North Carolina Oyster Festival

06/01/2026

For 45 years, the NC Oyster Festival has been bringing people together in Ocean Isle Beach to celebrate community, coastal tradition, and everything that makes this area so special.

As we get ready for this year’s festival, we want to take a moment to thank some of our long-standing partners who continue to help make the event possible year after year.

A huge thank you to the Town of Ocean Isle Beach, the Museum of Coastal Carolina , and Pelican's Perch for their continued partnership, support, and dedication to this event and our community. Their involvement has helped the NC Oyster Festival grow into one of Brunswick County’s favorite traditions.

We’re excited to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of the NC Oyster Festival this October and can’t wait to make even more memories together.

05/27/2026

Want to be part of one of the biggest and most exciting events in Brunswick County?

The 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐍𝐂 𝐎𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 is still accepting craft vendor applications, and we’d love to see even more amazing local businesses, makers, artists, and creatives join us this year.

This festival brings thousands of visitors to our area each year and is such a fun opportunity to showcase what you offer, meet new customers, and be part of an incredible community event.

Applications are still open, but spots will fill quickly.

Apply here:
https://ncoysterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-Craft-Vendor-Application.pdf

05/21/2026

Mark your calendars because one of Brunswick County’s favorite traditions is coming back this fall!

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝟒𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐂 𝐎𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟔–𝟏𝟖, and it’s shaping up to be another incredible weekend filled with live music, food, shopping, family fun, and community celebration.

Community Night kicks things off on Friday, October 16 from 6PM–8PM with live music from The Sea Cruz Band. It’s the perfect way to start the weekend with great music and a fun night out at the beach.

Saturday, October 17 | 9AM–6PM
Sunday, October 18 | 10AM–5PM

We’re proud to welcome Novant Health as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 NC Oyster Festival.

A special thank you as well to The Cheek Team, our Community Night and Main Stage Sponsor, for helping bring this exciting weekend of entertainment and community fun to life.

A huge thank you to our host site, the Town of Ocean Isle Beach, for helping make this event possible each year.

Special thanks as well to Pelican’s Perch for their continued partnership and support of the NC Oyster Festival.

We’re also proud to recognize Corning Credit Union as our Social Media Sponsor for the 2026 NC Oyster Festival.

04/28/2026

We’re incredibly honored to share that the North Carolina Oyster Festival has once again been recognized as Best Brunswick County Event.

This recognition means so much because it reflects the support of our community, the dedication of our volunteers, and the continued enthusiasm for an event that brings so many people together each year.

It truly takes a team, and we’re grateful for everyone who plays a part in making the Oyster Festival what it is.

Thank you to everyone who supports, attends, and believes in this event year after year. We couldn’t do it without you.

10/31/2025

Congratulations to April McKeithan, winner of the 2025 Oyster Stew Contest Drawing at this year’s NC Oyster Festival!

A special thank-you to Coastal Insurance , who presented the check award to our winner!! It’s always great to see our community come together to celebrate tradition, flavor, and fun here in Brunsco!

10/22/2025

A huge thank-you to Kahuna Photo for capturing these incredible moments and stunning drone shots from the NC Oyster Festival! 📸 kahunaphoto.com

10/22/2025

10/20/2025

We want to give a shoutout to the incredible team at WaveRider Electric & Automation! During our Community Night, we had an unforeseen electrical problem& thanks to Waverider’s expertise, professionalism, and lightning-fast response, the issue was resolved quickly!! We are so grateful for local businesses like Waverider who step up to support their community! Thank you for being our festival heroes!

10/19/2025

That’s a wrap on another incredible NC Oyster Festival weekend!

A huge thank you to the Town of Ocean Isle Beach, our committee members, and all of the amazing volunteers who made this event possible. Your hard work, long hours, and smiling faces kept everything running smoothly.

Special shoutout to the Key Club members from West Brunswick High School - about 13 students showed up and worked with the heart and energy of 40 people! You truly made a difference.

We’re so grateful for this community, the teamwork, and the unforgettable memories!!

10/19/2025

🦪 1st Place Winner - Oyster Stew Cook Off at North Carolina Oyster Festival 🦪
Try our AWARD WINNING Oyster Stew at Feast O.I.B! Located at 125 Causeway Drive in Ocean Isle Beach. Call 910-579-3663 for To-Go or to reserve a table.