If you’re a fan of seafood, consider this your formal invitation to visit the Chesapeake Bay. You’ll fit right in with the locals and visitors looking to enjoy the best oyster festivals in Virginia’s Oyster Country! We believe oysters this delicious are worth celebrating, and once you try them here, you’re sure to agree with us. Check out these festivals and see what we mean — you won’t be disappointed!
Fill up on Seafood and Excitement at These Oyster Festivals in Virginia’s Oyster Country!
Deltaville Seafood Festival
Held each year in May, the Deltaville Seafood Festival is a fantastic option for good food and great times. You can head over to the Deltaville Community Center to find boat shows, unique crafts, live music, and more! Don’t worry — there are always plenty of oysters here! Between events, make sure you head over to the raw bar and take your fill of ice-cold oysters!
Northern Neck Wine and Oyster Fair
Another fantastic springtime option is the Northern Neck Wine and Oyster Fair. It’s a joint effort between the Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Association and Good Luck Cellars in Kilmarnock. Try your chances in the raffle and take your pick from a variety of specialty oyster recipes. You might even learn something new with their educational seminars about the history and culture of oyster farming!
Deltaville Museum Oyster Roast and Dance
Once the calendar flips to September, you have the opportunity to attend the Deltaville Oyster Roast and Dance. Join the excitement at the Deltaville Maritime Museum and see why so many people look forward to this event each year. Attendees can sit down for mouthwatering oyster platters then get up and stretch their legs with an evening of dancing! The live music performance is always a hit!
Urbanna Wine and Oyster Stroll
Nothing goes better with oysters than a glass of exquisite wine. At the Urbanna Wine and Oyster Stroll, you can enjoy both as you explore a charming, small town in Virginia’s Oyster Country. Buy your tickets, grab a map, and make your way through participating shops and restaurants. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes for walking!
Chesapeake Academy Oyster Roast
Enjoy savory oysters in Irvington, VA, just a short walk from the Hope and Glory Inn! The Community Oyster Roast takes place each October, and you’re invited to stop by! You can listen to live music as you help yourself to oysters roasted to perfection. Proceeds from tickets benefit the Chesapeake Academy and their student programs!
Bay Seafood Festival
For several years now, the Bay Seafood Festival has been attracting visitors from throughout the Chesapeake Bay. People can’t wait to get their hands on tickets each year so they can enjoy all-you-can-eat seafood. Mix it up with crab and clam chowder or focus solely on the oysters. Either way, your attendance helps various charities and non-profits. So far, this event has raised over a quarter of a million dollars!
Urbanna Oyster Festival
The number of people in Urbanna goes from 500 to several thousand when it’s time for the Urbanna Oyster Festival! This highly anticipated celebration is a favorite among locals and visitors, and it’s easy to see why. There are oysters served any way you want them, parades, beer and wine tents, and an antique car show! The Urbanna Oyster Festival is one event you won’t want to miss. Check it out during the first weekend in November!
Shuckin’ and Jivin’ on the Lancaster Green
After a short, 15-minute drive from the Hope and Glory Inn, you can reach the Mary Ball Washington Museum. In addition to being a source of fascinating history, it’s also the venue for the annual oyster roast in November! We suggest buying your tickets early since this event typically sells out. Also, remember to bring cash if you’d like to try your chances in the 50/50 raffle!
Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail Oyster Crawl
Missing an incredible event like the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail Oyster Crawl can be disappointing. Luckily, you have two opportunities to join in the fun each year! Pair your experience with vibrant foliage in the fall or blooming flowers in the springtime. Either way, you can explore the wine trail to indulge in a variety of wines with delicious oyster pairings. Don’t forget to visit us at the Dog and Oyster Vineyard to try our medal-winning wines and Stuart Tyson’s oyster specialties!
Taste by the Bay
Mark your calendars for Taste by the Bay in November and thank us later! This annual festival features incredible food, talented musicians, and refreshing beverages. Wine aficionados should be pleased to find offerings from a variety of local wineries there, including our very own Dog and Oyster Vineyard. If beer is more your style, don’t worry. There will be plenty of craft brews available as well! All in all, Taste by the Bay is one of the best ways to experience the culture and cuisine of the Northern Neck. Buy your tickets early, and don’t miss out!
Stay at Hope and Glory Inn For Oysters, Wine, and Luxury
No matter which festival you attend, you’re welcome to stay at the Hope and Glory Inn to make the most of your trip. Our charming bed and breakfast in Irvington, VA, features some of the most elegantly designed rooms and cottages in the area. Each one has a unique atmosphere, but they all feature luxurious furnishings and come with excellent service. Plus, you can take a short walk from the Inn to our vineyard to enjoy medal-winning wines and fresh, Rappahannock oysters.
The Hope and Glory Inn and the Dog and Oyster Vineyard are in the heart, hotbed, and epicenter of the East Coast’s oyster industry! Even if you can’t make it to the festivals, a delightful experience is always waiting for you here! Find your ideal room and book your stay today! We look forward to seeing you!
For even more delicious adventures, take a look at our blog on the Virginia Oyster Trail!
