OysterFest

Get ready to celebrate the Bay’s favorite bivalve at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s OysterFest, taking place on Saturday, Oct. 29, in St. Michaels, Md.

CBMM’s OysterFest features oysters served a variety of ways, along with other local fare, craft beer, and spirits; live music on two stages; cooking demonstrations, Chesapeake Bay retriever and oystering demonstrations; and children’s activities, and more.

Festivalgoers can savor Chesapeake Bay wild and aquaculture oysters served steamed or raw, plus oyster fritters and oyster stew, along with a variety of other Chesapeake delicacies and other offerings. Windon Distilling Company will serve a specialty Lyon Rum cocktail, with other drink options including oyster shooters and Chesapeake-style Bloody Marys, featuring George’s Bloody Mary mix.

Family activities include Chesapeake-themed games, activities, and demonstrations, and a chance to build a take-home model boat. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever Relief and Rescue club will also present retriever demonstrations on CBMM’s Navy Point.

Guests will also be able to explore CBMM’s exhibitions, including Oystering on the Chesapeake and Waterman’s Wharf, where they can try tonging or nippering for oysters. They’re also invited to explore one of the visiting Chesapeake Bay buyboats and vessels or watch a historic diving demonstration.

Food, drinks, and boat rides are available for an additional cost, with carry-on alcohol prohibited. Proceeds from the event support CBMM’s education, restoration, and exhibition programs.

For safety reasons, non-service dogs need to be kept home during CBMM festivals, including OysterFest. Carry-on alcohol from dock or land is prohibited.