About the Festival

Who’s ready to do some oyster shucking? How does 60,000 pounds of oysters sound? The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is the world’s largest oyster festival! Highlights include live music on the main stage, 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.

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.

Frequently asked Questions

• How much does it cost and what is included?

  General Admission – $22 –  (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 – $175. These frequently sell out, so encouraged to buy in advance. VIP has its own supply of unlimited food (including steamed oysters) and beverages under the tent. Food not within VIP is not included and can be purchased separately with a debit or credit card. 21+ section. No kids allowed. This is a cashless event. See main event page for menu.

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

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

  Not allowed: Pets | Coolers | Outside Food and Beverages | Foldable 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 $1 – $6.

  Oysters are available by the bucket, steamed. One bucket is around 2 1/2 dozen oysters and is market value.