Lowcountry Oyster Festival presented by Red Clay Hot Sauce

The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is the world’s largest oyster festival and has been named one of the “top 20 events in the southeast” by Southeastern Tourism Society. Highlights include the legendary “Oyster Shucking” and “Oyster Eating” Contests, live music on the main stage, wine, a selection of domestic and imported beers, a Children’s Area and a “Food Court” showcasing a variety of local favorite restaurants to satisfy everyone’s taste.

—This is a charitable fundraiser.  This year’s selected benefitting charities and education partners will be announced closer to the event date.

—Music: Opening-The Bluestone Ramblers; Headerline-To be announced…

—Contests: The Oyster Shucking and Eating Contests will begin at noon. Sign-ups will be from 10-noon underneath the main stage tent.

—Don’t like oysters? We have plenty of other options…

Food Court Restaurants: TBA

Food Trucks: TBA

—VIP Area: Our exclusive VIP area includes catered unlimited LOCALoysters, food, and beverages. Seating and tables are provided.  VIP Menu: (Catered by Queen Street Hospitality)

OYSTER FESTIVAL FREQUENTLY asked QUESTIONS

• How much does it cost and what is included?
  • General Admission – $17.50/advanced; $25 day of-  (online, Boone Hall Farms, official Visitor Center). Children 10 and under are free with an adult general admission ticket. Includes entry into event.  The general admission ticket grants you access into the festival. Once inside, you purchase food & beverage tickets separately.
  • VIP – $130 before December 31st; $160 after January 1st – frequently sell out, so encouraged to buy in advance. VIP has its own supply of unlimited food (including LOCAL oysters) and beverages under the tent. Food not within the VIP not included and can be purchased separately. See main event page for menu.

• What am I allowed to bring inside of the festival?
  • Allowed: Strollers | Wagons | Foldable Chairs | Oyster Knives and Gloves
  • Not allowed: Pets | Coolers | Outside Food and Beverages | Foldable Tables

• Is the event rain or shine?

Yes, the event will be rain or shine!  Think of the Oyster Festival like you do mail delivery – good anytime!

• How much does the food cost?

Food can be purchased from a variety of vendors. Food items range from $2 – $6.  Oysters are available by the bucket, steamed. One bucket is around 2 1/2 dozen oysters and is market value.

• How long is the event?

Gates open at 10am and the event ends 5pm. For a full schedule of events and offerings, please see our event page on the website.

• Is there a cost for parking?

There is no charge for general parking and the attendants will guide you into a parking space. Handicap parking is available for free and there is a lot for preferred parking which costs $20 cash. These spots are first-come first-serve. For guests entering the event using the Highway 17N entrance, there are park and ride shuttles running continually through Boone Hall that take you from the parking lot to the entrance.

• How do I get to the event?

There will be 2 entrances. The Main Entrance is located at 1235 Long Point Road. You may also enter at 2330 US Highway 17. If arriving via Uber, Lyft or taxi please give them the 1235 Long Point Rd. address. The drop-off will be at a designated loop near the main plantation house.