Oyster Festival Kicks Off This Weekend

Image: Oyster Festival/Facebook

The 31st annual Oyster Festival returns this Saturday and Sunday for a mix of family fun and dozens of oyster, clam and seafood dishes on the waterfront at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay.

The festival draws more than 200,000 visitors to Oyster Bay. That’s where they will find entertainment, tall ships, artisans, pirate shows, rides, and the an oyster-shucking-and-eating contest.

Over at the food court, volunteer chefs and culinary pros alike work together, serving up a bounty of seafood fare. Oysters on the half shell, oyster stew, lobster bisques, steamers, seafood gumbo and soft shell crabs are just some of the offerings. And there are plenty of choices for those who don’t eat seafood.

Gerald Bair, Jill Gioia and Charlie Dane are just some of the musicians providing live entertainment during the festival.

Proceeds from the Oyster Festival support approximately 20 different local, nonprofit groups.

Getting There: The Long Island Rail Road runs special trains to the Oyster Festival entrance. Limited free parking and free shuttle bus service! parking in the village of Oyster Bay is available. And there is free parking and shuttle service from the following lots:

• Vernon School - Rt. 106 in East Norwich
• Mill Max Mfg Parking Lot - Rt. 106 in Oyster Bay (lot closes at 6:30)
• Oyster Bay Jewish Center - Berry Hill Rd.
• The Equestrian Center - Rte. 106 between Rte. 25A and Muttontown Rd.
• Center Island Beach - Bayville Ave, Bayville

Those arriving by boat should call ahead to OB Marine Center 516-624-2400 = VHF 71 or Sagamore Yacht Club 516-922-0555 = VHF 78A and reserve mooring or for further assistance.

Admission to the festival is free. The festival is open Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information call 516-628-1625.