The Ultimate Guide to Oyster Season on the Shore
Laughing King Oyster Company owner and founder, Thomas, harvests oysters.
Welcome to Virginia, the East Coast’s oyster capital—so abundant that swimmers once feared the inevitable scrapes from their sharp shells. Today, Virginia remains home to a rich variety of oysters, with the Eastern Shore boasting four distinctive types: the Seaside, the Upper and Lower Chesapeake Bay Eastern Shore, and the Tangier. Each carries its own flavor, shaped by the waters where it grows.
The Eastern Shore takes pride in its iconic fishing heritage, built on the bounty of the water. Few traditions capture that spirit better than the oyster roast. Whether you’re gathered around a grill with family and friends or enjoying oysters to the sound of live music, these roasts are a true celebration of community and season. Below, you’ll find some of the Shore’s classic fall oyster roasts.
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Chincoteague’s 52nd Annual Oyster Festival is the ultimate fall escape. Presented by the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce, the festival shines a spotlight on the seafood industry and marks the official start of oyster season. Tickets are $65 per person and include all-you-can-eat oysters on the half shell, steamed, fried, and frittered, plus a hearty non-oyster menu. While you dine, enjoy music by Island Boy, a festival favorite for over 30 years, and don’t miss the Extravaganza Raffle, offering a grand prize valued at thousands in merchandise and certificates.
Saturday, October 18, 2025
The Town of Saxis invites you to its annual oyster roast, a beloved fall tradition. Feast on all-you-can-eat steamed and raw oysters, with BBQ on hand for the non-seafood crowd. The Shoreline Groovers will keep the music lively, and the Saxis Island Museum will share the island’s history at their booth. A raffle with exciting prizes rounds out the day. Proceeds benefit community beautification and improvement projects across Saxis Island.
Saturday, November 1, 2025
The Cape Charles Museum welcomes guests to its Annual Oyster Roast fundraiser. Whether raw, roasted, or served with a twist, the oysters here highlight the Shore’s freshest catch. Guests will also enjoy fine wine, additional bites, local music, a silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind items, and a lively 50/50 raffle. All proceeds support the Cape Charles Historical Society.
November 1, 2025
The Island House of Wachapreague hosts its annual oyster roast benefiting the Navy SEAL Foundation. Known for big flavors and even bigger entertainment, the event has welcomed top-tier talent in past years, including The Brothers Osborne in 2021.
Can’t make the festivals? Make your own roast.
It’s easier than you think to bring the Shore’s signature tradition home. Purchase a bag of oysters from local favorites like Cherrystone Aqua-Farms, Beach Market, or A1 Seafood. Steam them on your stovetop or roast them over an outdoor grill, then gather friends around a bonfire for a true Eastern Shore experience.
Curious before you commit? Take an oyster tour.
If you’re not quite ready to dive into the briny bite, eco-tour operators offer hands-on oyster experiences during the warmer months. Laughing King Oyster Company at Vessel Farm, for example, provides an educational tour aboard their oyster barge. Learn how aquaculture works, see the growing process up close, and even taste an oyster pulled straight from the water.
This fall, celebrate Virginia’s oyster culture on the Eastern Shore. Whether at a festival, around your own grill, or out on the water, there’s no better way to savor the season.
Laughing King Oyster Company Oyster Portrait.
Oysters on ice at The Shanty.
Posted on October 7, 2025 by Allie Etheridge.