The autumn season on the Chesapeake Bay is all about one thing: oysters. And now that the ‘ber months are upon us, it’s time to celebrate our favorite bivalves with festivals up and down the Bay.
First up, the Maryland Seafood Festival rolls into Sandy Point State Park just outside Annapolis over the weekend of September 10-11, packing the shores of the Bay with more seafood vendors than you could possibly visit in a single weekend (although we always try). There’s plenty of entertainment for the whole family, so plan to come early and stay late.
The Deltaville Maritime Museum is holding an Oyster Roast and Dance, also on September 10, from 5 until 9 p.m. Come for the oysters and cash bar, stay for the Taters, who will take the stage later in the evening.
For the armchair ornithologists, the Eastern Shore Birding and Wildlife Festival takes place October 6 through 9 at Sunset Beach Resort in Cape Charles, VA. The Festival culminates with a huge traditional Eastern Shore oyster roast Sunday afternoon, with live music and freshly harvested food.
Also over the weekend of October 8, the Chincoteague Island Oyster Festival takes place at Tom’s Cove Park in Chincoteague, VA. For only $45, you receive a wristband and the freedom to eat as much as you like. This event always sells out in mid-September, so contact the Chamber early.
Later in the month the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum hosts its annual Oysterfest, October 29, on the museum grounds in St. Michaels. There is live music, an oyster stew competition, retriever demos, and boat rides, along with all of the oyster cooking and harvesting demos. Bring the kids; there’s plenty to keep them occupied.
Serious enthusiasts of the superfamily Ostreoidea will want to mark October 15-16 on the calendar, when St. Marys County celebrates the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Oyster Festival at the St. Marys County Fairgrounds in Leonardtown. The event is the home of the National Oyster Shucking Championships and Oyster Cook Off, so plan on getting some pro demonstrations. The festival that celebrates the watermen and women of the Bay also brings in live music, local foods, arts and crafts, craft beer tastings, and lot of family fun.
Last up this season is the Urbanna Oyster Festival, November 4-5, complete with a parade, car show, shucking contest, and oyster education day. This is a huge event that draws the whole town in. If your boat is in still in the water, you’re welcome to use Upton’s Point Marina’s dinghy dock, and water taxis will still be running to grab you from your mooring.
Friday, September 2, 2016 - 09:13
The autumn season on the Chesapeake Bay is all about one thing: oysters. And now that the ‘ber months are upon us, it’s time to celebrate our favorite bivalves with festivals up and down the Bay.
First up, the Maryland Seafood Festival rolls into Sandy Point State Park just outside Annapolis over the weekend of September 10-11, packing the shores of the Bay with more seafood vendors than you could possibly visit in a single weekend (although we always try). There’s plenty of entertainment for the whole family, so plan to come early and stay late.
The Deltaville Maritime Museum is holding an Oyster Roast and Dance, also on September 10, from 5 until 9 p.m. Come for the oysters and cash bar, stay for the Taters, who will take the stage later in the evening.
For the armchair ornithologists, the Eastern Shore Birding and Wildlife Festival takes place October 6 through 9 at Sunset Beach Resort in Cape Charles, VA. The Festival culminates with a huge traditional Eastern Shore oyster roast Sunday afternoon, with live music and freshly harvested food.
Also over the weekend of October 8, the Chincoteague Island Oyster Festival takes place at Tom’s Cove Park in Chincoteague, VA. For only $45, you receive a wristband and the freedom to eat as much as you like. This event always sells out in mid-September, so contact the Chamber early.
Later in the month the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum hosts its annual Oysterfest, October 29, on the museum grounds in St. Michaels. There is live music, an oyster stew competition, retriever demos, and boat rides, along with all of the oyster cooking and harvesting demos. Bring the kids; there’s plenty to keep them occupied.
Serious enthusiasts of the superfamily Ostreoidea will want to mark October 15-16 on the calendar, when St. Marys County celebrates the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Oyster Festival at the St. Marys County Fairgrounds in Leonardtown. The event is the home of the National Oyster Shucking Championships and Oyster Cook Off, so plan on getting some pro demonstrations. The festival that celebrates the watermen and women of the Bay also brings in live music, local foods, arts and crafts, craft beer tastings, and lot of family fun.
Last up this season is the Urbanna Oyster Festival, November 4-5, complete with a parade, car show, shucking contest, and oyster education day. This is a huge event that draws the whole town in. If your boat is in still in the water, you’re welcome to use Upton’s Point Marina’s dinghy dock, and water taxis will still be running to grab you from your mooring.