The festival officially begins at 11am on Audrey Avenue and South Street (you can download a map here); however, I usually try to arrive by 10—we get a jump on the crowds and traffic, and since my kids still nap in the afternoon, this works for us. At that hour, your first stop should be the Commerford Zoo. The animals usually arrive at least a day ahead and since there is no admission fee to pet and feed them you are welcome to take a look at anytime. In addition to the typical petting zoo animals, you can see a cow, referred to as the "Uni-cow," because it has one horn in the middle of its head, a coatimundi, capybara, kangaroo, and emu. Animal feed is available for sale, and there are ample washing stations nearby. Camel rides will also be available for a fee.  

If you're interested in thrill rides, you'll definitely want to get to the Newton Show section early, as the lines do get long fast. You'll find the typical carnival rides here, a ferris wheel, which will give you a great view of the bay, a carousel, boat ride and Dizzy Dinos for young children as well as larger, scarier rides for older kids. At $1.25 a ticket and each ride requiring 3-4 tickets this area can really take a toll on a tight budget. To save money you can purchase a 44 ticket book with friends and get a $10. off coupon here. Pay one price bracelets are $30. each, (four lucky families could win 2 pay one price bracelets by liking and following Newton shows on facebook and commenting which ride is their child's favorite.)

The craft tents are one of my favorite areas. In order to have a booth at the Oyster Fest, crafters must make their own goods so you're likely to find some really unique stuff here. I especially like the local photographers' pictures of Long Island landscapes.

Some of the Tall Ships dropping anchor at the festival include the The Peacemaker and The Christeen. The Peacemaker, a ship owned by the religious group the Twelve Tribes is used for school groups and celebrations and represents the values of the Twelve Tribes, a life of peace and unity.

The Waterfront Center is offering two sailing opportunities for festival goers. Sails aboard The Christeen, a 40-foot gaff rigged oyster sloop, the oldest oyster sloop in America and a national historic landmark, last about 1 1/2 hours. You can reserve a spot the day of the festival, in person only for $20 adults and $5 children. The ship is currently used as a floating classroom, educating passengers on maritime history, marine science, coastal ecology, the oyster industry and aquaculture. Sailors can also cruise aboard a 23' Sonar boat for $10 per adult and $5 per child. The Waterfront center will also have staff on hand operating a touch tank filled with live critters from the bay. 

The Tom Reardon Memorial food court is named for one of the beloved founders of the Oyster Fest. Each of the food vendors at the food court must be partnered with a local nonprofit. The booths are staffed with charity employees and volunteers. While oysters are the main attraction here and can be found on the halfshell, fried, and in stews, there are plenty of other options as well. Burgers, hot dogs Philly cheesesteaks and empanadas are just a few. Other seafood dishes include lobster rolls, mussels, clams, shrimp cocktail calamari and much more. For dessert, you'll find apple pie with ice cream, Belgian waffles with strawberries and cream, deep-fried just about anything, fruit crepes and more. A new addition to the menu this year is an espresso bar on site. 

Events

Festivalgoers may join the Kings of the Coast as they lead you on a hunt for Pirate Booty at 12:30 and 3:30pm on both days.

Yoga enthusiasts can be part of Long Island's largest beachfront yoga class taught by Equinox yoga. Bring your mat and meet at the Beach Gazebo at TR Park on Saturday at 11AM. All participants will receive a complimentary three-day pass to Equinox Yoga.

Watch the second leg of the NFL Punt, Pass and Kick Long Island Championship on Sunday, October 14th, from 10am to 1pm. Boys and girls ages 6–15 will be competing to advance to the regional competition, to be held at Met Life Stadium during a Jets pregame event.

Non-stop performances will take place on three stages throughout the festival. For a complete list, stop by the festival's visitor's booth. The Long Island Music Hall of Fame stage on Audrey Avenue will feature musical performances by local artists. On Saturday, the West End Avenue Stage will feature a karate demonstration at 12 and 3pm and an oyster-eating and -shucking contest at 2pm. On Sunday Darlene Graham, who performed at the Children's Museum this summer and has appeared on Sesame Street and Saturday Night Live will  be singing, dancing, and performing family music. 

Along Audrey Avenue, you'll find informational tables set up from local Long Island groups. Local restaurants will be open for business on the street and many will be serving take-out style options from their regular menus. You will also find information here on the Long Island music hall of fame and a stage showcasing Long Island musical performances.  You can also visit the Oyster Bay Rail museum here. Also be sure to stop by the Oyster Bay Historical Society's table where you can snap a picture in front of a giant retro-postcard of historical Oyster Bay. The museum will be open and showcasing an exhibit on Theodore Roosevelt's campaign in the 1912 election. The Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary will also have a display with live animals on view. 

Getting There:

By Water: Before arriving at the harbor, call ahead to the Oyster Bay Marine Center 516-624-2400 VHF 71, or Sagamore Yacht Club 516-922-0555 = VHF 78A and reserve a mooring. 

By Rail: Take the Oyster Bay branch directly to the festival. The LIRR has added service on this line for the festival. Or take the Port Jefferson Branch to Syosset station where you will be greeted with shuttle buses at the northeast end of the station that will take you directly to the festival. For more information check www.mta.info/lirr or call 718-217-5477.

By Car:
Parking in Oyster Bay will be very limited. Those who arrive early may be able to park at the Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School for $15. 

Shuttle bus service is available from the following locations:
Syosset train station, (permits are not necessary)
Vernon School, Rte. 106, East Norwich
MIll-Max Mfg Parking Lot, Rte 106, Oyster Bay
Oyster Bay Jewish Center, Berry Hill Rd., Oyster Bay
The Equestrian Center, Rte.106 between Rte 25A and Muttontown Rd.
Centre Island Beach, Bayville Ave, Bayville

29th Annual Oyster Festival
Audrey Avenue and South Street and Waterfront
Oyster Bay, NY
Saturday and Sunday October 13th and 14th
11AM-6PM both days
Free admission