Newport Oyster Festival slated for weekend

THE NEWPORT OYSTER Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday.
THE NEWPORT OYSTER Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday.

NEWPORT – The Newport Oyster Festival at Bowen’s Wharf kicks off this weekend featuring oysters from more than a dozen growers.

“Bowen’s Wharf Co. is proud to support Rhode Island’s burgeoning oyster aquaculture industry,” Bart Dunbar, Bowen’s Wharf Co. president, said in a statement. “It is so exciting to be part of a vibrant, expanding fishery and introduce to the public the individual oyster growers that are making it happen.”
Growers, sponsors, nonprofits and exhibitors will be on-site during the festival on Saturday and Sunday to educate and provide opportunities to “enjoy the bounty of aquaculture in Rhode Island,” according to a news release about the event.

Participating restaurants include Fluke Wine Bar & Kitchen, Diego’s, The Wharf Pub, 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille, Cru Café, The Landing and Matunuck Oyster Bar. Wine, beer, specialty cocktails and soft drinks also will be available. Café-style seating is set up throughout the wharf around the live music stage.
Tickets are $27 in advance for each day. Two time slots are available daily, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and advance purchase tickets include four Rhode Island oysters and a beverage. Tickets for additional oysters will be sold on site, in addition to a full bar and food provided by local restaurants, which will also be available for purchase. Tickets at the door are $35 and may not include free oysters or beverage. Admission is based on available space under the tents. Children 12 and under are free.
The Newport Oyster Festival is a rain or shine event with live music, a shucking contest and aquaculture educators on site. Supporting sponsors include Santa Margherita USA, Stella Artois, Bully Boy Distillers & Coole Swan. Tickets can be purchased through the Bowen’s Wharf website at: http://www.bowenswharf.com/newport-oyster-festival.
In addition, an opening night party will be held tonight, May 20. Tickets are $125 and are limited to 150 people, benefiting the Ocean State Aquaculture Association and SSV Oliver Hazard Perry. Tickets include all-you-can-eat, freshly shucked oysters, and an open bar with complimentary wine glass. Selections from the Matunuck Oyster Bar, The Landing and Cru Café/Russell Morin Catering will be served. Tickets can be found HERE.

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