An evolution of Urbanna Days that began in 1957, the Urbanna Oyster Festival as it is known today hosts more than 50,000 people in the one-square mile town of Urbanna over two days — this year it is Friday and Saturday, Nov. 3 and 4. Visitors flock from all over the state, and outside of it too, to celebrate the oyster!
In 1988 it was designated as the “official” oyster festival of the Commonwealth and it maintains that title today.
Come by boat or come by land! The charming town of Urbanna closes its streets for this big celebration of everything oyster.
It’s a “foodie” heaven, featuring more than 50 food vendors and every kind of oyster — raw, steamed, roasted, Rockefeller, fried, stewed, and in a pot pie – and festival fare like barbecue and crab bisque.
Arts and crafts, antique auto show, children’s activities and live bands are spread throughout the town. The town marina offers historical boats and exhibits on the conservation of the Chesapeake Bay, watermen and the oyster industry.
The Fireman’s Parade is 7 p.m. Nov. 3 and the Oyster Festival Parade is 2 p.m. Nov. 4. It’s hometown fun with “the Shriners,” marching bands, beauty queens and floats.
Don’t miss the oyster shucking contest behind the firehouse at 11 a.m. on Nov. 4.
There are Virginia wine tastings and craft brew tastings for folks 21 and older. Parking is $20 for each day.
For more information, call 758-2122. Also, look for 2023 Urbanna Oyster Festival supplement which can be found in the November 2 edition of the Southside Sentinel.
