2026 OysterFest FAQs

General Information

  • OysterFest takes place Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18, 2026. Gates open at 10:00 AM and close at 5:00 PM each day.

  • In downtown Wellfleet, MA, along Main Street, the Town Hall lot, and Preservation Hall lot.

  • Yes. Guests receive a wristband at entry that allows same-day re-entry. You must go through security each time.

  • Yes — OysterFest is a rain-or-shine event.

  • Attendance is capped at 10,000 per day.

  • No. Pets are not allowed except service dogs.

Tickets

  • Stay Tuned for more information.

  • Tickets for OysterFest 2026 are not yet available.

  • No. All sales are final.

  • Yes, Wellfleet residents receive free admission on Sunday, October 19th, with proof of residency. Proof of residency is required at the festival entrance.

    • Live music

    • The largest oyster shucking competition in North America

    • Author talk on Saturday at Wellfleet Library

    • Free family fun area for kids

    • Free shuttle service from ocean beach parking lots

    • Free parking at designated lots

    Other attractions such as oysters, food, beer and wine, art, and the “Learn to Shuck” class ($25) tickets are sold separately.

  • Proceeds support the Wellfleet Oyster Alliance, a nonprofit that promotes the town’s shellfishing heritage, education, and sustainability.

Getting There & Parking

    • Free parking & shuttles at ocean beaches: LeCount Hollow, White Crest, and Newcomb Hollow. Shuttles start at 9:45 AM and end at 6:00 PM. 

    Paid parking is available from the Town at the Wellfleet Pier and on private property (first-come, first-served).

    • Shuttle buses will start picking up at the beaches at 9:45am

    • Shuttle buses will drop you off and pick you up on Bank Street by the Town Hall festival entrance. Please remember that your drop off and pick up location are the same.

    • Plan to include a wait time of up to 15 minutes for the shuttle.

    Bus Services End at 6pm. Please plan accordingly.

    • Free handicapped parking is at Mayo Beach with shuttle service to the Holbrook & Main Street entrance.

    • Reserved parking at Congo Church (fee payable to the church).

Festival Access & Security

  • There are two entrances: Town Hall Bank Street Entrance and Intersection of Holbrook and Main St. Entrance.

  • No. You are not required to print your ticket. Please have your ticket barcode pulled up on your phone when arriving at the entrance to be scanned.

    • Outside alcohol

    • Pets (except service dogs)

    • Weapons or hazardous materials

  • Yes. All bags are subject to search. If you have an item confiscated at the entrance, it will be put in lost and found, we are not held responsible for returning it to you.

  • Yes. There are security personnel during the festival to enhance police and fire safety.

  • Yes, beer, wine, and sun sips are available behind Town Hall and in the Preservation Hall lot. Alcohol sales are CASH ONLY.

  • At the Volunteer Tent on Town Hall lawn.

Accessibility

  • Yes. The grounds are wheelchair accessible, with handicap parking and shuttle services from Mayo Beach. Accessible restrooms are available

Food, Drink, & Shopping

  • Yes. Beer, wine and seltzer will be sold in the Town Hall lot and the Wellfleet Preservation Lot. Alcohol sales are CASH only.

  • OysterFest features raw bars, local food vendors, drinks, and artisan crafts. Vendor lists, menus, and maps will be available here.

    • Fresh oysters & seafood

    • Food & beverages

    • Arts & crafts

    • OysterFest merchandise

Money & ATMs

  • Most do, but some are cash only.

Sustainability

  • Yes. Volunteers endeavor to collect 100% of the shells from shellfish consumed at the festival. You can do your part by dropping your shells in the designated bins. Visit the Mass Oyster Booth at the festival or read more on our website

  • The festival uses recyclable/biodegradable materials whenever possible. No single-use plastics.

  • Yes. There is a water station located next to Town Hall.

Festival Life

  • Dress for Cape Cod fall weather - layers and comfortable shoes are recommended. Check the weather forecast before heading to the festival.

  • There are no charging stations or secure areas to store your personal belongings. All attendees are responsible for their possessions.

Volunteering & Contact

2026 Main Stage Line-Up

Find other community events the weekend of the ‘Fest Coming Soon