OysterFest
OysterFest FAQs
Dates: October 19th + 20th
Time: 10 am - 5 pm, both days
Location: Wellfleet, MA | Main Street, Town Hall area
Where does my $33 entrance fee go?
Wellfleet Oyster Alliance (WOA, producers of Wellfleet OysterFest) is a non-profit organization that promotes education and exposure to our vibrant shellfishing industry. Learn more at wellfleetoa.org.
The entrance fee includes three bands on stage daily, the largest shucking competition in North America, two scientists speaking at the Wellfleet Library on Saturday about shellfish, a free kids' area, free parking at designated areas, and free shuttles from the ocean beach parking lots to the Fest.
Parking is not free at Wellfleet Pier, which is managed by the Marine Enterprise Fund and has no association with WOA. See more parking information below.
You pay for everything else, such as food, oysters, drinks, beautiful arts and crafts, and the Learn To Shuck class, which requires a $25 ticket and includes a lesson, six oysters, and a scientist speaking about oysters.
Are DOGS allowed at the Fest?
No dogs or animals are allowed per the Wellfleet Board of Health except service dogs.
Do I need a ticket, or can I buy one there?
All tickets are sold in advance through wellfleetoa.org
Kids 12 & under are FREE but also need a ticket at admissions.
THERE IS A TICKET SPECIFIC FOR KIDS.
SUNDAY, October 20th is a FREE day for Wellfleet residents. The coupon code is 20localfleet24.
A WELLFLEET TAXPAYER WITH A WELLFLEET ADDRESS IS REQUIRED to use the coupon.
Where is the LOST & FOUND?
Lost & Found is in the Volunteer Tent at Town Hall
Will bags be searched upon entrance?
ALL BAGS WILL BE SUBJECT TO SEARCH.
Have your ticket pulled up on your phone when arriving at the entrance.
If you have a personal item confiscated at the entrance, we are not held responsible for returning it to you.
Can I bring my own alcohol onto ‘Fest grounds?
No outside alcohol is allowed at the ‘Fest per order of MA State law and ABCC.
Is there Beer & Wine at the ‘Fest?
Beer & wine will be sold within the designated areas of the ‘Fest.
Where do we park and what should I expect when parking and using the shuttle service?
Free parking & free shuttles are available at all of the ocean beaches
The ocean beach shuttle drop off & pick up for LeCount Hollow, White Crest & Newcomb Hollow is on Bank Street, the east side entrance to the ‘Fest. Here is a link to a Google map of the beaches.
Plan to include wait time of up to 15 minutes for the shuttle.
BUS SERVICES END AT 6pm. Plan accordingly.
Paid parking is available from private citizens and at the Wellfleet Pier on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Wellfleet Pier shuttle drop off and pick up is on Holbrook Avenue, the west side entrance to the ‘Fest. Here is a link to a Google map of the Wellfleet Pier.
Shuttle buses start at 9:45 AM at area beaches & 10:00 AM at Wellfleet Pier.
Where are the Handicap Parking / services?
Free handicapped parking is available at designated areas in the Mayo Beach parking lot.
The handicap shuttle goes from Mayo Beach to the corner of Holbrook & Main St. the west side entrance of the ‘Fest.
Reserved Handicap Parking is available at Congo Church for a fee payable to the church.
Where can I buy a ticket?
Tickets are available through wellfleetoa.org.
Tickets are $33 for general admission. Kids 12 & under are free but need a ticket!
Can I get a refund for my entry ticket?
No ticket refunds. All ticket sales are final.
Will there be an ATM?
Yes, there are 4 ATMs on the east side of Town Hall near the main beer tent, at Cape Cod 5 Bank on Main Street, and by the beer tent in the secondary lot across from Preservation Hall.
What is appropriate clothing for the ‘Fest?
Please check the weather for Wellfleet before arrival and dress appropriately.
Does the ‘Fest go on, rain or shine?
Yes - the ‘Fest is a Rain or Shine event
What should I expect when bringing my kids to ‘Fest?
There is a designated Family Fun Area with many children’s activities behind Preservation Hall off of Main Street.
The Festival is large and often crowded. Please make arrangements with your kids for a meet-up location. In case you lose your child, there will be security throughout the Festival located in the Family Fun Area, on Main St and in the lots, and police located throughout the ‘Fest. Fire & Rescue is located in front of Town Hall.
Strollers are allowed.
Is the kids' area free?
The kids area activities are always free - but cotton candy is $1.00.
Even FREE kids (kid tickets) need a ticket to present on a mobile device or printed out.
Is there security?
Yes, there are security personnel during WOF to enhance police presence and fire safety.
There are no secure lockboxes or areas to secure personal belongings. All patrons must be responsible for their possessions.
Waste reduction at the ‘Fest?
The Fest is committed to using biodegradable materials whenever possible and no single use-plastic.
Vendors throughout the Fest will sell drinking water in cans.
Are oyster shells recycled at the OysterFest?
Volunteers endeavor to capture 100% of all shells of consumed shellfish during the event. You can do your part by making sure your shells go into the shell recycling bin. For more information, talk to a shell recycling volunteer or visit the NOAA booth or MA Oyster Project booth next to the enormous shell recycling container at the end of the food booth.
What events are happening & where?
Please check our website for updates on this year’s ‘Fest events.
Is there a festival map?
There will be a festival map available soon. Please check our website for updates.
What arts & crafts vendors will be at WOF?
A full list of vendors is available here.
What food vendors will be at WOF?
A full list of vendors is available here.
What community partners will be at WOF?
A full list of community partners is available here.
How many people attend per day?
Attendance is capped at 11,000 per day.
How do I get an events schedule?
Check on our website for updates.
How can I volunteer?
If you are interested in volunteering at WOF, please sign up for any interested volunteer stations here.
You may also email volunteers@wellfleetoa.org to ask about volunteering at WOF.
