MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. — The world’s largest oyster festival will be returning to Boone Hall on Feb. 1 for their 42nd annual charity event, featuring live music, cocktails and of course, 45,000 pounds of steamed oysters.
This event, hosted annually by the Charleston Restaurant foundation aims to bring together the community to celebrate what makes the Lowcountry special, all while benefiting local charities.
“We’re thrilled to invite guests from near and far to join us for one of Charleston’s most quintessential culinary traditions, which has been bringing the community together for over four decades,” said Charleston Restaurant Foundation President, Johnathan Kish. “It’s an honor for the Charleston Restaurant foundation to once again host this beloved event and a privilege to support the environment and the charitable organizations that make the Lowcountry so special.”
Sales from the 2026 Lowcountry Oyster Festival will benefit local charities such as the 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.
Overall the festival has raised over $1.5 million for local charities in its 42 years, and $125,000 was donated from the 2025 festival alone.
Attendees can look forward to oyster shucking and eating contests, wine and specialty cocktails, a “Pluff-a-Palooza” children’s area and a food court showcasing a variety of local restaurants. Multiple live music acts will also take the state throughout the day, including event headliner The Yacht Club, who will be playing their special blend of smooth soul, jazz, R&B, funk and disco.
Festival organizers have even partnered with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the Coastal Conservation Association of Charleston to recycle shells used, returning them to local coastal waters where they will help to rebuild fisheries, reefs and mitigate flood risk.
Shells from this particular event will be used to expand the commemorative oyster reef behind Boone Hall Plantation.
This festival will take place rain or shine, with no pets, coolers, or outside food or beverages permitted. Oyster knives and gloves will be available for purchase. Tickets can be found here.
Guests attending the event can access the grounds via the main Boone Hall entrance off Long Point Road as well as the entrance off Highway 17.
