Wellfleet OysterFest 2025: Cape Cod in the Offseason

Wellfleet, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod, has been known for its oysters since the Wampanoag tribes lived here. Nowadays, the town prides itself not only on its seafood but also on its thriving arts culture, beautiful beaches, scenic bike paths, and lively music scenes. And while summer's attractions are obvious and plentiful (Atlantic and Bayside beaches, sailing, water sports of all kinds, and summer concerts to start!) the Cape also benefits from a "second summer" in September and October.

A beautiful day to spend with 10,000 of your closest friends!

Over 100,000 oysters consumed over two days

Gone are the crowds (mostly), but the water is still warm, most restaurants are still open, traffic on Route 6 allows for left turns without anxiety, and many of the Cape Cod towns take advantage of the usually beautiful weather to offer festivals—many of which are food- and craft-themed, like cranberries and, of course, oysters!

The Wellfleet Oyster Alliance recycles all those shells to preserve the shellfishing heritage of Wellfleet

So many oysters...

OysterFest combines all the best the Cape has to offer in October. By the numbers, festival-goers consume over 100,000 oysters over the two-day event. The festival is organized by The Wellfleet Oyster Alliance (WOA), which works to promote and preserve the shellfish industry so all those used oyster shells are recycled and returned to make more oysters. Attendance is limited to 10,000 per day, and this October, with perfect weather, Main Street was at capacity. But the atmosphere was convivial and queues for food and drinks moved quickly.

Just one more plate...

Local arts and crafts vendors line the streets with Cape-inspired wares

The highlight, naturally, is a "Shuck-Off," held on stage with an emcee and curated classic rock setting the tone. Each contestant is timed on the shucking of 24 oysters, with points deducted for presentation, tacked shells, and, yes, nicked fingers! The competition is surprisingly fierce and it's easy to get caught up in the dramatic finishes.

The Shuck-Off viewed from the Jumbotron: 24 oysters in less than two minutes.

Yellow school buses shuttle festival-goers from beach parking to downtown

• Beer, wine and seltzers are cash only. Many oyster venders take cards, but not all. ATMs are available.

• The $35 per adult entry includes free parking at three local ocean beaches with shuttle service to Main Street. The beach lots, LeCount Hollow, White Crest, and Newcomb Hollow fill up quickly.

• The festival is rain or shine. The weather for 2025 was glorious, but be warned, October can be unsettled on the Atlantic and the weekend before the festival was pouring.

• The event is very family friendly. No pets allowed except for service animals.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Cape Cod page.