Oyster Fest returns this weekend. Everything you need to know
One of the East Coast's largest waterfront festivals is back for its 42nd year Saturday, Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct. 19.
One of Long Island's premier waterfront events, Oyster Fest, is back this weekend!
Over 150,000 people are expected to pack the Town of Oyster Bay for seafood tasting, shucking competitions, craft vendors and live music.
Here's everything you need to know before you go.
What is Oyster Fest?
For over 40 years, Long Islanders and visitors from across the country have packed the event. A fall celebration of one of the region's most iconic mollusks. This is the 42nd annual event.
The event routinely draws crowds of 150,000 to the town for the weekend.
What's there to do?
Eat oysters, of course!
The event also boasts oyster shucking contests, an arts and crafts pavilion, amusement park, beer garden, craft vendors, food trucks and live music.
When is it?
The event runs Saturday, Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Where is it?
The event is held inside Theodore Roosevelt Park, located at 25 West End Ave. in Oyster Bay. Events will also take place outside the designated festival in the surrounding downtown district, located at 1 Shore Ave.
How do I get there?
The best way to get to the event is to take the train.
Long Island Rail Road train service drops you off near the entrance to the festival and there are additional trains running on the Port Jefferson and Oyster Bay lines.
Parking is very limited in the area, but if you choose to drive, parking is designated at the Syosset railroad lot as well as the James H. Vernon School in East Norwich.
Free shuttle buses are available for people who park in these lots to get to and from the venue.
What else do I need to know?
Oyster Fest is a family-friendly event great for all ages and will take place rain or shine.
There will be security in place and officers may search your bags upon entry.
The following items are prohibited: alcohol within the park, pets except service animals, bikes or hoverboards, drones, drugs, fireworks or explosives, weapons, balloons, laser pointers, pepper spray, scooters or toy water guns.
Volunteers will be on hand to collect empty shells as part of the Oyster Bay town's shell recycling program. Shells are returned to Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor to help restore their natural habitat.
