The U.S. Oyster Festival Turned 60
Sixty years of shucking, eating and people-watching at the fairgrounds in Leonardtown.
The U.S. Oyster Festival turned 60 this year. It came back to the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds in Leonardtown on October 17 and 18, still one of the longest-running events in the county.
The main event
The festival is home to the U.S. Oyster Shucking Championship. The fastest shuckers in the country compete for the national title, and the winner goes on to represent the U.S. at the World Oyster Opening Championships in Galway, Ireland. Honor Allen of Florida came in having won it the last two years. It moves quick, so next year, find a spot near the stage early.
The food
Oysters just about every way you’d want them: raw, grilled, fried and steamed. Live music, local vendors, and an easy day out with kids.
Leonardtown sits at the head of Breton Bay, which runs down to the Potomac on our St. Clement’s Bay chart.
From the St. Clement’s Bay chart
Next year
- Where: St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds, 42455 Fairgrounds Rd, Leonardtown
- When: The third weekend in October
- Hosted by: the Rotary Club of Lexington Park
- Dates and tickets: posted on the festival’s official site, or call 301-863-5015
The money raised goes back into the community through the Rotary Club. Mark your calendar and show up hungry.
For the fairgrounds
- Bay Country Standard Tee
- Flag Camp Mug
- St. Clement’s Bay Chart Crewneck
Everything in this story
Bay country standard tee + flag camp mug + crewneck = $130. Ships free.
Shop the collection
Bay country standard tee + flag camp mug + crewneck = $130. Ships free. Shop all collection →
