At one point, the Wellfleet OysterFest was something of a best-kept secret—an off-season, mostly-locals weekend known for a shucking contest so much fun that even the year it poured, no one budged from the Town Hall parking lot.
The annual festival (in its 24th year) now draws huge crowds to support local shellfishing and aquaculture, but it still retains a local vibe, with a jam-packed schedule of community events that sum up pretty perfectly just why everyone falls in love with Wellfleet.
Some highlights not to miss at this year's festival, happening Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20.
If you love: Oysters
Don’t miss: Sweet friend, you’re not dreaming. Oysters are the star of the show, and you’ll find Wellfeet-raised shellfish dished out directly from the people who harvest them along local shores all weekend long. If anything manages to tear you away from the food booths and tastings, sign up for one of the “Learn to Shuck” classes led by experts over the weekend (advance registration required).
If you love: The Arts
Don’t miss: All along Main Street during the festival, you can see the work of the local artists and crafters who help to give the town its indie spirit, while a line-up of local bands perform on the mainstage by Town Hall. Expect a mix of bluegrass, rockabilly, funk, country and soul...even a Brazilian Samba percussion. If you learn nothing else this weekend, you can’t put Wellfleet in a box.
If you love: Local history
Don’t miss: OysterFest is full of inside glimpses of the stories and characters behind this quirky, colorful town. Lectures by scientists on the local shellfish aquaculture industry and marine wildlife strandings will be held in the town library. And at least once during the weekend, stop by Wellfleet Preservation Hall (starting with their “Shooters and Sliders” pre-fest party Friday night and OysterFest Wine & Mimosa bar on Saturday/Sunday) to admire the beautifully restored hall and community gathering spot, fittingly located at the heart of town.
If you love: The outdoors
Don’t miss: For starters, don’t miss any of the beaches where you parked your car. (A shuttle runs from the lots at Newcomb’s Hollow, White Crest, and LeCounts Hollow.) After that, you will want to explore all of the outdoor fun this fest has to offer, from cooking demos and food trucks to beer & wine gardens and a Family Fun area complete with kid-friendly crafting, games, a fortune teller and a bounce house.
If you love: Friendly competition
Don’t miss: A community-wide spelling bee (seriously, you have to love Wellfleet) and a 5K Shuck & Run road race are always OysterFest highlights, but the main festival draw is hands down the highly anticipated shucking competition, a two-day showdown that culminates on Sunday afternoon. Shuckers from near and far turn out to compete for cash prizes and the opportunity to have their name immortalized on the Golden Oyster trophy.
Where to stay:
Wellfleet’s accommodations are the epitome of its low-key, relaxed charm. At Wellfleet Motel, you’re on the bike trail right near the Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary, with a sweet breakfast café if you want something light before hitting the festival. One of Cape Cod’s classic cottage colonies, Kalmar Village offers efficiency suites and waterfront cottages in a quaint oceanfront North Truro location. Also great for families, Four Points by Sheraton Eastham has an indoor pool, on-site restaurant and easy access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail for biking.
Where to eat:
Even on Oyster Festival weekend, it would be a shame to miss out on the town’s beloved eateries, starting at The Bookstore & Restaurant overlooking the town harbor. If you love French cuisine, then you won’t want to miss out on PB Boulangerie…part bakery, part bistro, fully amazing.
Tickets and more info: Entry fee tickets are sold online in advance, with ticket proceeds benefitting the Wellfleet Oyster Alliance (WOA, producers of Wellfleet OysterFest), a non-profit organization that promotes education and exposure to the town's vibrant shellfishing industry. For complete festival info and to purchase tickets, visit wellfleetoa.org/wellfleet-oysterfest.
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