LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Fifty-nine years ago, St. Mary’s County waterman James “Golden” Thompson Jr. stepped up to the fairgrounds table with a knife in hand and just 12 oysters to shuck. In 80 seconds, he claimed the first title in what would grow into the U.S. National Oyster Shucking Championship.
This fall, the festival returns to the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Oct. 18, and Sunday, Oct. 19 — and you don’t have to love oysters to join the fun. With live music, family-friendly attractions, artisan vendors and plenty of local food, the U.S. Oyster Festival offers something for everyone.
What began as a small waterfront contest in 1967 has grown into one of Southern Maryland’s most anticipated fall traditions — and the Rotary Club of Lexington Park’s largest annual fundraiser. Each October, the festival brings people together to celebrate Chesapeake heritage while giving back to the region. Proceeds from the U.S. Oyster Festival contribute more than $100,000 each year to local initiatives that support food security, mental health services and community nonprofits that serve St. Mary’s County residents.
Today, the festival remains rooted in the community that built it. Festivalgoers return each fall to enjoy live music, browse artisan vendors, relax in the tasting tent and discover the region’s Chesapeake heritage — all while cheering on America’s fastest shuckers competing for the chance to represent the United States in Galway, Ireland.
“Like oysters or not, it’s a fun time — a true community-driven event that supports our local watermen, our neighbors and our traditions,” said Julie Randall, festival chairperson and this year’s Oyster Queen. “This festival is by the community and for the community.”
History In A Half Shell
The U.S. Oyster Festival’s story began with a simple shucking contest that has grown into a nationally recognized championship and a cherished Chesapeake tradition.
James “Golden” Thompson Jr. claimed the first title in 1969, shucking 12 oysters in just 80 seconds — but in 1975, the contest changed to include separate men’s and women’s divisions in what became known as the festival’s “battle-of-the-sexes” era.
That year, Bernice Newton of St. Mary’s County became the inaugural women’s division champion, while Cornelius Mackall, a waterman from Calvert County, captured the men’s title and went on to win the International Oyster Shucking Championship in Galway, Ireland — becoming the first American ever to earn that honor. Since then, the United States has claimed the world title only one other time — in 2008, when William “Chopper” Young of Wellfleet, Massachusetts, won.
“For 59 years, this festival has been a proud tradition for St. Mary’s County and the Chesapeake Bay region,” said Randall. “It’s not just a celebration of our seafood — it’s a celebration of our culture, our community and the incredible skill of America’s best oyster shuckers.”
The legendary shucking contest that started it all draws crowds from across the country. Nearly 40 of America’s fastest shuckers will face off under international rules in 2025 — no longer divided by gender — each racing the clock to shuck 24 oysters. Judges watch for clean cuts, intact shells, neat presentation and grit-free oysters, adding penalty seconds for any slip-ups.
Competition begins at 2 p.m. daily, so plan to grab a good spot by the shucking stage to see the U.S. National Oyster Shucking Championship unfold live. After each heat, the oysters judged on stage are shared with the audience — giving spectators a chance to enjoy freshly shucked oysters for free.
New For 2025: More Music, More Fun
The 2025 U.S. Oyster Festival amps up the entertainment with a brand-new community stage and a larger main stage hosting live music all weekend, featuring Myles Deep Band, West Mob Band and more.
Families will discover plenty of free activities for kids, including face painting, the popular bounce village, hands-on Bay-life exhibits such as a 16-foot boat-aquarium tank filled with live crabs and eels, and two free daily Chesapeake Mermaid shows at noon and 3 p.m., followed by photo ops. Low-cost favorites such as the petting zoo and pony rides return as well.
Art lovers can browse the expanded Artisans Alley, with three indoor halls and outdoor vendors selling handmade crafts and Chesapeake-themed art. A highlight is the renowned St. Mary’s County painter Mary Lou Troutman, who will paint live throughout the weekend — creating new pieces for fans to watch and meet as she works.
Visitors can also explore the pop-up Oyster Museum, which showcases the festival’s rich heritage and honors the Chesapeake watermen who helped build its enduring legacy.
Food, Drink And Local Flavor
The weekend begins with the Friday night Kick-Off Party on Oct. 17 at Brüdergarten, 22725 Duke St., Leonardtown (6–10 p.m.). Guests can grüv to live music from Unfinished Business, enjoy free oysters, sample local pours from Big Oyster Brewing Company, meet world-class shuckers and even win tickets and prizes — all while supporting the Rotary Club’s community programs.
Throughout the festival, you’ll find oysters served many ways — raw, grilled, smoked, tucked into po’boys, folded into tacos, simmered in hearty stews and featured in the festival’s legendary chowders — along with Chesapeake staples such as stuffed ham and crab cakes for a true taste of the Bay.
Visitors can also discover the flavors and variety of local oyster farms paired with more than 30 regional craft beers in the Oyster Farm and Craft Beer Tasting Tent.
A Celebration By The Community, For The Community
For 59 years, the U.S. Oyster Festival has been more than just an event — it’s a tradition that celebrates Southern Maryland’s watermen, its Chesapeake heritage and the community that keeps it thriving.
Organizers remind visitors that pets are not permitted on the fairgrounds, except for registered service animals, to keep the experience safe and comfortable for all guests.
The Rotary Club of Lexington Park invites everyone to come for the oysters, stay for the live music and family fun, and leave knowing the money you spent helps keep vital programs and local nonprofits thriving in St. Mary’s County year-round.
Advance tickets are available now and will also be sold at the gate.
59th Annual U.S. Oyster Festival
Saturday, Oct. 18 | 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 19 | 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Buy Advance Tickets Here
The event will be held at St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds, 42455 Fairgrounds Road, Leonardtown, Md.
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