“Shellebrate” North Carolina Oyster Month This October With Events Across the State
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jane Harrison, jane_harrison@ncsu.edu, 919-513-0122
Get ready to “shellebrate” as North Carolina Oyster Month returns this October, bringing a variety of fun and flavorful events across the state. From oyster farm tours to seafood festivals, there’s no shortage of ways to savor local oysters while supporting coastal conservation.
As a keystone species, oysters are crucial to North Carolina’s marine and coastal environments. They provide food and shelter for a variety of other animals, reduce shoreline erosion by buffering waves, filter water, and bolster a thriving shellfish industry.
In 2022, North Carolina’s wild and farmed shellfish industry contributed $31.66 million to the state’s economy. Of this, the farmed oyster industry provided almost half, $14.69 million in economic impact and 283 jobs.
“Oysters continue to bring tremendous value to North Carolina,” says Jane Harrison, North Carolina Sea Grant’s coastal economist. “The events planned for North Carolina Oyster Month will introduce folks to shellfish culinary preparations, how oysters are grown, and their critical environmental role.”
North Carolina Sea Grant, the North Carolina Coastal Federation, and the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources are once again organizing this year’s NC Oyster Month in partnership with the NC Oyster Trail. Detailed event listings are available on the NC Oyster Trail and NCDNCR websites.
“From oyster chef specials to kayak tours of oyster farms, there is something for everyone during NC Oyster Month,” says Harrison.
NC Oyster Trail volunteer Bill Husted hosts an educational booth each year at the Outer Banks Seafood Festival. Bill says, “You meet fishers and learn what it takes to get fresh seafood to your table. The Trail booth will be in the Educational Tent and oyster growers will be shucking shellfish.”
North Carolina Oyster Month events will include cultivated and wild-caught oysters alike from new and returning participating organizations and businesses. Trail restaurants will be serving N.C. oysters all month long with various specials.
For example, be sure to make lunch reservations for Seraphine Restaurant in Durham on Saturday, October 5. Chef Chris Garrett says “We will serve a special menu of 12 raw oysters, including three varieties from the N.C. coast: Croatan Selects from White Oak Oyster Company, Fat Belly’s from Crystal Coast Oysters, and Cherry Point Oysters. Also included is a half dozen of Seraphine’s well-known Dragos Style roasted oysters, and my oyster gumbo served with Leidenheimer bread. Plus you can chat with oyster growers who will be with us all afternoon.” Reservations can be made for noon or 2 pm.
For more information on North Carolina Oyster Month 2024 and to explore the NC Oyster Trail, visit ncoystertrail.org. You can also read stories about oyster conservation and the people behind the industry in North Carolina Sea Grant’s Coastwatch magazine.
NC Oyster Month Events
Oyster Roast for the Coast
Oct. 1 | 5 – 8 pm | Surf City Brewing, Hampstead
As you savor oysters from Ghost Fleet Oyster Company and enjoy a cold brew from Surf City Brewing, you’ll be supporting a crucial conservation effort. All proceeds support the Coastal Land Trust’s campaign to save the sound end of Topsail Island. The evening will also feature music, delicious offerings for purchase from the Fusion Blue food truck, and exciting raffle items.
Oyster Roast at Dune Street Raw Bar & Grill
Oct. 4 | 3:00 pm – 11 pm | Nags Head
To celebrate their one year anniversary, Dune Street Raw Bar will have drink specials throughout the day to complement their usual slate of culinary delights, then come evening it’ll be oysters galore with an oyster roast (from Kinnakeet, Little Star and Ocracoke Oyster Co) and live music by The Southern Split. Dune Street prioritizes their partnerships with local watermen, farmers, purveyors and artists, ensuring that every ingredient is not only fresh, but also a tribute to the rich tapestry of coastal Carolina.
NC Seafood Festival
Oct. 4-6 | Morehead City
Spend your weekend at the North Carolina Seafood Festival to get a full sense of the importance of seafood to eastern North Carolina. Be sure to stop at Fisherman’s Village (Jack’s Waterfront Bar) on Saturday to meet fishermen, tour a trawler, witness cooking demos, and taste our local shrimp, fish and oysters! The NC Oyster Trail will have an educational table there.
Seraphine Oyster Fest
Oct. 5 | 12-4pm | Seraphine, Durham
Please join us for a celebration of the NC Oyster, October 5, 2024! This special menu will consist of 12 raw oysters – 3 varieties all from the NC Coast – Croatan Selects from White Oak Oyster Company, Fat Belly’s from Crystal Coast Oysters, and Cherry Point Oysters. Also included is 1/2 Dozen of Seraphine’s well known Dragos Style roasted oysters, as well as chef Chris Garrett’s Oyster Gumbo – served with Leidenheimer Bread. $55 per person. The owners of all of these well known NC Oyster Farms will be at Seraphine to chat about their wonderful local oysters. We’ll be on the patio from 12pm – 4pm (rain or shine), when booking, you’ll have the option to select noon or 2pm arrival – you’re welcome to arrive anytime within an hour of your selected time.
23rd Annual Oink n Oyster Roast
Oct. 5 | 12 – 4 pm | Jolly Roger Restaurant, Kill Devil Hills
What’s better than roasted oysters and live music? Join Jolly Roger for a great day of amazing slow roasted pork, fresh roasted oysters from Lighthouse Shoals Oyster Company, and live music with stylings from Phil Watson.
UNCW Science Open House
Oct. 5 | 10 am – 2 pm | UNCW Center for Marine Science, Wilmington
Visit UNC Wilmington’s Center for Marine Science for a fun day of science adventure with hands-on exhibits, tours of the Shellfish Research Hatchery, a visit to their oyster farm and food trucks too.
A Celebration of the Gilded Oyster
Oct. 5 | 10 am – 6 pm | Empty Nest Studio & Gallery, Frisco
Peruse the fine arts of Empty Nest Studio and enter their raffle to take home your own oyster jewelry. Oyster chowder will be served with a wine tasting from 4 – 6 pm. Come and enjoy some epicurean oyster delights and lots of fun!
Oysters and Brews with Wrightsville Brewing
Oct. 9 | 5 -7 pm | Wrightsville Brewing, Wilmington
Shellebrate the rich history, culture, economy, and ecology of North Carolina’s oysters! From games and educational opportunities to oysters and beer–this event has something for everyone! Wrightsville Brewing also will be donating 11% of proceeds from their ‘Beer of the Month’ to support the North Carolina Coastal Federation throughout October.
Outer Banks Seafood Festival
Oct. 19 | 10 am – 6 pm | Nags Head
The Outer Banks Seafood Festival will teach you about our state’s fishing industry and heritage, let you savor local seafood, and treat you to live music. Meet fisher folk and see the boats that bring fresh seafood to your table. The NC Oyster Trail will have an educational booth. Be sure to visit!
Oysterberfest 2024
Oct. 20 | 12-6pm | Wrightsville Brewing, Wilmington
Wrightsville Brewing’s annual wild oyster season kickoff party & Oktoberfest celebration shouldn’t be missed. Live music by Back Pocket Buddha and Birdwell Beat. Their best prices of the year for steamed and raw oysters!
Shellebration Sundays
Sundays in October | Coquina Fish Bar, Wilmington
Discounted oysters ($1.50) every Sunday in October all day long!
Oyster of the Week
Each week in October | Coquina Fish Bar, Wilmington
Every week in October Coquina will debut a new oyster preparation to be sold as a special all week. From Miso Butter Oysters to Corn Bread and Creamed Spinach grilled oysters, so many yummy things to come!
$1 Happy Hour Oysters all October Long
Each week in October | 2-4pm | Shuckin’ Shack, Surf City
Join Shuckin’ Shack for their $1 local oyster happy hour Tuesday-Thursday 2-4 pm for the entire month of October.
Sandspur Music and Oysters
Oct. TBD | The Sandspur, Carolina Beach
Enjoy an oyster roast in The Sandspur’s backyard. Followed by live bluegrass music from South Hill Banks!
Seed to Table Oyster Trail Tours
All October | Coastal Eco Adventures, Sneads Ferry
Discover the unique history and importance of the Eastern oyster on a boat tour! You will meet working watermen and women at oyster farms near Permuda Island Sneads Ferry. Call Coastal Eco Adventures to book your tour today.
Oyster Farm to Fork Kayak Tours with the NC Coastal Federation
Most Wednesdays (Oct. 2, 16, 23, 30) at 11 am | Wanchese
Paddle out to the NC Coastal Federation’s oyster farm and then taste some oysters from local restaurant Dune Street Raw Bar & Grill. Find out how this most sustainable and delicious protein gets to your plate. Be sure to register!
