Getting ready for the 42nd Oyster Fest

The East Coast’s largest waterfront festival is returning to the heart of Oyster Bay this month, bringing with it two days of seafood, live music, and community celebration. The 42nd annual Oyster Fest will take place Oct. 18 and 19 along Audrey Avenue and Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park, where more than 150,000 visitors are expected to gather. Presented by the Town of Oyster Bay and the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce, the beloved festival celebrates the town’s maritime heritage while supporting local charities.

Here are three things to know before you go.

1. It's all about the local flavor

The Oyster Fest is staying true to its name by featuring oysters harvested exclusively from Long Island waters, thanks to the participation of more than a dozen oyster farmers with the Long Island Oyster Growers Association. The bivalves will be served in nearly every style imaginable — raw on the half-shell, grilled, fried, in po’ boy sandwiches, Buffalo-style, or stirred into rich chowders.

But oysters aren’t the only thing on the menu. Visitors can dig into lobster rolls, seared scallops, ahi tuna steaks, seafood paella, and a full lobster dinner. For those looking for something different, this year’s expanded food court includes an Oktoberfest tent with bratwurst and apple fritters, a Corrado Pizza truck and more.

2. There’s more than food to enjoy

Beyond the food stalls, the festival will be filled with activities and entertainment for all ages. The Craft Beer Garden returns with expanded seating and sweeping views of Oyster Bay Harbor. Local favorite Oyster Bay Brewing Company will be pouring its most popular selections, including a seasonal Oktoberfest brew.

Live music will fill the air across three stages, featuring tribute acts such as Simply Stapleton, Echoes of the Eagles, and Glass Houses, alongside local bands like Kamellot and Ready in Ten. The Oyster Shucking and Eating Contests will take place Saturday afternoon. Families can also enjoy the amusement rides and family fun zone, while the Kings of the Coast pirate show and the John J. Harvey Fireboat return to the waterfront.

3. The festival gives back — while helping the oysters in the bay

While the Oyster Fest is a highlight of the fall season, it’s also an important fundraiser for local nonprofits. Proceeds from the event support organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of Oyster Bay-East Norwich, ensuring the celebration benefits the community that hosts it.

The festival also plays a role in protecting the marine environment it celebrates. Through the town’s shell recycling program, oyster shells collected during the event will be reused to strengthen the local marine ecosystem.

For more information, visit TheOysterFest.org. Volunteers can help by contacting the Department of Environmental Resources at environmental@oysterbay-ny.org.