Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association Oyster Roast
2024-11-29 14:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | Ocracoke Seafood Company, 416 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke, North Carolina, 27960
Come enjoy some delicious, locally harvested seafood (fresh oysters, steamed shrimp, seafood stew) at the Oyster Roast and deck the halls (or masts) and set out sail in Silver Lake to help kick off the holiday season.

The Oyster Roast is a fundrasier for our Ocracoke Working Watermen’s Association and for the continued repairs for the Fishhouse.

All you can eat oysters! Adults $45. Children 12 and under free with adult ticket.

Oyster roast starts at 2pm at the Ocracoke Seafood Company. Holiday Boat Parade starts at 5:30pm at the Community Square Docks.

Reach out to Sara Teaster with any questions (sara.teaster@gmail.com)

Shuck Hatteras Oyster Festival
2024-12-20 17:00 - 2024-12-21 23:00 | Cape Hatteras KOA Resort, 25099 North Carolina Hwy 12, Rodanthe, North Carolina, 27968, United States
Get in on the Shuck Hatteras Oyster Festival 2024! The Shellabration takes place December 20 – 21st and will be filled with community, music, and food!

Friday, December 20 at 5:00 PM commences the weekend with a “Shuck-Off” welcoming party featuring local live music and local oysters. Saturday features an array of Oystivities as well as live music and local art vendors which is all FREE TO THE PUBLIC. The Oyster Cook-off Challenge will be judged by participating event patrons. The ALL-YOU-CAN EAT Oyster Roast will take place at 4 pm (ticket required). There will also be games and activities for the kids. Live Music & the Roast will conclude at 11 pm.

Wine and Brine
2025-01-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Southern Salt Seafood Company and Waterfront Restaurant, 701 Evans St., Morehead City, North Carolina, 28557, United States
Presented by NC Seafood Festival and NC Coastal Federation, this unique event celebrates the North Carolina Oyster trail and the state’s oyster industry. Join us on January 17,2025 from 6-8pm at Southern Salt (Morehead City, NC) for an evening of coastal flavors and fine wine.

Meet local oyster growers, savor their fresh harvests and enjoy perfectly paired wines curated by @mfchappell. Plus, indulge in @southernsaltseafood’s fresh, local seafood dishes as we showcase North Carolina’s growing reputation as the “Napa Valley of Oysters.”

Secure your spot for $85 per ticket and experience the coastal flavors of North Carolina!

Oyster Wine & Beer Festival - Charlotte
2025-02-01 12:00 - 17:00 | Ballantyne’s Backyard, 11611 N Community House Rd, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28277
Come eat lots of seafood at Ballantyne’s Backyard in Charlotte!

Platinum Pearl All-Access Admission12pm – 5pm

Golden VIP Admission1pm – 5pm

Drinky General Admission2pm – 5pm

“Join Us For This Second Annual Affair! It’s a Shuckin’ Good Time! We had such a great time last year – that we are back to do it again!!!Enjoy some of the world’s best SHUCKERS – shucking just for you, smell the FIRE under the grilled oysters, taste the BRINY flavor of the steamed seafood, watch the action while the symphony of tastes plays on right before your eyes. In order to better manage people’s needs – we’ve separated the show into DIFFERENT OPTIONS. So whatever your appetite, whatever your budget – it should make for a fun event. NO lines, NO headaches…just lots of deliciousness.”

“WHAT’S NEW THIS YEAR? MORE SHUCKERS – we learned that you LOVE your raw shucked oysters. We’ve tripled our shuckers so there will be no lines for Live Shuckers shucking 1,000’s of Raw Oysters. Shucking stops half an hour before the end of the session.“

“12 Different Types of Oysters being shucked and served. Doubled From Last Year!!”

Shuck & Tell - Local Oyster Showcase @ Wrightsville Beach Brewery
2025-02-10 18:00 - 20:15 | Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28403

Oyster Roast - Covey Wilmington
2025-02-23 12:00 - 15:00 | Covey Wilmington, 1610 Tiburon Drive, Wilmington, North Carolina
Join Covey Restaurant in Wilmington for their second annual oyster roast! They will be hosting the team from Three Little Spats Oyster Farm for raw and grilled Stump Sound Oysters. Accompanied with southern sides, $5 select wine, and $5 beers from the ever wonderful Brad out of Moody Tongue Brewery in Chicago.

Tickets available at coveyilm.com

Embracing Women In the Blue Economy (Shuck & Network)
2025-06-21 14:00 - 17:00 | Riverfront Convention Center of Craven County 203 South Front Street New Bern, NC 28560
“We want to amplify and support women owned businesses in coastal NC. Enjoy an oyster SHUCK and seafood boil from local farmers with drinks and desserts overlooking the beautiful Riverfront of beautiful historic New Bern, NC. Event starts at 2pm. Parking is free in Convention Center parking lot. Event takes place on covered Veranda and Patio. Wear your favorite sundresses! Hear about grant criteria for women owned businesses in eastern and coastal North Carolina! Make meaningful connections!”

Riverfront Convention Center of Craven County203 South Front Street New Bern, NC 28560

Speakers

Paige O’Neill UNCWilmington – the Blue Economy Business Opportunity – https://uncw.edu/profiles/o/oneillp

Lavonda Daniels – Array Community Development Corporation – NC Shellfish Farmer Fund www.arraycdc.org

Oyster Farmers

Anchored Life Oyster Farm https://www.anchoredlifeoysterfarm.com

Seashore Oyster Company https://www.facebook.com/seashoreoystercompany/

Resources

NC Sea Grant. https://ncseagrant.ncsu.edu

Down East Mariculture. https://www.downeastmariculture.com

Coastal Federation. https://www.nccoast.org

UNCWilmington Propel online training

https://uncw.edu/research/centers/innovation-entrepreneurship/events-programs/programs/propel

NC Catch.http://www.nccatch.org

Local Seafood https://localsseafood.com

Carteret County Acquaculture Department https://carteret.edu/programs/aquaculture-technology/

Oyster Fest at The Durham Hotel
2025-07-17 08:00 - 2025-07-20 17:00 | The Durham Hotel, 315 E. Chapel Hill St, Durham, North Carolina, 27701, United States
No tickets needed—just come hungry! Enjoy four days of raw, broiled, and fried NC oysters, street tacos, seafood nachos, and rooftop drinks. Summer flavors meet sustainable seafood in one unforgettable experience.

Green Drinks Kickoff
2025-07-17 17:30 - 19:00 | North Carolina
Green Drinks is a casual monthly gathering for people who care about our coast. Whether you enjoy boating, beach days, or simply want to keep our waters clean and our communities strong, this is a relaxed space to connect with others, hear from local voices, and stay up to date on important coastal topics. Each month, we’ll highlight a different issue—like salt marsh restoration, oysters, or local happenings that impact the coast—and talk about how we can work together to protect the places we all enjoy. Grab a drink from the bar and join the conversation—these events are free and open to the public.

Who: Anyone who loves our coast!

What: A relaxed, come-as-you-are meetup featuring a new coastal topic each month

Where: Rooftop Bar at Jack’s on the Waterfront – 513 Evans St, Morehead City, NC 28557

When: One Thursday a month from 5:30–7:00 PMFirst Meeting: Jul 17, 2025Speaker: Ryan Bethea, Oysters CarolinaOther 2025 Dates:August 21, September 11, October 9

National Oyster Day, NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island
2025-08-05 00:00 - 23:59 | 374 Airport Road, Manteo, NC 27954, 374 Airport Road, Manteo, 27954
Join us at the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island for a day of oyster-themed crafts, educational activities and demonstrations, and a movie.

Meet the Makers: Oyster Photo Exhibit & Reception
2025-08-13 17:00 - 19:00 | Fred and Alice Stanback Coastal Education Center, Fred and Alice Stanback Coastal Education Center 309 W. Salisbury St., Wrightsville Beach, 28480
Join the North Carolina Coastal Federation on Wednesday, August 13th, for a special reception celebrating the traveling Oyster Photo Exhibit, a collaborative project of North Carolina Sea Grant and the NC Oyster Trail. This inspiring exhibit highlights the hardworking individuals behind North Carolina’s growing oyster industry and honors the ecological, cultural, and economic value of oysters to our coast.

Special Guest Appearances:

Mandy Uticone, owner of Carolina Beach Oyster Company. Mandy will share her firsthand experiences as a grower, talk about the realities of working on the water, and answer all your oyster-related questions—like whether you really can enjoy oysters year-round!

Justin Kase Conder, the Raleigh-based photographer behind the exhibit. With over 27 years of experience and a passion for connecting with people through his lens, Justin will share behind-the-scenes stories from his time photographing oyster farmers across the state. His images capture the authenticity and dedication of those who bring oysters from sea to table.

Dr. Jane Harrison, Coastal Economics Specialist with North Carolina Sea Grant and coordinator of the NC Oyster Trail. Jane will discuss the vital role oysters play in North Carolina’s coastal economies and share insights into the Trail’s efforts to promote sustainable seafood tourism and support the state’s shellfish industry.

Whether you’re a longtime shellfish fan or simply curious about sustainable aquaculture, this is a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate North Carolina’s vibrant oyster heritage. Light refreshments and beverages will be provided.

Oyster Roast at NC Aquarium at Roanoke Island
2025-09-25 17:30 - 19:00 | 374 Airport Road, Manteo, NC 27954, 374 Airport Road, Manteo, 27954

Ocean Innovation Conference - UNCW
2025-09-30 08:30 - 16:00 | North Carolina
Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: UNCW Burney CenterOrganized by: UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) and the Alliance for the Blue Economy (All Blue)

“Preserving, protecting, and restoring our waters are tasks for many lifetimes, and sometimes the effort can seem overwhelming. But as long as we stay connected with all of the many, many blessings that water provides, and continue to keep that love in the forefront of our minds and hearts, as long as we remind ourselves to hope, then our stories will help connect others to water and encourage them to do what they can to help care for this beautiful Blue Marble world.”― Wallace J. Nichols, Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do

Thought leaders, innovators, and change makers will gather at the Ocean Innovation Conference to learn, explore, and vision new solutions for our ocean and waterways.

From climate change to overfishing to pollution, many problems must be addressed to protect our ocean. Entrepreneurs, universities, and governments are focusing on “what’s next” in protecting the ocean.

But even greater than that, we must protect our ocean and waterways to protect our community and the happiness, creativity, and romance that water provides for us as individuals.

Attend this conference to explore how those in Southeast North Carolina and others are embracing the opportunity to protect our ocean. We will reflect on current ocean trends and challenges, grow the local economy and improve livelihoods by protecting the ocean and increasing innovation. Throughout the day, there will be discussions of our blue ecosystem in the region, advancements in ocean-based innovation and technology, opportunities for investment in these innovations, and endeavors to preserve the precious resources of our oceans. You’ll have a chance to meet startup founders, nonprofits, and support organizations first hand at the Innovation Fair.

NC Oyster Month
2025-10-01 08:00 - 2025-10-31 17:00 | North Carolina
Join us each October as we “shellebrate” the history, culture, economy, and ecology of oysters in North Carolina!

Oysters play an important role in coastal communities. In the environment, oysters improve water quality and create habitat for other animals. Their unique flavor makes them a desirable dish, supporting the livelihoods of watermen and local economies across the state. Each October, the NC Oyster Trail, North Carolina Sea Grant, the NC Coastal Federation, and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources partner to bring you a full month of oyster facts, resources, and programming.

During NC Oyster Month on social media, share your love for our state’s shellfish using the hashtags #NCOysterMonth #NCOysters #GiveAShuck #KeepShuckin’.

Check out all of our October events on https://ncoystertrail.org/nc-oyster-month/

NC Oyster Festival
2025-10-18 08:00 - 2025-10-19 17:00 | Town Center Park, 11 E 2nd St, Ocean Isle Beach,, North Carolina, 28469, United States
North Carolina Oyster Festival – 44th Annual Celebration📍 October 18th (9:00am–6:00pm) & October 19th (10:00am–5:00pm)

Join us for the 44th Annual North Carolina Oyster Festival, a coastal tradition since 1978! Home to the only sanctioned oyster shucking contest in the state, our festival has proudly sent many talented shuckers on to national competitions.

🎉 Saturday Highlights:

Oyster Shucking Contest – Two exciting heats: Professional and Amateur

Oyster Eating Contest – A crowd favorite, immediately following the shucking showdown

🍲 Sunday Feature:

Stew Contest – Warm up your Sunday with a taste of the coast in this delicious afternoon competition

Don’t miss this iconic celebration of all things oyster!

Oysterberfest
2025-10-26 12:00 - 18:00 | North Carolina
Celebrate the beginning of wild oyster season with your favorite local brews! Wrightsville Beach Brewery hosts this annual oyster roast featuring N.C. wild and farmed oysters. Music will be provided by Back Pocket Buddha and Birdwell Beat.

Oysterpalooza
2025-11-01 08:00 - 17:00 | Soundside Park, 517 Roland Ave, Surf City, North Carolina, 28445
Ocean Fest is proud to present the return of Oysterpalooza — a community fundraiser celebrating oysters, live music, and coastal culture. Join us for a one-day event featuring five hand-picked oyster purveyors, local food trucks, eco-friendly vendors, and live bands all day on the Soundside stage 🎉

This year’s Oysterpalooza is laser-focused on raising funds to support Ocean Fest’s mission: To Surf and Protect. Proceeds will benefit grants and educational programs that keep our coasts clean and thriving.

Secure your tickets now!

First Annual NC Oyster & Seafood Celebration
2025-11-04 18:00 - 2025-11-05 21:00 | Seabird Restaurant, 1 S Front St, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28401
The inaugural North Carolina Oyster & Seafood Celebration is taking place November 4-5 at acclaimed restaurant Seabird – a sustainable seafood restaurant and oyster bar devoted to celebrating North Carolina’s coast through daily-changing menus featuring local fishers, farmers, and foragers. The two-day seafood experience follows the official start of wild oyster season while celebrating the State’s renowned coastal foodways, fishermen and women and sustainable seafood practices.The multi-event celebration will feature special guest Julie Qiu, Oyster Sommelier and Co-founder of the Oyster Master Guild, who will lead educational experiences designed for both industry professionals and discerning diners seeking to deepen their appreciation for North Carolina’s exceptional oyster offerings.

Event Schedule:

Tuesday, November 4thFarmed Oyster Dinner with Oyster Master Guild: The evening begins at 6pm with an introduction to oyster appreciation by renowned Oyster Sommelier Julie Qiu, followed by presentations from local oyster farmers sharing insights into their craft, challenges, and passion for sustainable aquaculture. Guests will taste a curated selection of oysters from across North Carolina, paired with carefully selected wines. The experience concludes with a multi-course seafood dinner.

Wednesday, November 5thOyster Class (Noon-2:30 PM): Julie Qiu will lead an intensive educational session designed specifically for oyster farmers, hospitality professionals and passionate enthusiasts, providing advanced knowledge and techniques for oyster service and appreciation.

Wild Oyster Chef’s Table Experience with Oyster Sommelier Julie Qiu and Coastal Forager Ana Shellem (5:00-7:15 PM): An exclusive, intimate dining experience at Seabird’s 8-seat Chef’s Table, focusing on wild oysters through a specially curated tasting menu. This elevated experience offers diners direct interaction with Chef Neff, Julie Qiu, Ana Shellem, and guests as they explore the nuances of wild North Carolina oysters.

Reservations for these events can be made through OpenTable!

Rawleigh Oyster Fest
2025-11-08 08:00 - 17:00 | Smoky Hollow, 421 N Harrington St, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27603
A group of NC oyster farmers, local chefs, bold flavor makers, to create community fortitude. Founded by Mera Brothers Oysters, we bring coast to capital with fresh seafood, vibrant music, and a charitable mission to support sustainability and local culture.

Meet the Raleigh chefs and NC oyster farms bringing all the flavor to the fest. You’ll have the chance to try and vote on a variety of raw or grilled oysters—and an oyster ice cream!

Learn more on their website!

Proceeds from this event will directly support two amazing organizations: North Carolina Coastal Federation and Frankie Lemmon School. Your support helps provide vital education and resources for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities while also protecting and restoring North Carolina’s coast for generations to come.

Beaufort Wine & Food Oyster Roast 2025
2025-11-14 08:00 - 2025-11-15 17:00 | Beaufort Hotel, 129 Middle Lane, Beaufort, North Carolina, 28516
The beloved oyster roast, traditionally a one day event in the fall is now becoming multi-day! We are in the process of developing a fun-filled event celebrating beer on Friday. The oyster roast will be on Saturday. It will all be held on the Beaufort Hotel lawn again. Stay tuned for more details.

Help us support others, by becoming a fall fest partner. Just ask us how here.

CONTACT

beaufortwineandfood@gmail.com

(252) 515-0708

129 Middle Lane

Beaufort, NC 28516

Cucalorus Film Festival
2025-11-20 08:00 - 23:00 | Hi-Wire Brewing , 1020 Princess Street, Wilmington, North Carolina
The Cucalorus Film Foundation is a multi-disciplinary media arts organization supporting emerging and innovative artists through festivals, grants, residencies, and a community cinema with screenings and youth education programs throughout the year. Cucalorus brings people together to celebrate, discover, and create. The annual Cucalorus Film Festival provides a non-competitive environment to support independent filmmakers, performance artists, and community organizers who use storytelling to transform our world.

The 31st annual Cucalorus Film Festival will take place November 19-23, 2025 in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina. The festival schedule is packed with more than 100 independent and international films paired with a fringe-style selection of performance and installation art for a wide-ranging exploration of cinema and beyond.

The NC Oyster Trail will have an educational table at the opening event on November 20th from 8-11pm.

Oyster Fest at Buddy's Seafood Market
2025-11-22 10:00 - 17:00 | Buddy’s Seafood Market, 115 Commons Dr Suite C, Mooresville, North Carolina, 28117, United States
We’re freeing the oysters this weekend!

Join us for the FREE OYSTER FEST at Buddy’s Seafood Market — happening Saturday, November 22 from 10 AM–5 PM!

FREE event

FREE oyster tastings from across the U.S.

Oysters available to purchase inside the store

Come experience oysters from Carolina to the West Coast — all right here in Mooresville!

Shuck Hatteras IV Oyster Festival
2025-12-20 13:00 - 22:00 | Cape Hatteras KOA Outer Banks Resort, 25099 North Carolina Highway 12, Rodanthe, North Carolina, 27968
​​Shuck Hatteras Oyster Festival is the fourth annual all-day “Shellebration” with live music, Shuck Town artisan vendor market, oyster cook-off competition, and the coveted all-you-can-eat authentic fire pit oyster roast. We will also have food, games, kids activities, and raffles which benefit the Chicamacomico Banks Fire & Rescue.

Book today! While the event is free and open to the public, ticket purchases are required for the AYCE oyster roast. Tickets for the roast are $35 in advance, $50 day of the event.

Sunny Side Oyster Bar Annual Suck & Shag
2026-02-07 18:30 - 22:30 | Sunny Side Oyster Bar, 1102 Washington St, Williamston, North Carolina, 27892
The legendary Sunny Side Oyster Bar is hosting its annual Suck & Shag on Saturday, February 7th, 2026! All are invited to enjoy oysters, seafood, and shag dancing to great R&B music. Same great party, no admission – same weekend for over 30 years – same great food, friendships, and fun!

1102 Washington St, Williamston, NC 27892

Shuck & Shag at Sunny Side Oyster Bar

24th Annual Oink & Oyster Roast
2026-03-14 08:00 - 17:00 | Pigman’s Bar-B-Que, 1606 S Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, 27948
Great food, music, raffles, door prizes, and great FUN for all ages!

Join the Rotary Clubs of the Outer Banks for the 24th Annual Oink & Oyster Roast. Feast on all-you-can-eat Pigman’s Bar-B-Que smoked pork, roasted oysters, sides, and all the fixings, plus one drink ticket.

The Rotary Clubs of the Outer Banks have proudly served the local Outer Banks community for over 35 years. With this year’s 24th Annual Oink and Oyster Roast, our goal is to raise funds to benefit OBX non-profit organizations and community services. Among them are The Beach Food Pantry, Dare to Care (free heart health screenings), Interfaith Community Outreach, the FFHS Band, Ruthie’s Kitchen, Dare County Children and Youth Partnership, Community Care Clinic of Dare, Outer Banks Relief Foundation, and so many more.
