Some love them and some can’t imagine eating them, but there’s no denying that oysters are a part of Brunswick County culture. The NC Oyster Festival celebrates those slimy, tasty mollusks with a weekend of oyster-related contests, music, food (other than oysters, too) and craft vendors. This year’s festival starts with a Community Night Kick-Off on Friday, Oct. 17 and continues through the weekend.
Community Night Kick-Off
This is free, family-friendly event to kick of the festival. Gates open at 4:30 pm, so head out early and find a spot to enjoy the evenings festivities, including a flag raising ceremony with honor guard, ribbon cutting and unveiling of the official Festival t-shirt and print featuring artwork by Keith White. The evening wraps up with a free concert by The Extraordinaires.
Parking
A FREE shuttle service will be provided from two designated lots near the Festival. The shuttles will run non-stop during festival hours. Please keep in mind that during the hours of 11 am – 2 pm, there is high traffic volume onto the island. Please allow extra time as you may have to a longer wait time to get onto a shuttle. Look for the volunteer parking crew to direct you in designated lots. Please note that parking in non-designated lots may cause your vehicle to be towed.
Lot Locations & Bus Route: Free parking at Lowes Foods (7278 Beach Dr.) and Odell Williamson Municipal Airport (6080 Beach Dr. ). The Ocean Isle Pier (1 W 1st St.) offers parking for a fee.
Wheelchair Accessibility: ADA accessible transportation will be located in the Lowes Food Lot. The NC Oyster Festival is navigable for wheelchairs.
Contests
Oyster Shucking, Professional and Amateur Contests
Saturday, Oct. 18 at 12 pm in the Contest Tent
Free to enter
Show off your shucking skills and your need for speed with the oyster shucking contest. Guidelines for professional shuckers will be followed. Prizes will be awarded to winners!
Oyster Eating Contest
Saturday, Oct. 18 at 1:30 pm in the Contest Tent
Cost: $5 per bucket
Compete with other oyster lovers to speed eat as many oysters as you can and earn the title of “Oyster Eating Champion.” If you love oysters or have been accused of swallowing your food whole, this contest is for you!
Oyster Stew Cook-Off
Sunday, Oct. 19 at 1 pm in the Contest Tent
Cost: $5 per ticket
Taste all the contest entries and help pick the Best Stew of The Year!
Musical Entertainment
Saturday, Oct. 18
9 am-12 pm: Blackwater Band
3-6 pm: The Main event Band
Sunday, Oct. 19
2-5 pm: Jim Quick & Coastline Band
