The Marine Science Legacy Program brings knowledge and understanding for the Chesapeake Bay ecology, history and future to Middlesex County area students. 

Oyster Festival Education Day is a day of hands-on learning at the Urbanna Waterfront on the Thursday before the festival.  Students learn from experts and through activities like building seine nets, examining oyster spat and other creatures with microscopes, using models to demonstrate shoreline erosion, and hoisting sails on tall ships.  Education Day is a cooperative effort that brings the expertise of local environmental groups, universities and historical institutions.  The exhibits and visiting ships are open to all festival visitors on Friday and Saturday.

The Marine Science Legacy Program also provides opportunities for exploration with on-the water experiences for over 300 students.   These field trips may take place on kayaks in Urbanna Creek, or larger boats on the Rappahannock River.   Field trips to archeological sites that reveal the history and geography of the Bay are also planned.

The Marine Science Legacy Program is made possible through the support of the Urbanna Oyster Festival Foundation, the Town of Urbanna, grants, sponsorships, and the work of many volunteers.  It advances an appreciation for all the gifts that the water brings to our region, including the oysters and promotes the preservation of the life of the rivers and the Chesapeake Bay.

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.

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!