The Urbanna Oyster Festival in Urbanna VA
Food and Wine Festivals 2023, Festival of Food and Drink, Festival November
November 3-4, 2023
As the Oyster Capital of the East Coast and home of the “Official Oyster Festival of the Commonwealth,” the riverfront town of Urbanna, Virginia is the site where the Virginia Oyster Trail first began. And the Urbanna Oyster Festival. All things oysters are represented here, with more than 50 vendors serving up every type you can imagine: raw, steamed, fried, roasted, oysters Rockefeller and beyond.
The town shuts down for the 2-day affair and local oystermen (and women) gather to share their knowledge—and flex their muscles—in the festival’s oyster shucking contest. While extremely competitive, it’s pure fun for the audience who’s given the delicious task of eating these little mollusks as fast as they’re cracked open. Pair yours with local wine tastings, or head to the microbrewery garden for some regional craft beers.
Where to Stay: The Tides Inn
Located on a private peninsula in Irvington, surrounded by the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay, The Tides Inn boasts 70 guest rooms and suites, exclusive access to the Chesapeake Bay marina and a full-service spa. For adventure seekers, there’s also an 18-hole Golden Eagle Golf Course, a sailing school and more. They pride themselves on their wide variety of ecology experiences from oyster excursions to crabbing expeditions with resident ecologist Will Smiley, so The Tides Inn is the ideal refuge for oyster lovers to check into during the fest.
