US Oyster Festival

Welcome to the 59th Annual US Oyster Festival! Join us at the St. Mary's County Fairgrounds for a shuckin' good time filled with delicious oysters, live music, and fun activities for the whole family.

Indulge in oysters, naked, raw, and every way along with other tantilizing treats from local vendors, sip on refreshing beverages, groove to live bands all weekend long, and cheer on the best shuckers from across the country as they compete in the US National Oyster Shucking Championship!

Don't miss out on this shell-ebration of all things oyster!

A Feast For Days

Beyond the bi-valves-- served up raw, scalded, grilled, smoked, sauced, and every way you can imagine---treat your palate to St. Mary's famous stuffed ham, crab cakes like only Marylanders can make, seafood chowder, and more. Save room for funnel cakes, kettle corn, hand-churned ice cream, and the other irresistable fair favorites. Eat your heart out knowing that many of our food vendors are also raising money for worthy causes in our community!

Get Your Groove On!

Swing and sway those extra calories away at two outdoor stages where legendary locals jam alongside passionate new acts stepping to our stage for the first time. Big horns, sick beats, and harmonious voices weave together to create a vibrant soundtrack throughout the festival.

Cheer for the Champion

The action really heats up at the Shucking Arena, where over thirty of America's fastest and finest shuckers compete to represent the United States at the International Championship in Ireland. Every second counts as skillful shuckers try to beat the clock to present the perfect tray of open oysters to our discerning judges. After every heat, meet your favorite shucker at the fence to slurp up the spoils of their efforts--no oyster goes uneaten at this legendary competition! Join in the competition and show off your shucking skills to friends and family in the ametuer heats held every afternoon before the pros take to the stage.

Treasures Around Every Turn

Weave your way through dozens of artisan makers in buildings and tents throughout the fairgrounds, offering jams and jellies, woodwork, ceramics, paintings and more. Hunt through Grandma's Attic with the Woman's Club, shop the best of Southern Maryland at the Artisan Showcase presented by the Craft Guild of St. Mary's, or just wander through our rows of quality vendors gathering gifts and goodies. Learn about the valiant efforts to preserve and protect our waterways and connect with the folks who are tirelessly committed to making our community and our world a little bit better every day. We dare you not to find your newest favorite thing to take home!

Loads of Fun for the Family

There are plenty of options to keep your whole clan entertained at the US Oyster Festival! Kids can get their bounce on in our inflatable castle fit for tiny royals, saddle up on the pony of their dreams, or spend time feeding the most grateful goats and other farm friends in all the land.

Slip into the Auditorium to explore activities and exhibits tailored for the wee ones in your group, and don't miss the Chesapeake Mermaid as she takes to the stage twice daily to enchant children with tales about her friends who live in the water. Stick around after each show to meet and mingle with our cherished friend from the Chesapeake Bay!

Host or Publisher Rotary Club of Lexington Park