Come celebrate everything Oyster as we transform OIB Town Center Park into a walking district offering a variety of foods, crafts, contests and musical performances. With the support of our dedicated committee of volunteers, the Town of Ocean Isle Beach, many of our local businesses and the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce, the NC Oyster Festival is your destination for fun.

Arts & Crafts

Experience fine arts and crafts from around the area. Vendor booths consist of handmade jewelry, holiday decor, natural beauty products, handcrafted clothing items, woodcraft, unique cuisines, and so much more.

Schedule of Events:

October 20, 2023

Community Night Kick-Off - 5-8pm

Join us for a free community night kick-off event including a flag raising, unveiling of the commemorative t-shirts and oyster pendant, comments from town officials and festival facilitators, and a concert featuring Band of Oz.

2023 Entertainment Lineup

Bringing exceptional entertainers to the stage is a highlight of the NC Oyster Festival and this year is no exception. Featuring beach, funk, variety and country music, these five amazing bands are ready to get you dancing and singing along as they belt out many of your favorite songs. So bring your beach chair, find a spot and settle in for an epic weekend of music.

Friday, October 20, 2023

6:00pm-8:00pm: Band of OZ

Saturday, October 21, 2023

9:30am-12:30pm: Ryan Perry
1:00pm-3pm: Terry Douglas
4:00pm-6:00pm: Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot

Sunday, October 22, 2023

10:00am-12:00pm: Chocolate Chip & Company
2:00am-4:00pm: Too Much Sylvia

Contests

Love oysters? Then we have a competition for you!  Show off your lightning shucking skills, speed eat as many oysters as your stomach can hold, or show off your cooking skills in our cooking competition! If spectating is more your speed, then mosey over to the contest tents to cheer on the competitors. Either way, you are sure to be entertained!

Saturday, October 21, 2023

Oyster Shucking Contests

Time:
Shucking Professional: 11:30am
Shucking Amateur: 12:00pm
Location: Contest Tent located on 2nd Street

FREE to enter

Show off your shucking skills and your need for speed with our oyster shucking contest. Guidelines for professional shuckers will be followed. Prizes will be awarded to winners!

Pro Sign up Form
Amateur Sign up Form
Contest Score Sheet

Oyster Eating Contest

Time: 3:00pm
Location: Contest Tent on 2nd Street
Cost: $5 per bucket

You can never have too much of a good thing! The oyster eating contest is proof of that! 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!

Contest Sign up Form

Sunday, October 22, 2023

Oyster Stew Cook-Off

Time: 1:00pm
Location: Contest Tent
Cost: $5 per ticket

Wow the crowds and earn their favor by putting your cooking skills to the test. Impress the judges and you could earn yourself the title of “Oyster Stew Champion.”

Contest Application

Date: October 21-22, 2023

Time:

Saturday, 9:00am-6:00pm
Sunday, 10:00am-5:00pm

Location: 11 East 2nd St, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469

Admission:

$5 per Adult
FREE for children
12 years and under

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