2026 OysterFest FAQs
General Information
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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.
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In downtown Wellfleet, MA, along Main Street, the Town Hall lot, and Preservation Hall lot.
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Yes. Guests receive a wristband at entry that allows same-day re-entry. You must go through security each time.
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Yes — OysterFest is a rain-or-shine event.
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Attendance is capped at 12,000 per day.
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No. Pets are not allowed at OysterFest. Service dogs are welcome. For the comfort and safety of both your pet and festival attendees, please leave pets at home. OysterFest is a busy, crowded, and often loud event.
Tickets
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General Admission tickets are $35.00.
Children 12 and under are free.
Wellfleet residents receive free entry on Sunday October 18 with a valid photo ID with a Wellfleet address.
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Tickets on Sale Now!
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Yes. Children 12 and under are free, but each child must have a ticket to enter OysterFest. Free children’s tickets can be reserved online when purchasing your OysterFest tickets.
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No. All sales are final.
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Wellfleet residents receive one free ticket for Sunday using the resident code Fleetian26.
Select October 18 and choose 1 ticket.
Enter Fleetian26 in the Coupon Code field and Click Apply
Enter your Wellfleet resident address.
A $35 discount (the cost of one Sunday ticket) will automatically be applied.
Enter your email, name, and phone number and order is complete.
Each Wellfleet resident must register individually to receive their free Sunday ticket.
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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.
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OysterFest is the Wellfleet Oyster Alliance's largest annual fundraiser. Your ticket directly supports our year-round work, including academic scholarships, community grants, advocacy, and initiatives that protect and celebrate Wellfleet's shellfishing heritage.
Getting There & Parking
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Free Parking & Shuttles: OysterFest offers free parking at the ocean beaches: LeCount Hollow, White Crest, and Newcomb Hollow, with free shuttle service to and from the festival. Shuttles run from 9:45 AM to 6:00 PM.
Wellfleet Pier Parking: Parking at the Wellfleet Pier is managed and charged by the Town of Wellfleet, not the Wellfleet Oyster Alliance or OysterFest. Additional paid parking may also be available on private property. All paid parking is first-come, first-served.
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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.
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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
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There are two entrances: Town Hall Bank Street Entrance and Intersection of Holbrook and Main St. Entrance.
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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.
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OysterFest opens at 10:00 AM. Free shuttles from the ocean beach parking lots begin at 9:45 AM and run throughout the day until 6:00 PM. We recommend allowing plenty of time for parking, the shuttle ride, and entry into the festival.
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Outside alcohol
Pets (except service dogs)
Weapons or hazardous materials
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Yes. All bags are subject to search. Prohibited items will not be permitted inside the festival.
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Yes. There are security personnel during the festival to enhance police and fire safety.
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At the Volunteer HQ Tent on Town Hall lawn.
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No. Due to limited space and large crowds, chairs are not permitted inside OysterFest.
There are chairs available.
Accessibility
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Yes. The grounds are wheelchair accessible, with handicap parking and shuttle services from Mayo Beach. Accessible restrooms are available
Food, Drink, & Shopping
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Yes. Beer, wine and Sun Cruiser will be sold in the Town Hall lot and the Wellfleet Preservation Lot. Alcohol sales are CASH only.
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OysterFest features raw bars, local food vendors, drinks, and artisan crafts. Vendor lists, menus, and maps will be available here.
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Fresh oysters & seafood
Food & beverages
Arts & crafts
OysterFest merchandise
Money & ATMs
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Most do, but some are cash only.
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Yes. There are ATM’s located in the Town Hall lot and the Preservation Hall lot. There are also ATM’s at the Cape Cod 5 bank.
Sustainability
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Yes! Volunteers collect shells from oysters consumed throughout the festival so they can be recycled rather than thrown away. Help us keep the cycle going by placing your shells in the designated shell recycling bins located throughout OysterFest.
Learn more about WOA’s year-round shell recycling program on our website.
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Reducing waste is a priority at OysterFest. Single-use plastics are not permitted, and vendors use recyclable or compostable serving materials whenever possible. Recycling stations are located throughout the festival.
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Yes. There is a water station located next to Town Hall.
Festival Life
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Dress for Cape Cod fall weather - layers and comfortable shoes are recommended. Check the weather forecast before heading to the festival.
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There are no charging stations or secure areas to store your personal belongings. All attendees are responsible for their possessions.
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Stay tuned!
Volunteering & Contact
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Sign up here or email volunteers@wellfleetoa.org
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Visit wellfleetoa.org.
2026 Main Stage Line-Up
Find other community events the weekend of the ‘Fest Coming Soon