Oyster roast season is finally upon us, and there is no better place than Charleston for this favorite pasttime. Most people associate oyster roasts with cold weather, but they're starting to kick off in September around here. We've found the best oyster roasts in Charleston, and if you're wanting to host your own, we've even included where to purchase local oysters. Grab your friends and knife, and gather around the fire at one of these Lowcountry oyster roasts!
You are guaranteed to have a shuckin' good time!
Shine on Shindig - All You Can eat Oysters
The2019 Shine On Shindig benefiting Roper St. Francis Cancer Care will be on Sunday, October 13th at Bowen's Island Restaurant. There will be all you can eat oysters, and also barbeque and drinks. This event is in honor of Rina Agriss Blair, a Charleston resident who lost her battle to melanoma. A portion of proceeds from the Shine on Shindig will go towards the Rina Foundation, to specifically help others battling melanoma. A raffle will take place that includes many great prizes, including a five-night beachfront stay in the U.S. Virgin Islands - so bring your cash.This family-friendly event will also have cornhole, arts+crafts, and jump castles.
π Bowen's Island Restaurant, 1870 Bowen's Island Road, Charleston, SC 29412
β° Sunday, October 13, 2019 6:30PM
HALOS 8th Annual Oyster Roast
Charleston HALOS is hosting their 8th Annual Oyster Roast on Sunday, October 20th at Harborside East. This year, a Lowcountry pulled pork feast will be added for those who are not oyster lovers. All proceeds from the event will benefit HALOS' mission to provide support and advocacy for abused and neglected children and their caregivers. Enjoy a night full of oysters + other delicious foods, live music, and gorgeous views of the Charleston Harbor.
π Harborside East, 28 Bridgeside Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
β° Sunday, October 20, 2019 4:00PM - 7:00PM
Home Team BBQ Semi-annual Oyster Roast and Pig Pickin' - West Ashley
Home Team BBQ in West Ashley is hosting their semi-annual oyster roast and pig pickin' on Sunday, October 20th! You can spend your Sunday shuckin' all you can eat oysters, picking from the smoked hog, and listening to live music from Haley Mae Campbell. Tickets will be $25, and can be purchased a the door. Regular menu items and drinks will also be available for purchase.
π Home Team BBQ - West Ashley, 1205 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29407
β° Sunday, October 20, 2019, 1:30PM - 6:30PM
Save the Hunley - 15th Annual Oyster Roast & Silent Auction
The Friends of the Hunley's Annual Oyster Roast & Silent Auction is back for its 15th anniversary! Happening on Friday, November 1st this is an oyster roast you don't want to miss! All proceeds go towards supporting maritime historic preservation and education.Held at the Visitors Center Bus Shed at 375 Meeting Street in Downtown Charleston, you can enjoy ALL-you-can-eat BBQ, Oysters (of course), traditional side dishes, live music and a silent auction filled with weekend getaways, gift certificates, artwork and unique experiences.
π Visitors Center Bus Shed, 375 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403
β° Friday, November 1, 2019, 7:00PM - 10:00PM
Oysters in the Outfield - Moncks Corner
The Town of Moncks Corner will host the First Annual Oysters in the Outfield & Chili Cook-off on November 16th! It will be a fundraiser event for the Miracle League, and will be held at the Regional Recreation Complex. There will be live music from Randall Fowler, and food trucks, oysters, chili, kids activities, and more! The Homerun Ticket will include all you can eat oysters and chili tastings, for only $35.
All tickets will be sold at the ticket booth the event.
π118 Carolina Avenue, Moncks Corner, SC 29461
β° Saturday, November 16, 2019, 2:00PM - 7:00PM
Charleston Oyster Festival - Johns Island County Park
Chef John Tomlin serves oysters any way you like them at the Charleston Oyster Festival. Local, Gulf, or East Coast oysters are served raw, grilled, roasted and fried on the half shell, in gumbo, and many other ways - the possibilities are endless! You can enjoy a Bloody Mary Bar serving Charleston Bloody Mary Mix, specialty cocktails using Tito's Vodka, and beer and wine from an extensive list. And of course, there will be live music!
π2662 Mullet Hall Road, Johns Island, SC 29455
β° Saturday, November 16, 2019, 11:00AM - 8:00PM
Mingo Point Oyster Roast and BBQ
Mingo Point Oyster Roast and BBQ is Kiawah Island Golf Resortβs longest-running event. This Lowcountry tradition is offered over major holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving. The event is enjoyed by all ages. Oysters are roasted over an open fire, and other BBQ dishes are available, such as ribs, pulled pork, smoked chicken and grilled steaks. It's a night full of family fun, live music, activities, and beautiful views of the Kiawah River. If you have other Thanksgiving plans, you can always make a Mingo Point Oyster Roast in the summer - there is one every Monday evening!
π 1 Sanctuary Beach Drive, Johns Island, SC 29455
β° Friday, November 29, 2019, 6:00PM - 9:00PM
Oysters on the Point - Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina
Oysters on the Point is a once-a-month winter oyster roast featuring locally steamed oysters, an Art Walk, live music, and drinks. Numerous beer options and Bloody Marys are available for purchase, as well as chilli and hamburgers for our non-oyster eaters. Guests can also shop goods from local vendors and artists. And to top it all off, the view is unbeatable!
π 20 Patriots Point Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
β° Saturday, December 7, 2019, 2:00PM - 6:00PM
The Lowcountry Oyster Festival - Boone Hall
Are you surprised that the largest oyster festival is in the Lowcountry? The Southeastern Tourism Society named the Lowcountry Oyster Festival at Boone Hall one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast. This year, the Lowcountry Oyster Festival is presented by Charleston-owned, Red Clay Hot Sauce. For all of you oyster professionals, you can enter into the "Oyster Shucking" and "Oyster Eating" contests. There is also live music, a selection of beer and wine, a children's area, and for those non-oyster eaters, a "food court" with a variety of favorite local restaurants. Proceeds from this incredible event support several local charities, including MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, Charleston County School District, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and more.
π1235 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
β°Sunday, January 26, 2020, 10:00AM-5:00PM
Morgan Creek Grill Oyster Roast
Can't make one of the above oyster roasts? Aw, shucks - but don't worry, Morgan Creek Grill has you covered with an oyster roast EVERY Saturday! The entry is $25 for those eating oysters, and $10 for those not. Live music begins at 4:00PM when the oyster roast begins and lasts until 8:00PM.
π 80 41st Avenue, Isle of Palms, SC 29451
β° Every Saturday, 4:00PM
Host Your Own!
Build a fire, invite over your closest friends + family, and host your own this oyster season. A football game, family gathering, or just a weekend with no plans makes the perfect opportunity for an oyster roast. Order local oysters from the Charleston Oyster Company. It's so easy - they are washed and delivered to your door!
And of course, this event is BYOB.
For those newbies, we've found a guide with everything you need to know before oyster roast season: https://www.thespruceeats.com/oyster-roast-faq-and-etiquette-1300651
π· Photo: Getty Images