Welcome to the 50th Anniversary of the Urbanna Oyster Festival!

We are pleased and proud to carry on this wonderful tradition begun by a dozen or so local merchants and "town fathers" in 1957.  Originally called "Urbanna Days," the festival was established to promote the town and it's economy.  In those first years the event was a relatively small gathering of local folks highlighted by a parade comprised primarily of antique cars.

In 1961 the name was officially changed to the "Urbanna Oyster Festival" in recognition and honor of the succulent bivalve that was such an important part of the local economy.  The crowning of a Queen and "Little Miss Spat" (a "spat" is a baby oyster) along with the selection of a grand marshal to honor local or state individuals held in high esteem became an important part of the tradition.

In 1986 the prestigious Friday night Fireman's Parade began a truly exhilarating experience.  In 1988, the General Assembly of Virginia designated the festival as the official Oyster Festival of the Commonwealth.  In 1991, the Urbanna Oyster Festival Foundation was established to produce and manage the annual festival.

The festival has grown and so have the crowds.  Crowds for the two-day event now number nearly 75,000.  Food and craft booths number over 125 and the Fireman's Parade features over 80 engines of every size and description.  The Oyster Festival Parade on Saturday features over 80 units including numerous marching bands, antique cars, locally produced floats and the renowned Khedive Temple Shrine Club of Norfolk.

In this, our 50th year, it is appropriate that we honor our local merchants.  We encourage you to visit our shops, stores and restaurants and to utilize our services while you enjoy the fun and family traditions of the Urbanna Oyster Festival.

The 50th Annual Urbanna Oyster Festival is sponsored by the Urbanna Oyster Festival Foundation, a non-profit organization, which was established in 1991.  The Foundation would like to thank the volunteer committees and all of the interested citizens who contributed their time and enthusiasm to this important community project.  We also greatly appreciate the cooperation of the town council, the mayor, the town administrator and staff and the many fine residents of Urbanna who open their town for this wonderful event.  If you participated in any small way, you are responsible for the success we enjoy during this Oyster Festival.