Shell-ebrating in Shelton: OysterFest Serves Up Fun, Flavor, and Fresh Seafood Delights
By Rachel Hansen
For locals, OysterFest is a tradition. For visitors, it’s a chance to indulge in oysters at the peak of their season – and enjoy many of the seafood dishes for which the Pacific Northwest is best known. On the first full weekend in October (5-6), Skookum Rotary will once again stage its 42nd anniversary of OysterFest, home to the West Coast Oyster Shucking Championships as well as Washington State’s official Seafood Festival.
It looks simple enough–insert, twist, flick, repeat. However, if you’ve shucked oysters, you know it’s anything but easy. OysterFest hosts the West Coast Oyster Shucking Championships, the preliminary event to the US event at St. Mary’s Oyster Festival in Maryland. Over the weekend, over 6,000 oysters are opened by shuckers. They compete in full and half shell shucking, involving presentation and speed. Winners receive cash and a seat at nationals.
On Friday evening, start celebrating early at the OysterFest pre-event party – OysterFunk. Hosted by the Shelton Rotary Club, this 21+ event caters to locals and a huge crowd of RV'ers that show up early for the weekend. The annual celebration features live music, food, and a beer garden. Admission is just $5 for this event that runs from 6 - 10PM.
OysterFest officially begins Saturday with opportunities for families to enjoy educational exhibits, entertainment, and live music. For those looking for adult activities, dozens of wineries are hosted in the Wine Pavilion. You can easily while away an afternoon tasting vintages from all over Washington. Combining this with 30+ food vendors offering everything from coconut shrimp to curried mussels – you'd best arrive hungry and thirsty!
The crowds surround the oyster shucking competition, cheering for the fastest shuckers!
Rain or shine, OysterFest is the place to get the very best Hood Canal oysters.
Skookum Rotary presents OysterFest as a fundraising event for other organizations. Vendors volunteer their time on behalf of Mason County nonprofits. In addition to non-seafood you’ll find salmon, shrimp, and oysters galore. Be sure to try the locally made Olympic Mountain Ice Cream.
While the events begin on Friday, campers and RVers begin arriving as early as Wednesday from as far as California and as close as Shelton. Many “regulars” make the trek annually. The campground has a friendly, party atmosphere with some fairly elaborate group areas. Campers stay as late as Monday. Reserve early to secure the best spaces.
OysterFest is at Shelton Airport, 250 W Sanderson Way, 1/2 mile north of Shelton on Hwy 101. Admission for adults is $15. Kids 7-17 pay $10 and children 6 and under are free. Sunday is Family and Military Day with 17 and under free and $5 for active duty military members. Pets are not allowed at this event. Parking is free with shuttles to navigate within the parking lot. For more details, visit oysterfest.org.
OysterFest, Shelton’s premier annual celebration of seafood and community, draws thousands each year to enjoy fresh local oysters, and family-friendly activities. Known for its lively atmosphere and diverse food offerings, the festival also highlights environmental sustainability and local shellfish farming. Along with oyster shucking contests and tastings, attendees can enjoy live music, craft vendors, and educational exhibits. Proceeds from the event benefit local charities, making it not only a fun-filled weekend but also a way to give back to the community.
