On Sunday, Nov. 8, the Toadfish Conservation Coalition (TCC) will host its fifth annual Shellabration at Bowen’s Island, bringing together more than 400 guests alongside some of Charleston’s favorite restaurants, local oyster farms, conservation partners and businesses for an afternoon dedicated to celebrating — and protecting — the coast.
At its core, Shellabration is a party with a purpose.
Guests will spend the afternoon enjoying bites from local restaurants, raw oysters from regional farms, live music, raffles, a silent auction, drinks and everything you would expect from a great day at Bowen’s Island. But behind the food and festivities is a much bigger mission: raising money to help restore and protect the coastal ecosystems that make experiences like this possible in the first place.
The event directly benefits the Toadfish Conservation Coalition, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on improving water quality and restoring coastal waterways, with a particular emphasis on oyster reef restoration.
Oysters are much more than a Lowcountry staple. Healthy oyster reefs provide habitat for marine life, help stabilize shorelines and naturally filter waterways. Through partnerships with organizations like the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and other conservation groups, funds raised through Shellabration help support oyster shell recycling, reef enhancement and restoration projects, and broader efforts to leave coastal waters better than they were found.
That connection between the food on the plate and the ecosystem it comes from is really what Shellabration is all about.
This year, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy bites from an incredible group of participating restaurants, including The Obstinate Daughter, The Kingstide, Shokudo, Calabria’s, 167 Raw, The Darling Oyster Bar, The Harlow, Islander 71, CudaCo, Pearlz Oyster Bar and more.
Local oyster farms, including Lowcountry Oyster Company, Barrier Island Oysters, Crystal Coast Oysters and Charleston Oyster Farm, will also participate, making it a true celebration of the people, restaurants, growers and organizations connected to Charleston’s coastal community.
The event runs from 1:30 to 7 p.m., beginning with a limited VIP experience from 1:30 to 3 p.m., followed by general admission from 3 to 7 p.m.