September 15, 2023
What do you get when you combine delicious seafood, live entertainment, and a picturesque island setting? The Chincoteague Oyster Festival! If you’re a fan of oysters, wine, and good times, mark your calendars for October 7th, 2023. The 50th annual Chincoteague Oyster Festival is right around the corner!
Show-runner Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce
This storied festival is run by Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce. We had a chance to catch up with the Marketing & Event Coordinator Joanne Moore and she gave us a run down on what to expect this year!
What special additions do you have planned for the 50th annual Chincoteague Oyster Festival?
“In honor of the festivals 50th anniversary, we have brought back on old-time favorite – the Chincoteague Oyster Festival poster! The poster features a retro design and layout that pays homage to Oyster Festival posters of years ago. This has been a collector piece over the years.
We are also going to have the first ever Oldest Chincoteague Oyster Festival T-shirt Contest! Many attendees have a wardrobe of festival shirts and we are excited to see who has the oldest t-shirt or sweatshirt. A special prize will be given to the winner!
A large turnout is also expected for our Best Space Contest. It is always fun to see the creativity of our attendees as they decorate their festival space! They can then register at the Information tent to be judged with the winning space is announced at the band stage at 4pm. The winners take home a great basket of prizes and bragging rights until next year!”
What are you most excited about for this year’s festival?
“Attendees have been looking forward to the 50th anniversary for several years, so we are excited to watching them come together with family and friends to enjoy this island tradition on a beautiful fall day on Chincoteague Island. It is always wonderful to see folks make new friends along the way too!”
Who is the featured band at the festival?
“Island Boy Band is a rock and roll band out of Hampton, VA that has been rocking the tunes at the Chincoteague Oyster Festival for 29 years! They are a festival favorite and have folks smiling, feeling good through music, and dancing the afternoon away.
Roughly how many oysters do you need to prepare for this event?
“Between shucked oysters for single fried and fritters, shell oysters for steaming, and salts for the raw bar, attendees consume about 55,000 oysters… in just four hours! They also enjoy approximately 32,000 shrimp for shrimp cocktail and 4,000 chowder clams for delicious chowder and fritters.”
How many people attend this event?
“The event is a sell-out event with 2,700 tickets sold each year. Tickets are selling fast and are typically gone by mid-late September. To make sure you are part of this 50th anniversary celebration, purchase yours before they are gone at www.ChincoteagueChamber.com or by calling 757-336-6161.”
Check out their Facebook Event for more info.
Location, Location, Location
This beloved event will take place at Tom’s Cove Park in Chincoteague, Virginia, a charming town nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. So, grab your family and friends and join us in celebrating half a century of shuckin’ and sippin’ at the Chincoteague Oyster Festival!
Affordable & Family Friendly
The Chincoteague Oyster Festival is a one-day event that attracts seafood lovers from near and far. For just $60 per person, you’ll get unlimited access to all-you-can-eat oysters, steamed clams, and other seafood delicacies. There’s also a cash bar where you can sip on beer, wine, and cocktails while taking in the festive atmosphere. Children under five get in for free, and there are plenty of kid-friendly activities to keep them entertained. But don’t wait to buy your tickets, as they sell out quickly every year!
Much To Do In Chincoteague
As mentioned, Chincoteague is a beautiful town with plenty of things to see and do. So, why not make a weekend out of your visit? You can explore the unspoiled beaches, bike or hike on scenic trails, and even take a boat tour to see the famous wild ponies of Assateague Island. If you’re a history buff, you can also check out the Chincoteague Island History Walk or the Museum of Chincoteague Island. And if you enjoy fishing, be sure to book a charter boat to catch your own fresh seafood.
Buy A Ticket To The Freshest Seafood Festival On The East Coast
In the end…the Chincoteague Oyster Festival is an event you won’t want to miss if you’re a fan of all things seafood and fun. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, the festival offers a unique and exciting experience for all. With unlimited oysters, live music, and local vendors, you’ll have a blast celebrating the 50th anniversary of this beloved event.
So, come join us and take part in the festivities on October 7th, 2023, at Tom’s Cove Park in Chincoteague, Virginia. We’ll be shuckin’ and sippin’ away, and we can’t wait to see you there!
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