Welcome to the Urbanna Oyster Festival!

Experience the Urbanna Oyster Festival, Virginia’s official celebration of oysters and one of the world’s oldest festivals dedicated to these prized shellfish. Held annually in Urbanna on the first consecutive Friday and Saturday of November, this event draws over 50,000 visitors from across Virginia and beyond, transforming the town of just 500 residents into a bustling hub of excitement.

As a “pay-as-you-go” festival, entry is free, but certain areas like VIP experiences, parking, and the wine section may require a fee. Whether you’re there for the oysters, live music, parades, or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, all are invited to join in the fun at the Urbanna Oyster Festival!

Festival Hours & Traffic Info

Friday – 10:00AM to 8:00PM

Friday, the Town of Urbanna will be closed to all vehicle traffic from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM for the Fireman’s Parade. During this time, movement of traffic within the town will be limited.

Saturday – 9:00AM to 5:00PM

Saturday, the Town of Urbanna will be closed to all vehicle traffic from 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM by direction of the Virginia State Police and Middlesex County Sheriff.

 

Parking Information

Parking Fees: $20 per day Friday & Saturday

 

Urbanna Oyster Festival Schedule of Events

Friday

November 7,

2025

Fine Art Show

10:00AM - 5:00PM

Art Show Area

Carnival

10:00AM - 5:00PM

Carnival Area

Jonathan Austin (Juggler/Magician)
Children's Area

10:00AM - 4:00PM

Festival Village

Storytime & Craft in Children's Area

Presented by Book Author & Illustrator Nan Carlton

11:00 - 11:55AM

Festival Village

Craft Beer Tasting

11:00AM - 5:00PM

Craft Beer Area

Virginia Wine Tasting

11:00AM - 5:00PM

Wine Tasting Area

Fish Printing Project in Children's Area

Presented by Bay School Community Arts Center

12:00PM

Festival Village

Kids Yoga in Children's Area

1:00 - 1:45PM

Festival Village

Storytime & Craft in Children's Area

Presented by Book Author & Illustrator Nan Carlton

2:00 - 2:55PM

Festival Village

Fish Printing Project in Children's Area

Presented by Bay School Community Arts Center

12:00PM

Festival Village

Queen & Little Miss Spat Competition

4:00PM

Firehouse Stage

Kids Yoga in Children's Area

4:00 - 4:45PM

Festival Village

Fireman's Parade

7:00PM

Saturday

November 8,

2025

Fine Art Show

9:00AM - 3:00PM

Art Show Area

Carnival

9:00AM - 5:00PM

Carnival Area

Wooden Steamboat Craft
in Children's Area

Presented by Steamboat Era Museum

10:00AM

Festival Village

Drum Circle in Children's Area

Presented by CA&J Herb & Music Farm

11:00 - 11:45AM

Festival Village

Virginia Oyster Shucking Competition

11:00AM

Firehouse Stage

Craft Beer Tasting

11:00AM - 5:00PM

Craft Beer Area

Virginia Wine Tasting

11:00AM - 5:00PM

Virginia Wine Area

Magic Show in Children's Area

Presented by Hunter Rhodes Magic

12:00 - 1:00PM

Festival Village

Drum Circle in Children's Area

Presented by CA&J Herb & Music Farm

1:00 - 1:45PM

Festival Village

Oyster Festival Parade

2:00PM

Painting Project in Children's Area

Presented by Shawna Hambley

12:00PM

Festival Village

Storytime & Craft in Children's Area

Presented by Book Author & Illustrator Nan Carlton

4:00 - 4:55PM

Festival Village

Urbanna Oyster Festival Music Line-Up

Friday

November 7,

2025

Festival Village

(Southern Rock)

10:00AM - 4:30PM

Scottish Factor Store

Robert Keyes

(Multi-facet Solo Fingerstyle Guitarist)​

10:00AM - 3:00PM

Virginia Wine Area

(R&B/Soul)

11:00AM - 4:00PM

Firehouse Stage

Fireman's Dance

(Dance/Party Band)

8:00PM

Saturday

November 8,

2025

Festival Village

(Blues)

10:00AM - 12:30PM

Waterfront

(Americana)

10:00AM - 5:00PM

Virginia Wine Area

(Acoustic Guitar & Folk/Americana)

11:00AM - 4:30PM

Scottish Factor Store

Robert Keyes

(Multi-facet Solo Fingerstyle Guitarist)​

10:00AM - 3:00PM

Purchase your VIP Tickets for this year’s Urbanna Oyster Festival!

Tickets are valid for one day only.

Urbanna Oyster Festival Map

Our Sponsors

Queen Scholarship Sponsors

Oyster Festival Parade Entry Form

By filling out the form below you are expressing interest in participating in the Urbanna Oyster Festival Parade on the Saturday of Oyster Festival at 2:00PM. Upon approval, you will receive a detailed parade information packet in October. If you have any questions, please call the Festival office at 804-758-2122. 

NO objects are to be thrown from any parade vehicle, floats or marchers.  NO stopping along parade route.  Air cannons, loud explosive devices and other objects are prohibited.  Current political campaign candidates are NOT permitted in the parade or along the parade route, nor do we allow any political advertisements or promotional materials in the parade.  Please Keep in Mind this is a Family-oriented event and parade.   We are a Virginia Green Festival.

Sponsor Interest Form

As we look forward to our 67th anniversary, November 1 & 2, 2024, we turn to you, our community partners, to help us put on one of the best Oyster Festivals yet. Year after year we are humbled by the commitment of our volunteers, our vendors, our advocates, and you, our sponsors. Your love for this little town, and this big Festival, make our jobs well worth it. To see our town full of excitement and pride each November brings us joy and gives us motivation to keep working toward the next one. Your monetary support allows us to do things like bring in well-known or locally-grown bands, look out for the wellbeing and safety of our attendees, and put on events like the Antique Car Show and Saturday’s Oyster Festival Parade. It ensures our local schools and visitors alike are exposed to the importance of oysters and water-restoration to the local economy. It means high school seniors have financial support in pursuing higher education.

From the mission of the Urbanna Oyster Festival Foundation, partnering with us means you are aligned with:

• Providing cultural, educational and recreational events for the enjoyment of the community

• Provide leadership, education and training for festivals, event leaders and volunteers

• Promote an appreciation of the history, maritime tradition, and the seafood industry

• Provide a venue for fundraising for civic and non-profit organizations

• Encourage the participation of artists, writers, and craftsmen in festivals and other events

• Encourage involvement of educational organizations and other non-profit groups

• Enhance the quality of life of the local economy and promote visitation and economic development

We appreciate your consideration in partnering with the Urbanna Oyster Festival for our 67th anniversary. To ensure you get the most out of your sponsorship we would like to secure your placement by August 31, 2024.

Vendor Interest Form

By filling out the form below you are expressing interest in participating in the Urbanna Oyster Festival as a vendor. You may be contacted by the Urbanna Oyster Festival office with any additional questions and next steps. If you prefer to contact us directly, you may call 804-758-2122 or email at oysterfestival@va.metrocast.net.

**Please note this form is not a formal application and you are not guaranteed placement until contacted and confirmed by the Urbanna Oyster Festival.

Volunteer Interest Form

The Urbanna Oyster Festival would be nothing without our volunteers and festival support, and we need your help this year more than ever! We invite you to become a festival at the Urbanna Oyster Festival!