New Bedford’s Oyster Festival is the City’s Newest Celebration

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — New Bedford's newest event will soon be upon us, giving you the chance to enjoy fresh local oysters while enjoying a water view of the city.

The first annual New Bedford Oyster Fest will be on Saturday, June 15 on East Rodney French Boulevard, located on the beautiful waters of Cisco.

The Fishing Heritage Center and Cisco Brewers have partnered with the City's Marketing and Tourism Department to launch this new festival, which will feature the players on New Bedford's local oyster scene.

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"This is a great chance to come and get a taste of our local shellfish aquaculture scene," Fishing Heritage Center Director Laura Orleans said. "We're excited for this collaboration and to introduce our community to oyster growing, an essential part of our fishing story in the region,"

During the festival, guests can enjoy fresh oysters shucked right in front of them by local growers, who will also share stories and answer any questions.

This year's event will feature seven local growers: Island Creek Oysters (New Bedford/Duxbury), West Island Oysters (Fairhaven), Padanaram Oyster Farm (Dartmouth), Cuttyhunk Shellfish Farms (Cuttyhunk), Duxbury Oyster Co. (Duxbury), Spindrift Oysters (Westport) and West Passage Oyster Co (Narragansett Bay, RI).

"As the seafood capital of America, New Bedford is the best place to try fresh seafood," Mayor Jon Mitchell said. "This event is a fitting addition to the busy summer calendar."

Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 on the event day. They include a sampling of a half-dozen local oysters, a complimentary craft beverage (beer or cocktail can), and a souvenir shucking knife to take home.

Proceeds will support the Fishing Heritage Center's mission to preserve and promote New Bedford's rich fishing story as the nation's most valuable fishing port.

Don't miss the opportunity to part of New Bedford's first-ever Oyster Fest. Tickets can be purchased online in advance.