Oyster Festival in Oyster Bay

Oyster Festival in Oyster Bay
A young boy in sunglasses enjoys bubblegum-pink cotton candy nearly as big as his head at a lively fall festival street fair. Behind him, a vendor stand advertises hot chocolate, adding to the festive mix of seasonal treats and family-friendly fun. Oyster Bay, NY – October 16, 2022. File photo: Theplantedwanderer, licensed.

The Oyster Festival, often called Oyster Fest, is an annual, family-friendly food and cultural festival held in the beautiful, historic hamlet of Oyster Bay, New York. It’s known as the East Coast’s largest waterfront festival.

The event is staged along the waterfront and throughout Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park, offering scenic views and easy access to the shoreline.

History & Purpose:

  • Origins: The roots of the festival trace back to a parade held in honor of Theodore Roosevelt’s 125th birthday – what began as a tribute in the early 1980s evolved into the Oyster Festival by 1983.
  • Charitable Roots: Organized originally by the Rotary Club of Oyster Bay and later supported by the Town of Oyster Bay and the Chamber of Commerce, the festival remains a major non-profit fundraising event, with proceeds going to local charities via grant programs.

What to Expect:

  • Food Galore: A vast oyster food court offering oysters in every conceivable form – from raw on the half-shell to chowders, fried oyster dishes, and more. Other seafood selections often include shrimp, clams, and traditional festival fare.
  • Contests & Entertainment: Oyster shucking and oyster-eating competitions bring competitive fun to the mix. Also on tap are live music stages, amusement rides, games, and an arts & crafts pavilion featuring local artisans.
  • Crowds & Scale: The festival regularly draws over 150,000 visitors annually, with some years peaking near 200,000 attendees.

When It Takes Place:
It typically occurs the weekend after Columbus Day – usually mid-October. For example, in 2024 the festival ran on October 19–20 from 11 AM to 6 PM each day.

Highlights at a Glance

FeatureDescription
Scale & AtmosphereOne of the biggest and most iconic waterfront festivals on the East Coast, buzzing with energy and crowds.
Food ExperienceExtensive seafood offerings focusing on oysters in multiple preparations, plus other traditional fare.
ActivitiesIncludes oyster-themed contests, live music, rides, games, and arts & crafts.
Community ImpactFunds raised support local charities; it’s a true community-driven event with nonprofit roots.
Websitehttps://www.theoysterfestival.org

Insights from Locals

On Reddit (r/longisland), attendees have shared their mixed experiences:

Comment
byu/danchak2 from discussion
inlongisland
Comment
byu/danchak2 from discussion
inlongisland

These opinions suggest that while the festival is beloved for its scale and tradition, rising costs and overcrowding have dampened the experience for some.

The Oyster Festival in Oyster Bay is a long-standing seasonal celebration of oysters, community, and culture, featuring enticing food, fun contests, live entertainment, and charitable support. Yet, as with many large-scale events, it faces critiques about pricing and crowd management in recent years.