Fall in New York isn’t just about apple picking and foliage—it’s also peak oyster season. And for seafood lovers, there is no bigger celebration than the Long Island Oyster Fest.
Drawing up to 200,000 visitors from across the tristate area, the 43rd annual seaside festival is officially returning to the historic downtown streets and Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay. Described by organizers as the “largest waterfront festival on the East Coast,” it’s the ultimate excuse to escape the city, take in the crisp autumn air, and slurp down thousands of fresh oysters.
Even better? Town officials have confirmed they’re putting the “local” back in Oyster Fest this year, meaning every oyster served will come directly from Long Island growers and harvesters.
Supervisor Saladino stated:
From great live music to delicious food, craft and merchandise vendors, amusement rides, seafood court, food trucks and so much more, this year’s Oyster Fest has something for everyone. The Oyster Fest showcases our beautiful Town and historic sites while helping to raise charitable funds for local non-profit organizations.
Here’s everything you need to know about navigating the 2026 Long Island Oyster Fest.
🦪 What to expect at the Long Island Oyster Fest
For one glorious weekend this October, Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 17, Long Island’s historic hamlet, Oyster Bay, will transform into a massive hub of family, food, and festivities. Along the waterfront, you can expect:
- 100% Local Oysters & Gourmet Food Courts: The festival pays homage to the oyster by serving it in every conceivable form. Feast on oysters on the half shell, fried oysters, and hearty chowders. Alongside traditional festival food, you’ll find plenty of shrimp and clams
- Contests: Think you have what it takes? Compete in the legendary oyster shucking and oyster eating contests
- Continuous Live Entertainment: Enjoy live performances from local bands, singers, and entertainers across two stages. This year also features the high-energy Kings of the Coast Pirate Show right on the waterfront, plus players from the wildly popular Savannah Bananas baseball team, who will be on-site both days to meet fans, perform some baseball magic, and sign autographs
- Amusement Rides & Games: Step into a world of thrills with rides and games from Newton Shows, the oldest family-owned Carnival Company on Long Island
- The Oyster Bay Brewing Company Beer Garden: Wash down your seafood with seasonal craft beers on draft, including exclusive fall and pumpkin selections
- Massive Arts & Crafts Pavilions: Explore a diverse selection of handcrafted items from local artisans, ranging from intricate jewelry and pottery to vibrant paintings
- Shell Recycling Program: Feel good about what you eat! The town is collecting shells from the festival to recycle and strengthen the local marine ecosystem
- Sensory Friendly Family Hour: Taking place one hour before the festival officially opens on Sunday (10 am – 11 am), all rides will open exclusively for children with sensory sensitivities so they can enjoy the park at their own pace
‼️ Secret NYC Tip: If you’re planning on competing in the oyster eating contest, you better come hungry–the current local record is a staggering 480 oysters eaten in just 2 minutes and 5 seconds!
🗓️ 2026 Oyster Fest Schedule
Oyster Fest is a rain or shine event. Live entertainment will run according to the following schedule:
Saturday, October 17 – Main Stage
- 11 am: The LP’s
- 12:05- 1:35 pm: That 70’ Band
- 1:35 pm: Shucking & Oyster Eating Contests
- 2:35-3:10 pm: Sons of Skynyrd
- 3:25-4:10 pm: Simply Stapleton
- 5 pm: Anyway You Want It
Saturday, October 17 – Audrey Avenue
- 11 am: Rob Eberle
- 12 pm: Danielle Gatto
- 1 pm: Porch Pickers
- 2 pm: Iridesense
- 3 pm: Circus Mind
- 4 pm: Kelli Baker Band
Sunday, October 18 – Main Stage
- 11 am: Bad Medicine
- 12:15 pm: Vinyl Revival
- 1:30 pm: Endless Summer
- 2:45 pm: American Ride
- 4 pm: Ready in Ten
Sunday, October 18 – Audrey Avenue
- 11 am: Crisis
- 12 pm: Ariana Chetram
- 1 pm: Drop The Four
- 2 pm: Mark Newman
- 3 pm: Carolyn Miller
- 4 pm: MJT
Details
- What: 43rd Annual Long Island Oyster Fest
- When: Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18, 2026 | 11 am – 6 pm (rain or shine)
- Where: Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park and along Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, NY 11771
- Getting There: The easiest way to get to the Oyster Fest from NYC is by LIRR, with extra trains running to Oyster Bay and Port Jefferson. If you’re driving, parking is extremely limited; organizers recommend parking at the Syosset Station or Vernon School and hopping on the free shuttle bus to the festival
- Price: Admission to the festival grounds is free (food, drinks, rides, and merchandse are pay-as-you-go). Proceeds help raise charitable funds for local non-profits like the Boys & Girls Club and Friends of the Bay
- Entry: Open to all ages
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