What are the dates and hours of the U.S. Oyster Festival?

The festival is held annually on the third weekend in October. This year’s U.S. Oyster Festival will take place on October 17, 2026, from 10am - 6pm and Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 11am - 6pm.

Where is the U.S. Oyster Festival located?

The U.S. Oyster Festival is held at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds, located at 42455 Fairgrounds Rd, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Is the festival held rain or shine?

Yes, the U.S. Oyster Festival is a rain or shine event. On rare occasions when weather poses threats to safety, some or all activities may be delayed or relocated. Should such an occasion arise, any inclement weather information will be posted on this website and our social media accounts.

Is there an admission fee? 

Yes. one-day tickets for either Saturday or Sunday are $15 for adults over 18 years old, $5 for youth aged 6-17 years old, and children 5 years old or younger are free. Two-day Weekend Passes are $25 for adults over 18 years old, $8 for youth aged 6-17 years old, and children 5 years old or younger are free.

Tickets are available for purchase in advance or at the gate. We accept cash and credit cards at the gate. Purchase your tickets in advance to take advantage of early bird pricing.

Will there be photographers at the festival?

By attending this event, you may be photographed, filmed, or otherwise recorded.
Your attendance constitutes your consent to the use of your image, likeness, and voice for promotional and marketing purposes in any media, without compensation or further notice.

What types of oysters will be available?

You name it; we got it! Both wild and farm oysters are available at the U.S. Oyster Festival. You will find them raw, scalded, smoked, sauced, in shooters, naked, grilled, and just about every other way you can imagine.

Are the oysters locally sourced?

Yes. Our oysters come from local farms in Maryland and Virginia.

Are there other food options besides oysters?

Yes. Dozens of food options, from local legends like stuffed ham and crab cakes, to festival favorites like funnel cakes and fries, are available throughout the U.S. Oyster Festival.

Are there vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free options?

Yes. All of the food vendors at the festival operate independently and can help guests with dietary preferences or restrictions navigate their menus safely.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

No. Outside food and drink are not allowed at the festival, with the exception of medically required food options and infant food.

Will alcohol be served at the festival?

Yes. Beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages are available at the U.S. Oyster Festival to attendees over 21 years old. All attendees who choose to consume alcohol must present a valid, government-issued ID at one of the ID Banding stations, and are required to wear a wrist band at all times and adhere to all local and federal alcohol laws. If you choose to drink alcohol, please be responsible. 

Are there non-alcoholic drinks available?

Yes. We offer lots of non-alcoholic beverages for attendees of all ages to enjoy.

Is outside alcohol allowed?

No. Anyone bringing or consuming alcohol not sold on site will be removed from the fairgrounds immediately and may face criminal charges.

Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?

No. While advance tickets purchased early offer the lowest prices, tickets are also available at the gate, where we accept both cash or credit cards.

Are tickets refundable?

No. There are no refunds.

Can I re-enter the festival if I leave?

Yes. Re-entry is permitted at the main entrance by showing your hand stamp. Two-Day Weekend Pass holders can enter and exit throughout the weekend by wearing and showing their festival wrist band.

Is there parking available?

Yes. Plenty of free parking at the fairgrounds can be accessed from Fairgrounds Road. Overflow parking is also available across Route 5 in designated school parking lots ON SUNDAY ONLY. Please use the crosswalk and common sense when crossing Route 5. Parking behind the fairgrounds is reserved for our vendors, exhibitors, performers, and volunteers.

Where can I stay near the festival?

Home2 Suites by Hilton, Fairfield Inn, and TownPlace Suites are offering discount rates through these links. Explore other accommodations at Visit St. Mary’s, MD.

Is public transportation available nearby?

No, unfortunately the St. Mary’s public transportation buses only run Monday through Friday at this time.

Are there shuttle services or ride-share drop-off areas?

While there are no shuttle services available, the area just outside the main entrance near the accessible parking can be accessed for drop-offs and pick-ups.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds are wheelchair accessible. They've made sure paths, entrances, restrooms, and key activity areas are accessible for guests using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Flat or gently sloped paved pathways throughout the grounds
  

• Accessible restrooms
  

• Designated accessible parking near the main entrance
  

If you have specific accessibility needs or questions, feel free to contact us ahead of time at info@usoysterfestival.org so we can help make your visit as smooth as possible.

Is the event family-friendly?

Yes! The U.S. Oyster Festival offers activities and entertainment for all ages.

Are there activities for children?

Yes. Pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, a bounce house, interactive displays and two shows daily featuring The Chesapeake Mermaid are among the many activities offered to enchant your children.

Do kids need a ticket to attend?

While kids 5 years old or younger are free, young people ages 6-17 need a youth ticket to attend ($5 for either day or $8 for a Weekend Pass).

Are pets allowed at the festival?

No. For everyone’s safety and comfort, only trained service animals are allowed at the Oyster Festival. Service animals must be clearly marked (vest, harness, etc.), stay with their handler, and be well-behaved and under control at all times. Thanks for your cooperation!

Are service animals permitted?

Yes. In accordance with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines, trained service animals are permitted at the U.S. Oyster Festival. We appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure a safe, comfortable environment for all attendees.

Allowed: Service animals that assist guests with disabilities

Not Allowed: Pets, emotional support animals, or therapy animals

Please note the following:

• Service animals must be individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.

• Emotional support animals, comfort animals, therapy animals, and pets are not permitted, even with documentation.

• Service animals must be clearly identified (e.g., wearing a vest, harness, or other appropriate indicator).

• The handler must remain in control of the service animal at all times.

• Animals that are disruptive, aggressive, or not housebroken may be asked to leave the event grounds.

Are there craft or merchandise vendors?

Yes! From handcrafted soaps, jewelry, quilts and oil paintings, to souvenirs, shucking knives, and commemorative t-shirts, the U.S. Oyster Festival offers a showcase of the best of our maker community for your shopping pleasure!

Can I apply to be a vendor?

Vendor and exhibitor applications are open until July 31,2025. More information can be found here.

What entertainment will be provided?

Yes! We’ve got two outdoor stages, an indoor auditorium stage, chock full of entertainment, along with the main event, the U.S. National Oyster Shucking Championship, at the Shucking Arena . The full schedule will be posted soon.

Are there first aid services at the festival? 

Yes. St. Mary’s County Emergency Services are on-site for the entire festival, along with many members of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Department, serving as security and safety officers.

What about restrooms?

Indoor, accessible bathrooms are available throughout the fairgrounds. Please refer to maps and signage for exact locations.

Is the event cash-only or are cards accepted? 

Cash is gratefully accepted throughout the festival by all of our vendors. Credit cards are accepted at the gate and by many of our vendors, along with other electronic payments. ATMs are available on-site.

Is there an ATM on site?

Yes. There is an ATM located just inside the gate, and another near the Tasting Tent.

How can I contact the organizers with other questions?

Please send your questions to info@usoysterfestival.org.

Where can I find updates or announcements about the event?

Festival information will continue to be added to usoysterfestival.org as it becomes available. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram so you don’t miss out on any of the fun!