new one. There is no charge for entering the contest.

 

Oyster Stew Cook-Off
Register for the North Carolina Oyster Stew Cook-Off and compete for title of best oyster stew in the state. The Oyster Stew Cook-Off is open to all restaurants. The winning stew will be named the “People’s Choice” and the restaurant will be awarded $500. There is also a $250 prize for second place. 

 

Live Entertainment
The NC Oyster Festival is one of the best venues for amazing local and regional musical talent. This year’s lineup includes everything from beach music to country. Artists include Whitney Layne, Darrell Harwood, and many others. Make sure you join us for another year of great live music!

Meet Ozzy the Oyster
Be sure to take time during the weekend to meet Ozzy and have your photo taken with him at our photo booth! Ozzy is our official oyster aficionado. He has been waiting all year to welcome you back to the North Carolina Oyster Festival!