About the Festival

Who’s ready to do some oyster shucking? How does 45,000 pounds of oysters sound? The Lowcountry Oyster Festival presented by Toadfish is the world’s largest oyster festival! Highlights include live music on the main stage, raw oyster eating and shucking contests, wine, a selection of domestic and imported beers, a Children’s Area and a “Food Court” showcasing a variety of local favorite restaurants to satisfy everyone’s taste.

*Please note: this year’s event is cashless.  Guest will purchase food & beverage tickets with a credit/debit card at satellite ticket tents throughout the event.

The Charleston Restaurant Foundation (CRF) mission is to support the charitable deeds of the Lowcountry Hospitality Association, which serves the geographical area of Charleston, South Carolina.   Its focus is to advocate its member restaurants by providing them the resources they need so that their guests can savor and celebrate Lowcountry cuisine.  Annual fundraising events enable the CRF to give back to the community that has so generously supported its members.  To date, those fundraising efforts have enabled the CRF to donate over One Million ($1,000,000) Dollars to local charities.

Entertainment:

• This year’s headliner is Radio Bomb featuring some members of the Blue Dogs, Uncle Mingo and the East Coast Party Band.  Radio Bomb was created with an unwavering desire for music and the musical creatives in the Lowcountry. When it was time to rest their wheels after years on the road as a touring band, Uncle Mingo members Bryon Moore, Robert Thorn and Jason Moore were not ready to give up their love of creating music and bringing it to the people. Joining forces with guitarist/vocalist Jason Ridge and Jenny Lee Ford on the vocals and trombone the fuse was lit in early 2018. With a thumping rhythm section, punchy horn lines and strong 3-part harmonies, their sound has been resonating with an ever-expanding fan base ever since. Their live shows feature an eclectic mix of just about every style and genre of music there is. The band is currently in the studio laying tracks for an upcoming release of original material. Special Guests include: Greg Walker, the Blue Dogs; Charlie Thompson, the Blue Dogs; Mark Black, East Coast Party Band; DJ Wade and DJ Bryan Mahanes.

Schedule of Events:

• TBD

Kids Area: PLUFF-A-PALLOOZA

• 2 BOUNCY HOUSES; 1 FOR UNDER 5 AND ONE FOR 6 UP
• THEATRE ON THE HALF-SHELL starring a S.T.E.A.M-ing Magic show by Gerry the Great 20 minute shows at 12:30, 1:15 and 2:15
• CLIMBING WALL LOWCOUNTRY MARINE MAMMAL NETWORK LEARN ABOUT OCEAN MAMMALS
• CABA – Charleston Area Bees Association LEARN ABOUT LOCAL BEES
• NOISY OYSTER PERCUSSION PLAY AREA
• BUBBLE THERAPY
• COOKIE DECORATING WITH “PLUFF-MUDD” FROSTING
• “SWEETGRASS PALACE” MISS TRUDIE QUEEN OF SWEETGRASS LOWCOUNTRY TRADITION OF SWEETGRASS WEAVING
• LOWCOUNTRY OYSTER CRAFTS PHOTO BOOTH
• LIMBO WITH LOCAL MASCOTS:
  • CLYDE THE COUGAR – COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON
  • LEO – CHARLESTON BATTERY
  • CHARLIE – THE RIVERDOGS
  • COOL RAY – SC STINGRAYS
• JUGGLING WITH DEENA-JUGGLEENA
• HOOPING THROUGHOUT THE DAY STILT PERFORMERS
• EGG TOSS
• MARSHMALLOW HURRICANE

*Scheduling and performers subject to change without notice

**Bouncy houses open 10:30-4

Frequently asked Questions

• How much does it cost and what is included?

  General Admission – $23 –  (online & official Visitor Centers). Children 10 and under are free with an adult general admission ticket. Includes entry into event.  The general admission ticket grants you access into the festival. Once inside, you may purchase food & beverage tickets separately with a debit or credit card. This is a cashless event.

  VIP (21 and older) – $179. These frequently sell out, so encouraged to buy in advance. VIP has its own supply of unlimited food (including steamed oysters) and beverages (beer, wine, spirits) under the tent. Food not within VIP is not included and can be purchased separately with a debit or credit card.  This is a cashless event.

• What am I allowed to bring inside of the festival?

  Allowed: Strollers | Wagons | Foldable Chairs | Oyster Knives and Gloves | Collapsable Tables

  Not allowed: Pets | Coolers | Outside Food and Beverages | Oversize, Folding Tables

• Is the event rain or shine?

  Yes, the event will be rain or shine!  Think of the Oyster Festival like you do mail delivery – good anytime!

• How much does the food cost?

  Food can be purchased from a variety of vendors. Food items range from $2-$12.

  Buckets of Steamed Oysters: Market price.  One bucket is around 2 1/2 dozen oysters. Must purchase food & beverage tickets to purchase a bucket of oysters.