Robbin Knight
Credit: Charleston Restaurant Foundation
The Charleston Restaurant Foundation (CRF) is pleased to announce that tickets are now on sale for the 42nd annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival, set to take place on Sunday, February 28, 2027, at Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens.
Highlights of the world’s largest oyster festival include over 45,000 pounds of steamed oysters available for purchase, a food court featuring a variety of local favorites, and a selection of domestic and imported beers, wine, and specialty cocktails. Guests can take part in a full day of entertainment, including the “Pluff-a-Palooza” children’s area, oyster shucking and eating contests, and an exciting lineup of live performances on the main stage, including yacht-rock band The Yacht Club.
“The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is a cherished tradition for Charleston locals and visitors alike, and we’re honored to continue that legacy,” said Johnathan Kish, President of the Charleston Restaurant Foundation. “We look forward to showcasing the vibrant spirit of the Lowcountry through live music, Southern fare and fresh oysters, while supporting environmental efforts that help preserve the region’s natural resources for generations to come.”
To date, the festival has raised over $1.5 million for local charities over the years, and as a result of the 2025 festival, a total of $125,000 was donated to beneficiaries including Ronald McDonald House, MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, Coastal Conservation Association, Shriners Hospitals for Children, College of Charleston, Academic Magnet High School, Charleston County School of the Arts and the Culinary Institute of Charleston’s Kathy Britzius Memorial Scholarship.
Festival organizers prioritize sustainability through partnerships with Lowcountry Land Trust, Mount Pleasant Waterworks, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SC DNR), the South Carolina Coastal Conservation Association (SC CCA), Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens and the Charleston Restaurant Foundation. Together, these organizations work to support oyster reef restoration efforts that strengthen coastal ecosystems and contribute to the long-term health of the Lowcountry’s waterways.
In June of 2026, CRF and local partners added to the Willie & Kathy Oyster Reef with 350 bags of recycled oyster shells, each capable of recruiting up to 400 oysters. The project also included the planting of more than 400 Spartina plants, a native marsh grass that plays an essential role in mitigating erosion and supporting the health of coastal environments.
The festival is a rain or shine event. No pets, coolers or outside food and beverages will be allowed. Oyster knives and gloves will be available for purchase. Boone Hall Plantation is located at 1235 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant, SC, 29464. There are two entrances for the event: the main Boone Hall entrance off Long Point Road and the entrance off Highway 17.
For more information, visit: 2027 Lowcountry Oyster Festival.