25 Years of Attractions, Food and Entertainment for the Entire Family

We’ll see you at the Festival -
October 17, 18 and 19

The Bank of America's 25th Anniversary Oyster Festival, presented by Newsday and sponsored by the Oyster Bay Rotary Club, is one of the East Coast's largest annual waterfront festivals. A major fund-raising event for local charities, the celebration returns to Long Island's north shore October 17, 18 and 19 for its 25th year delivering its trademark mixture of new activities and fabulous food. Now THAT’S entertainment!

The Silver Anniversary Oyster Festival offers more than ever. Join visitors from miles around for kickin’ live music in the sunshine, shop at the huge craft tents, and scope out interesting finds at the antiques market. Guide the kids through the exotic animal petting zoo, eyeball the Tall Ships from up close and work up the nerve for the thrill rides. And whatever you do, make sure you get over to the Food Court for the freshest seafood and tastiest snacks available anywhere. And the best part – parking and admission to the Festival is free.

New attractions for 2008 include:

Friday Night Opening (Rides and Amusements ONLY)

Kick the festival off with us Friday night October 17 as we preview the Rides and Amusements areas from 6:30pm - 10:30pm.

Ultimate Air Dogs, presented by Optimum!
Canine jumpers from all along the Eastern Seaboard and throughout Canada will come to Oyster Bay to compete in this great visual treat. Bring your camera! (Only pre-registered dogs will be allowed in the park.)

Saturday Firework Celebration- at 7PM
Come early and stay late. On Saturday, celebrate the festival’s 25th Anniversary. The Festival will stay open an extra hour-until 7pm. Enjoy a true visual treat with our Fireworks by Grucci show sponsored by Bank of America. Bring lawn chairs.

More favorites for 2008 include:

The incredible Food Court, sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union

Local restaurants, national food service companies and talented amateur chefs joyfully compete to tickle your palate. More than 30 booths offer a dazzling variety of tastes: stews and gumbos, fritters and papusas, burgers and small bites, deep-fried Oreos and sweet potato fries. And of course -of course! –the freshest oysters, clams and shrimp, served every way imaginable. Proceeds benefit local non-profit organizations.

Best of the Food Court Contest, sponsored by Whole Foods Market
Who rules the Food Court? After your purchase, vote for your favorite food at the Whole Food booth. Let the best munch win.

Get your 25th Anniversary Commemorative Mug

Celebrate The Oyster Festival all year long with our commemorative tankard from Wild Bill’[s Olde Fashioned Sodas. Purchase the mug at the Festival, and receive free refills all weekend!

Yo Ho Ho: The Pirates are Back!

Where would the Oyster Festival be without pirates? Back by popular demand for their fourth year are our band of fun-loving buccaneers, the “Kings of the Coast”, searching high and low for buried treasure at "Pirates Cove."

Bring the kids and take part in live performances and treasure hunts. While you're here, check out our expanded and improved Children's Entertainment Area, which features unique animals to pet plus camel rides!

First Annual Oyster Bay Match Racing Championship

Held under the auspices of the Oyster Bay Marine Center, the racing is close with exciting starts.  Pre-starts include 5 minutes of intense positioning by the competitors for position when the horn sounds. Races feature the Swedish Match ‘40s, the boats used by teams preparing for the America Cup and on the World Match Tour. Races scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, 11 AM to 4 PM. Start times vary, depending on wind conditions.