NC coastal food

North Carolina Oyster Festival 2026: Your Complete Ocean Isle Beach Guide

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Close-up of a freshly shucked oyster on the half shell held in hand

Forty-five years is a long time to keep shucking the same shellfish and still draw a crowd. Yet every October, Ocean Isle Beach proves it can. The North Carolina Oyster Festival returns October 17–18, 2026, and if you’ve never been, consider this your warning: bring a bib. We’ve walked this festival more times than we … Read more

North Carolina Seafood Festival 2026: Your Insider’s Guide

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Families in line at carnival food stands with Ferris wheel at NC Seafood Festival

Every October, Morehead City hands its waterfront over to shrimp boats, fryer smoke, and a few hundred thousand hungry people. That’s the North Carolina Seafood Festival, and 2026 marks its 40th year on the Crystal Coast. Mark your calendar for October 2–4, and read on before you show up hungry and clueless. We’ve covered this … Read more