World is Your Oyster Fest 2025

Where Oyster Restoration Meets Celebration!

With Maryland's five tributary-scale oyster restoration sanctuaries now complete and the Bay’s oyster population tripling over the past two decades, there’s never been a better time to raise a glass—and a half shell—in celebration of successful Chesapeake oyster restoration!

At World is Your Oyster Fest (WIYO), you’ll do just that—plus savor the best in local seafood, slurp your way through a bounty of local oysters, sip craft cocktails, and soak in the spirit of the Chesapeake—all to benefit successful oyster restoration efforts that are transforming the Bay! Cheer on the pros in the Tito's Handmade Vodka Shucking Competition, sharpen your skills in a Shuck Like a Pro workshop, and discover how every shuck and slurp helps restore the Chesapeake Bay.

The party's happening on Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 5:30–9:00 PM at the B&O Railroad Museum. 21+ only.

WIYO is more than just a good time—it’s for a great cause!

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EAT OYSTERS (& LOCAL SEAFOOD)

Enjoy a variety of oysters from throughout the Bay. Hear directly from the farmers and watermen who grow and harvest them.
Relish gourmet seafood and cuisine from Shell Recycling Alliance restaurants
NEW THIS YEAR: The Wandering Shucker will roam the crowd with oysters on the move — shuck, top with bold accroutements, and taste the Bay in an unforgettable experience.
Hone your shucking skills at Shuck Like a Pro plus, score your own take-home shucking kit.
Experience unique beer, wine, and cocktail pairings courtesy of ORP’s top supporting partners. NA options, too!

RECYCLE SHELLS

Celebrate the Bay-friendly businesses who recycle shell and ID the most convenient public drop sites near you.
Sign the "Shell Recycling Pledge" and receive a badge of honor to wear with pride!

SPREAD THE WORD

Learn how ORP is leading conservation of the native oyster
Experience oysters’ filtration and habitat creation powers at a live oyster reef demo
Cheer for shuckers competing in the Tito's Handmade Vodka Shucking Competition - Baltimore's official pro shucking event! The winner will have the opportunity to compete at the 2025 U.S. National Oyster Championship Contest in St. Mary's County, MD
Get creative with Annapolis-based artist, Kim Hovell and her 'Slurp, Sip, and Paint' oyster class.

Plus, enjoy live music, exciting raffle items, a bustling vendor village featuring oyster wares, gear, and other goods - and plenty more surprises!

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Oyster Purveyors

MORE TBA!

Restaurants

MORE TBA!

Beverages & Libations

MORE TBA!

Vendor Village

MORE TBA!

RAFFLE ITEMS

NEW THIS YEAR! The WIYO raffle is online and open to anyone who would like to participate! Read the rules. Every ticket sold helps fund oyster restoration. Big wins for you. Even bigger wins for the Bay.

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Two club-level tickets (section 232 row 11) to the Ravens vs. Steelers game - and two tickets to the legendary pre-game party, Jimmy's Famous TAILGOAT - on Sunday, December 7th! ($800 value)

"A Taste of Phillips" crab feast for six at Philllips Seafood, plus 45-minute Baltimore Harbor Cruise provided by Watermark. ($600 value)

Enjoy a decadent night's stay at 134 Prince, a luxury boutique hotel in Annapolis, MD. ($500 value)

Enjoy a delicious meal at The Walrus National Harbor (Oxon Hill, MD) and VIP experience on the Capital Wheel! (4 guests, $150 gift card to The Walrus, and VIP tickets for the Capital Wheel: $350 value)

Six bottles of wine and picnic backpack courtesy of Distinguished Vineyards. ($350 vaue)

Toadfish Outfitters swag set: Waterproof Sling & Tote, two Universal Can Coolers, Put 'Em Back Oyster Knife, Cut Proof Kitchen Cloth, Coastal Kitchen Collection, the Bluebill Hat ($430 value)

True Chesapeake Oyster Co. farm tour for 6 guests. Includes oysters and wine! ($400 value)

Half-day experience at The Pearl Spa: movement or meditation class, session in THE healing waters, element experience salt session, session in THE great abyss, and more! ($160 value)

How To Taste Oysters & Develop Your Palate. One-hour online course presented by the Oyster Master Guild. Breaks down merroir into easy-to-understand components and considerations. ($58 value)

Six-hour charter for 8-10 guests on the Marylander with Cpt. Jason Seman. ($1,800 value)

Le Petite Oyster Serving Plate (for hot or cold oyster service) plus hat and koozie from The Oyster Bed ($130 value)

Two hour charter for 20 aboard the restored Buyboat, Dudley. Departs from Cambridge, MD. ($700 value)

Gorgeous pearl pendant on 14k gold chain plus Mud Pie Oyster Chiller from Smyth Jewelers ($570 value)

Gift basket from Black Eyed Susan Hot Sauce Company ($150 value)

Two tickets to Bourbon & Bowties (May 2026). Baltimore's premier bourbon event! ($400 value)

Old Bay Gift Basket featuring Maryland's favorite spice! (value $150)

Tasting experiences for 4 at award-winning Old Westminster Winery (reservations required). Plus, bottle of Brine, a Vinho Verde–style blend that's tribute to Chesapeake oysters. ($150 value)

Visit the National Aquarium and enjoy dinner at The Capital Grille (2 guests, $150 gift card to The Capital Grille, two tickets for the aquarium: $250 value)

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Cancellation policy

Please note: All sales are non-refundable. World is Your Oyster Fest is rain or shine but if the event is rescheduled due to unforseen circumstances, all purchases will be honored for the following event date. If you cannot attend the rescheduled event, you may transfer your purchase to another person. This is a fundraising event for Oyster Recovery Partnership, the nonprofit expert in Chesapeake Bay oyster restoration. In the event you are unable to attend or transfer, your ticket will be considered a donation to ORP. Thanks for understanding.