2025 Oyster Fest guide: Things to do and what's new

More than 150,000 people are set to gather in the historic hamlet of Oyster Bay again this Oct. 18 and 19 as the Oyster Fest returns for its 42nd year.

Presented by the Town of Oyster Bay with the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce, the outdoor event draws crowds to Audrey Avenue and Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park. Last year was the town’s first time taking the reins. "Last year was a tremendous success. We had one of the largest turnouts in Oyster Fest history," Town Supervisor Joe Saladino said. "We ensured that all of the oysters come from Long Island waters. In years past, oysters were shipped in from other parts of the country, but we realized that the best-tasting oysters come from right here on Long Island."

The oysters, provided by the Long Island Oyster Growers Association (LIOGA), will be served raw on the half-shell, grilled, Buffalo-style, in chowder, fried and in po’ boy sandwiches.

But oysters aren’t the only seafood being served in the food court. Other saltwater treats include lobster rolls, seared scallops, ahi tuna steaks, lobster mac and cheese, fried calamari, lobster bisque, New England and Manhattan clam chowder, king crab legs, fried shrimp, shrimp cocktail, seafood paella plus a whole lobster dinner with corn-on-the-cob and potatoes.

Here's what to expect at this year's festival.

FRESH FOOD ADD-ONS

Some new additions to the food court are an Oktoberfest tent featuring bratwurst, kielbasa, knishes and apple fritters; a Corrado Pizza truck selling individual pies from a wood-fired pizza oven; gourmet soul food; Mongolian barbecue; and a juice bar.

BEER GARDEN RETURNS

The hit last year was the Craft Beer Garden overlooking Oyster Bay Harbor, which returns with some enhancements. "We kept it controlled by not doing crazy high volume," said Ryan Schlotter, owner of Oyster Bay Brewing Company and president of the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce. "Everyone was limited to two beers at a time."

There will be expanded seating in the beer garden, which is planning to serve Oyster Bay Brewing Company’s most popular styles IPA, Pumpkin Ale, Barn Rocker lager and seasonal Oktoberfest. 

SHUCK IT & EAT IT

The Oyster Shucking and Eating Contests take place during the afternoon on the first day of the festival and tend to draw a large crowd. Both events will be overseen by LIOGA president Eric Koepele.

"We are going to put up a 20-foot flat screen so everybody can see what’s happening on the stage," said Andy Rothstein, the town’s director of operations. "We will have a live camera that will pan back and forth getting all the coverage."

LIVE MUSIC ROSTER

Last year, the amount of live music was increased and that trend will continue across three stages in 2025. Performing on Oct. 18 will be Kamellot, That 70s Band, Simply Stapleton (Chris Stapleton tribute), Echoes of the Eagles (Eagles tribute) and Crash My Party (Luke Bryan tribute). Taking the stage on Oct. 19 is Ready in Ten, Vinyl Revival, Diva and the Bar Band Heroes, Glass Houses (Billy Joel tribute) and Radio Flashback.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

Audrey Avenue will be its own party leading up to TR Park where local restaurants like Stellina Ristorante, Teddy’s Bully Bar, Lourdes Mexican Grill and 2 Spring are scheduled to serve food. 

Nearly 100 merchants are set to be vending on the street, and the collection of carnival rides and games from Newton Shows moves to Fireman’s Field. A 45-foot inflatable whale from the Whaling Museum & Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor will be on display for selfies as well as for access to explore the inside. Additionally, The Kings of the Coast pirate show continues twice a day and the John J. Harvey Fireboat returns to the pier.