Key West Oyster Fest 2026

KEY WEST OYSTER FEST 2026

Saturday, November 14, 2026

Half Shell Raw Bar • Key West Historic Seaport

Get ready to Shuck, Slurp & Celebrate!

The Half Shell Raw Bar, in partnership with Everglades Oyster Company, is proud to present the Key West Oyster Fest 2026, coming to the Key West Historic Seaport on Saturday, November 14, 2026.

This first annual celebration will bring together oyster farms, Key West restaurants and chefs, legendary shuckers, live music, artists, great drinks, and—of course—plenty of oysters for a one-of-a-kind waterfront celebration at the Half Shell Raw Bar.

CHEF NORMAN VAN AKEN — 2026 OYSTER FEST AMBASSADOR

We are honored to welcome legendary Florida chef Norman Van Aken as the inaugural Key West Oyster Fest Ambassador.

Chef Norman's connection to Key West runs deep. His early years cooking on the island helped shape a culinary career that would make him one of Florida's most influential chefs and a pioneer of what became known as New World Cuisine.

Oyster Fest weekend will celebrate not only oysters and the Florida seafood community, but also the people who helped put Key West and South Florida cuisine on the culinary map.

MORE THAN AN OYSTER FESTIVAL

Oyster Fest is also about giving something back to the waters that make the Florida Keys so special.

The Half Shell Raw Bar and Everglades Oyster Company are working on an expanding oyster shell recycling initiative designed to keep used oyster shells out of the landfill and explore ways they can be put back to work in environmental restoration and coastal projects.

The Half Shell Raw Bar currently recycles approximately 1,500 pounds of oyster shells each week, and efforts are underway to develop a larger recycling program involving restaurants throughout Key West and Monroe County.

So every oyster enjoyed during Oyster Fest helps tell a much bigger story about great Florida seafood, sustainability, education, and protecting our waters for future generations.