October means Oyster Fest is nearly here. The annual waterfront festival returns to Oyster Bay on Oct. 17 and 18, bringing food, live entertainment, shopping, carnival rides and family activities to Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park and Audrey Avenue.
1. Oysters remain the event’s main attraction
The 43rd annual Oyster Fest is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to Oyster Bay. The festival is a partnership between the Town of Oyster Bay and the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce.
More than 70,000 oysters are expected to be sold during the weekend, with oysters sourced from Long Island waters.
Visitors can find oysters prepared in several ways, including raw on the half shell, grilled, fried and Rockefeller style. Oyster dishes also will be incorporated into chowder and po’boy sandwiches.
The festival’s annual oyster shucking and eating contests will take place Saturday on the Main Stage. Those looking to eat more than oysters will be able to enjoy a wide range of other culinary delights.
The Oyster Bay Brewing Company Beer Garden will offer seasonal beers overlooking Oyster Bay Harbor. The beer garden is for visitors 21 and older.
2. Two stages will feature live entertainment
Music will run throughout the weekend on stages at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park and Audrey Avenue.
Saturday’s Main Stage lineup includes KAMELLOT, That 70’s Band, Simply Stapleton, Echoes of the Eagles and Crash My Party. Sunday’s performers include Ready in Ten, Vinyl Revival, Diva and the Bar Band Heroes, Glass Houses and Radio Flashback.
Audrey Avenue will feature local and regional performers throughout both days. Saturday’s schedule includes Al Smith, Ape Theory, Juice, Chris Ruben Band, Dysfunktone and Miss J Experience. Sunday’s performers include Ariana Chetram, Crisis, Rob Eberle, and more.
Beyond the music, visitors can enjoy the Newton Shows carnival, featuring rides and games.
3. There will be plenty to do beyond the food
Families can find activities along West End Avenue, including a U.S. Army climbing wall, a New York Islanders slap shot attraction/
Arts and crafts vendors will fill the festival grounds, offering handmade jewelry, pottery, sculptures, paintings and other items. The downtown area along Audrey Avenue also will feature local businesses, vendors, food and entertainment.
Because parking in Oyster Bay is limited, organizers recommend using public transportation or designated parking areas with free shuttle service. The Long Island Rail Road will provide additional service to accommodate festival visitors, while free shuttle buses will operate from Syosset station and other designated locations.
Shuttles are scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
