Saturday, October 12
12:30 - 5:00 pm
As always, our Oyster Festival -- winner in the past of the Bay Weekly Best of the Bay award for Community Events -- features good community company, fine regional music, an array of choice gifts for purchase, a cash raffle, local food and drink and the best oysters anywhere. Come out for the festival and our biggest fundraiser of the year and enjoy the day on our broad green lawn on the banks of the West River in Shady Side. Scroll down for more event details. (Rain date: Sunday, October 13)
*New* Thanks to a matching grant from the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, we are able to offer scholarships for local elementary school students and their families so they can experience this festive community event! Click here to read more about how you can contribute.
Admission
Online admission sales have ended. Admission can be purchased at the festival entrance.
$10 Members
$20 Non-members
Free for children 8 years and under
What to Expect
Oysters, oysters, oysters!
Oysters, oysters, oysters!
Oysters, oysters, oysters!
Get your oysters raw, steamed, fried, and more. There'll be fresh oysters shucked in front of you by members of the Anne Arundel County Watermen's Association. Enjoy an oyster shooter made with Old Bay vodka courtesy of George's Beverage Company!
Live, local music
Oysters, oysters, oysters!
Oysters, oysters, oysters!
Tim and Savannah Finch with the Eastman String Band
12:30 - 2:15 pm
Returning to the Oyster Festival stage, their music melds bluegrass with Americana for an "Alt-grass Sound". Listen to their music.
Red Sammy
2:30 - 5:00 pm
Adam Trice and his ensemble perform a blend of "slow burning americana folk-rock". Listen to their music.
Delicious Food
Oysters, oysters, oysters!
Kids' Activities
Skipper’s Pier will serve food from their renowned menu, and Chesapeake Grille will have its popular crab soup, as well as burgers, and hotdogs.
Inside you can enjoy delicacies from the annual Avery Cafe bake sale, along with coffee, tea, and cider.
Beverages for sale include mixed drinks courtesy of George's Beverage Company, beer, wine, water, and soft drinks.
Kids' Activities
Kids' Activities
Kids' Activities
Kids can enjoy painting pumpkins provided by Greenstreet Growers or get their own faces painted.
Join the arts & crafts table with Arts Lab of South County or go on a story walk provided by the Anne Arundel County Public Library - Deale branch.
50/50 Raffle
Kids' Activities
50/50 Raffle
Our 50/50 cash raffle also returns. Last year's winner took home almost $2,000! Tickets go on sale in September.
Choose It!
Kids' Activities
50/50 Raffle
Visit the Choose It! booth to find unique gifts and experiences, generously donated, at discounted prices. Do you or your business have an amazing gift, service, or experience that you'd like to offer? Contact us at 410-867-4486!
What to Know
Admissions
- There are no physical tickets for those purchasing admission. Names and number of admissions sold will be on a registration list. You will be checked in upon entry.
- If you prepaid for admission or receive free admission with your member/sponsor benefits, you can check in at the Admissions table under the TICKET HOLDERS sign.
Payments Accepted
- There will be one ATM on site (with surcharge fees).
- All vendors are cash preferred, and some vendors are CASH ONLY.
- We will be accepting credit cards at the ADMISSIONS, MEMBERSHIP, and CHOOSE IT tables as well as at least one bar.
- Credit card payments may come with a payment processing fee between 2.5 and 3.0%.
Parking
- On-site parking is only for musicians, vendors, and attendees with wheelchairs or walkers. All other attendees must park off-site at either Shady Side Park (1355 E. West Shady Side Rd.) or Clarks Landing (1442 Ford Rd., Shady Side).
- A shuttle service will run between the festival and the off-site parking lots.
Alcohol and Tobacco
- There is no smoking anywhere on Museum property, including the parking lots and pier.
- Outside alcohol is not permitted.
- If you are 21+ years old, bring your ID. We are legally required to check ID for anyone who will purchase or drink alcohol. If you do not have your ID with you, we cannot serve you alcohol.
- We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for the health and safety of all attendees.
Safety
- Children under 8 years old must be supervised by an adult or guardian, including when they're in the Kids' Areas.
- This is a family-friendly event for all ages to enjoy. Anyone disrupting the peace of the event will be asked to leave.
- The Captain Avery Museum does not allow firearms, knives, or other weapons on its premises.
Raffle
- If you got raffle tickets ahead of time, bring them with you!
- Raffle tickets are cash only and can be purchased at the Raffle Table.
- The drawing will be held at 5 PM. You do not need to be present to win.
- Winner may be asked to show ID.
Pets
- We encourage you to leave your pet at home. It’s a very crowded environment and pets may not enjoy it as much as you.
- Pets must stay on a leash and are not allowed in the building. Only Service Animals are allowed inside.
Community
- We are in the middle of a residential area and ask that you be respectful of our neighbors and their properties.
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Choose It Fundraiser
There are a few items and services that are still available. Support the museum and check off your holiday shopping list!