Oyster Festival Saturday, October 14
Join us on Saturday, October 14 from 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm
$10 Members; $15 Non-members; Children under 13 FREE
Rain date is Sunday, October 15.
Volunteer at the Festival!
Would you like to volunteer at the Oyster Festival? Volunteers are needed for 3-hour shifts before, during, and after the festival. Volunteers get free admission all day and one free drink ticket. Click the button for more details and to volunteer!
26th Annual Oyster Festival at Captain Avery Museum
As always, our Oyster Festival -- winner in the past of the prestigious 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.
What to Expect
Live, local music
Oysters, oysters, oysters!
Live, local music
Gary Wright, Leah Weiss and fellow musician Jimmy Jacobs will open performing American roots music, followed by the heartfelt originals and soaring harmonies of Tim and Savannah Finch and the Eastman String Band.
Delicious Food
Oysters, oysters, oysters!
Live, local music
Skipper’s Pier will serve food from their renowned menu, and Chesapeake Grille will have its crab soup, burgers, and hotdogs. Beverages for sale include beer, wine, water, and soft drinks. Inside you can enjoy delicacies from the annual Avery Cafe bake sale, along with coffee and cider.
Oysters, oysters, oysters!
Oysters, oysters, oysters!
Oysters, oysters, oysters!
Get your oysters raw, steamed, and fried. 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 Mixes!
Kids' Activities
Kids' Activities
Oysters, oysters, oysters!
The kids' zone has expanded and will include lots of crafts and activities, including pumpkin bowling and face painting!
50/50 Raffle
Kids' Activities
50/50 Raffle
Tickets are available ahead of time online and at Renno's Market. Visit the raffle booth at the festival, too!
Choose It!
Kids' Activities
50/50 Raffle
Visit the Choose It! booth to find unique gifts and experiences at discounted prices. Generously donated by individuals and businesses. Click for a sneak peek!
What to Know
Admissions
- There are no physical tickets.
- If you prepaid for admission or receive free admission with your member benefits, you can check in at the Admissions table under the PRE-PAID sign.
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 Lula G. Scott Community Center (6243 Shady Side Rd.).
- 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 with you. 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 will not give you a bracelet. Without a bracelet you will not be served.
- We reserve the right to refuse service for the health and safety of all attendees.
Payments Accepted
- Some vendors are cash-only and all vendors are cash-preferred.
- ATMs will be onsite (with surcharge fees).
Children
- Children must be supervised by an adult or guardian, including when they're in the Kids' Areas.
Safety
- 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, you can pick them up at the Raffle Booth on the lawn.
- 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
- While our grounds are pet-friendly, 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. Service animals inside only.
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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