Our friends at the Oyster Trail have reminded us that October is Oyster Month in North Carolina and we are ALL IN on the goodness. In our state, oysters bring tremendous economic value through the shellfish industry, but are also known as being a crucially important species for protecting our coastline from erosion, providing food and shelter for other marine animals, and filtering water to help improve coastal water quality. Read below on all the ways that you can help celebrate NC Oyster Month this October with a variety of interesting science-based activities that almost always end with eating a yummy dinner. That’s the best way to learn something new, isn’t it?
Thanks so much to Jane Harrison with NC Sea Grant for sharing the information below with NCST Explorers and Partners. The associated press release was written by Dan DiNicola.
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Get ready to “shellebrate” as North Carolina Oyster Month returns this October, bringing a variety of fun and flavorful events across the state. From oyster farm tours to seafood festivals, there’s no shortage of ways to savor local oysters while supporting coastal conservation.
In 2022, North Carolina’s wild and farmed shellfish industry contributed $31.66 million to the state’s economy. Of this, the farmed oyster industry provided almost half, $14.69 million in economic impact and 283 jobs.
“Oysters continue to bring tremendous value to North Carolina,” says Jane Harrison, North Carolina Sea Grant’s coastal economist. “The events planned for North Carolina Oyster Month will introduce folks to shellfish culinary preparations, how oysters are grown, and their critical environmental role.”
North Carolina Sea Grant, the North Carolina Coastal Federation, and the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources are once again organizing this year’s NC Oyster Month in partnership with the NC Oyster Trail. Detailed event listings are available on the NC Oyster Trail and NCDNCR websites.
“From oyster chef specials to kayak tours of oyster farms, there is something for everyone during NC Oyster Month,” says Harrison.
NC Oyster Trail volunteer Bill Husted hosts an educational booth each year at the Outer Banks Seafood Festival. Bill says, “You meet fishers and learn what it takes to get fresh seafood to your table. The Trail booth will be in the Educational Tent and oyster growers will be shucking shellfish.”
North Carolina Oyster Month events will include cultivated and wild-caught oysters alike from new and returning participating organizations and businesses. Trail restaurants will be serving N.C. oysters all month long with various specials.
For more information on North Carolina Oyster Month 2024 and to explore the NC Oyster Trail, visit ncoystertrail.org. You can also read stories about oyster conservation and the people behind the industry in North Carolina Sea Grant’s Coastwatch magazine.
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Upcoming NC Oyster Month Events
Outer Banks Seafood Festival
Oct. 19 | 10 am – 6 pm | Nags Head
The Outer Banks Seafood Festival will teach you about our state’s fishing industry and heritage, let you savor local seafood, and treat you to live music. Meet fisher folk and see the boats that bring fresh seafood to your table. The NC Oyster Trail will have an educational booth. Be sure to visit!
Oysterberfest 2024
Oct. 20 | 12-6pm | Wrightsville Brewing, Wilmington
Wrightsville Brewing’s annual wild oyster season kickoff party & Oktoberfest celebration shouldn’t be missed. Live music by Back Pocket Buddha and Birdwell Beat. Their best prices of the year for steamed and raw oysters!
Shellebration Sundays
Sundays in October | Coquina Fish Bar, Wilmington
Discounted oysters ($1.50) every Sunday in October all day long!
Oyster of the Week
Each week in October | Coquina Fish Bar, Wilmington
Every week in October Coquina will debut a new oyster preparation to be sold as a special all week. From Miso Butter Oysters to Corn Bread and Creamed Spinach grilled oysters, so many yummy things to come!
$1 Happy Hour Oysters all October Long
Each week in October | 2-4pm | Shuckin’ Shack, Surf City
Join Shuckin’ Shack for their $1 local oyster happy hour Tuesday-Thursday 2-4 pm for the entire month of October.
Sandspur Music and Oysters
Oct. TBD | The Sandspur, Carolina Beach
Enjoy an oyster roast in The Sandspur’s backyard. Followed by live bluegrass music from South Hill Banks!
Seed to Table Oyster Trail Tours
All October | Coastal Eco Adventures, Sneads Ferry
Discover the unique history and importance of the Eastern oyster on a boat tour! You will meet working watermen and women at oyster farms near Permuda Island Sneads Ferry. Call Coastal Eco Adventures to book your tour today.
Oyster Farm to Fork Kayak Tours with the NC Coastal Federation
Most Wednesdays (Oct. 2, 16, 23, 30) at 11 am | Wanchese
Paddle out to the NC Coastal Federation’s oyster farm and then taste some oysters from local restaurant Dune Street Raw Bar & Grill. Find out how this most sustainable and delicious protein gets to your plate. Be sure to register!