NC Oyster Trail

Ocean Innovation Conference - UNCW
2025-09-30 08:30 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | 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, 2026-10-01 08:00 - 2026-10-31 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.

Wine & Brine
2026-01-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Southern Salt Seafood Company, 701 Evans St, Morehead City, North Carolina, 28557, United States
Join us for the 5th Annual Wine & Brine!

Celebrate North Carolina’s coast and the state’s thriving oyster culture at this signature event showcasing the North Carolina Oyster Trail. Enjoy an evening on the heated waterfront deck at Southern Salt Seafood Company in downtown Morehead City, where you’ll sip curated wines from MF Chappell Wine Merchant and savor farm-fresh oysters from growers across the coast.

Alongside the shellfish tastings, guests will enjoy a buffet of Southern and seafood favorites prepared by Southern Salt — a delicious complement to the evening’s coastal theme.

Tickets include:

Unlimited wine and oyster samples

A buffet of Southern and seafood fare from Southern Salt

Two beer or wine tickets to redeem at the bar

Live music

A souvenir wine glass

Discover why North Carolina is earning its reputation as the “Napa Valley of Oysters.”

Hosted by the North Carolina Coastal Federation and the North Carolina Seafood Festival

First Annual Groundhog Day Oyster Roast
2026-01-31 13:00 - 16:00 | Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28403
Welcome to the first annual Big Cypress Groundhog Day Oyster Roast! The event will be held on the eve of the eve of G-hog Day (Saturday, Jan 31, 2026) at Wrightsville Beach Brewery. Tickets are now available for the all-you-can-eat roast. Grab a Roast + Raw ticket for access to the roast, plus a discounted dozen on the half-shell (with all the good fixin’s). Enjoy a live acoustic set by the talented Adam Carswell, and wear your best Groundhog Day costume (be creative!) for a shot at raffle prizes like Big Cypress merch and free oyster deliveries.

This year’s event will benefit the Alec Michael Pearson Outdoorsman Memorial Foundation. Alec was a dear friend, fishing partner, and dive buddy who lost his life in a freediving accident in 2022. A portion of ticket and beer sales will go toward our goal of sinking an artificial reef in Alec’s memory. A link to donate to his memorial foundation can be found here (Link to Donate)

We’re excited to see you for the most under-celebrated holiday of the year! Come drink beer and eat oysters for a good cause.

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.

Rawleigh Oyster Fest
2026-03-21 14:00 - 17:00 | North Carolina
Rawleigh Oyster Fest brings together Raleigh chefs + North Carolina oyster farms for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience — from Mera Brothers (founders), St Roch, Lawrence BBQ, La Gana, and so much more! Plus, enjoy live music, craft beverages, and a celebration of coastal culture.

Proceeds from this event directly support the Frankie Lemmon School and the NC Coastal Federation. 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.

Rx All-You-Can-Eat Oyster Roast Celebration
2026-03-29 17:00 - 20:00 | Rx Chicken & Oysters, 421 Castle Street, Wilmington, North Carolina, United States
End of wild oyster season celebration featuring local oysters from Eagle Island Fruit & Seafood. Enjoy ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT roasted local oysters, live music, and raffle prizes by amazing local vendors at Rx, all for a great cause!

The N.C. Coastal Federation is a nonprofit working to protect and restore the coastal water quality and habitats in N.C. Their projects include the creation of living shorelines, oyster reef restoration, water quality improvement, and marine debris removal.

Give Rx a call to purchase your tickets!

OysterFest at The Bend
2026-04-12 13:00 - 17:00 | The Bend Bar, 853 W Morgan St, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27603, United States
Please join us for the very first Trophy Brewing & Locals Seafood Oyster Festival! Our celebration of NC’s best oyster farmers! We are bringing together 8 of the finest oysters farmers from Eastern NC for a one day event!

TO BENEFIT: NC COASTAL FEDERATION – Oyster Restoration Projects

WHERE: The Bend Bar – 853 W Morgan St – Raleigh, NC

We’re offering two levels of tickets:

La Perle (VIP) $175 1-5pm

1 hour of Early Access for the VIP Hour (1pm-2pm)

Includes 4 drinks (Beer/Wine/Liquor/ NA Beverages)

The FULL Tour, visits to each one of the 8 Oyster Farms. Each farmer will share their oysters in their favorite presentation. Most farms will be serving raw oysters on-the-half-shell, to highlight their natural flavor and freshness. One farm will serve up traditional NC steamed oysters.

Access to the VIP Bar area & Private Locals Seafood Raw Bar & Seafood Bites

Access to Both Houses at the Bend for Restrooms and cash bar

Live Music from 2-5pm.

“Merroir” $100 2-5pm

Includes 2 drinks (Beer or Wine)

The FULL Tour, visits to each one of the 8 Oyster Farms. Each farmer will share their oysters in their favorite presentation. Most farms will be serving raw oysters on-the-half-shell, to highlight their natural flavor and freshness. One farm will serve up traditional NC steamed oysters.

Access to both Houses at the Bend for Restrooms, cash bar

Live music from 2-5pm

Purchase tickets here!

https://www.localsseafood.com/news-and-media/oysterfest-the-bend

Ocean Fest
2026-05-02 08:00 - 17:00 | North Carolina
Ocean Fest returns to downtown Surf City on Saturday, May 2, 2026,with a FREE, all-day beachside celebration.

This beloved coastal event features live music, a vintage surf contest, a 5K beach run, eco education, local vendors, food and drinks, and family-friendly fun—all benefiting Mother Ocean.

Flights & Bites
2026-05-06 17:30 - 19:30 | North Carolina
Flights & Bites: A Coastal NC Beer Pairing Experience

Join us for an intimate, chef-driven evening celebrating the best of Eastern North Carolina. Flights & Bites is a one-night-only collaboration between Blackbeard’s Grill & Steambar and Shortway Brewing Company, featuring a thoughtfully curated four-course menu paired with four local craft beers.

Each course highlights fresh, coastal ingredients—what’s coming off the boat and straight to your table—perfectly matched with locally brewed selections to enhance every bite.

Menu Experience Includes:

• Steamed & Roasted Local Oysters

• Blue Crab & Rainbow Chard Crostini

• Pan-Seared Local Fish with Seasonal Sides

• Warm Chocolate Bread Pudding

Each course is expertly paired with a Shortway Brewing Company beer.

Event Details:

📅 Wednesday, May 6, 2026

🕠 5:30 PM (Doors open at 5:00 PM)

📍 Blackbeard’s Grill & Steambar – Beaufort, NC

Includes all four courses + beer pairings

Limited seating available. This is a one-night-only experience—reserve your spot early!

Town of Kitty Hawk Community Cleanup
2026-10-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Kitty Hawk Town Hall, 101 Veterans Memorial Dr, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, 27949
The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau is excited to host the 2nd Annual Outer Banks Volunteer Week from October 10-17, 2026, with several opportunities for visitors, residents and second homeowners to connect more deeply with the community by volunteering with local organizations on a variety of projects and events. Part of the Bureau’s expanding Voluntourism program, Volunteer Week aims to support local partners, promote off-season visitation to Dare County and highlight the ongoing work that goes into caring for and sustaining the Outer Banks.

Gilded Oyster Celebration
2026-10-12 10:00 - 18:00 | Empty Nest Studio and Gallery, 52193 Cardinal St, Frisco, North Carolina, 27936
Oyster Jewelry sale, Gilded Oyster Raffle with Oysters and Champagne @4:00

Garner Rotary's 21st Annual OysterFest
2026-10-15 17:00 - 20:30 | Agri Supply, 409 US-70, Garner, NC, 27529
Gates Open at 5pm

Food served from 5:30pm to 7:30pm

The Band of Oz Playing 6:00pm to 8:30pm

NEW Menu:

Steamed oysters in shell and shucked in small bowlsSteamed shrimp in the tailFried flounderDown East ChowderPulled Pork BBQ SlidersColeslawGreen BeansMac & CheeseChicken nuggets (for children)HushpuppiesSweet and Unsweetened TeaBottled WaterBanana Pudding

Beer and Wine:$4 each or 3 for $10

All proceeds help provide scholarships to South Garner High School Seniors via our Garner Rotary Trust Fund which is a 501(c)(3) organization. It also funds other local projects!

Outer Banks Seafood Fest
2026-10-17 10:00 - 18:00 | Soundside Event Site, 6800 S. Croatan Highway, Nags Head, North Carolina, 27959
The Outer Banks Seafood Festival provides the opportunity to learn more about our local fishing industry and heritage. Come and watch live demonstrations, meet the watermen and see the boats involved in bringing fresh seafood to your table. Celebrate our rich, seafood heritage and discover what it has done for our local community. There will also be a variety of boats on display during the Festival. We encourage you to walk around and get a close up view of some of the hardworking vessels that bring fresh North Carolina Seafood to your table.

View all of the scheduled talks and demos in the Education tent in the Fishing Village on the Event Schedule page. For more information, visit the Outer Banks Seafood Festival website

https://www.outerbanksseafoodfestival.org

Dunn Chamber 9th Annual Oyster Roast
2026-10-22 17:00 - 19:30 | Bleeker Chevrolet, 1200 East Cumberland Street, Dunn, North Carolina, 28334
All-you-can-eat oysters, shrimp, bbq sliders and more!

Greater Carolina Rock n' Boil
2026-10-22 17:30 - 20:00 | Fayetteville Woodpeckers Stadium, 460 Hay Street, Fayetteville, North Carolina, 28301
Welcome to the hottest event in October with the Greater Carolina Rock n’ Boil!

Join members of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber at our last and biggest event of the year! Event will feature the ever-beloved annual Oyster Roast along with a Low Country Boil and BBQ with the fixin’s. With music, a hot wing eating contest, raffles and more, you are guaranteed a good time! So come shuck oysters, network with us and enjoy the biggest Chamber celebration of the year!
