What is Oysterfest?
Our all-inclusive Oysterfest is back on February 24! Grab a date or gather a group of friends to savor local oysters, freshly steamed and ready for shucking, in a picturesque setting on the Charleston Harbor waterfront. Enjoy a glass of wine or beer as you explore the Aquarium’s exhibits during this 21+ event — You may even get to meet a creature up close! Snag a VIP ticket to this fan-favorite event before they sell out to access extra perks like early admission, a souvenir shucker and an exclusive bar for the evening.
Oysterfest will take place Friday, February 24 from 7:30–10:30 p.m., with a VIP hour from 6:30–7:30 p.m., at the South Carolina Aquarium.
How much are tickets and what does it include?
VIP tickets are $90 per person and include early admission to the event, a souvenir shucker and an exclusive bar for the evening. Early bird tickets (available through January 25) are $60 per person. Beginning January 26, general admission tickets are $65 per person and Aquarium member tickets are $60 per person. Tickets include entry to the Aquarium, fresh local oysters, additional light bites, a selection of beer and wine, entertainment and animal encounters.
Where can I buy tickets?
Click here to purchase VIP tickets.
Click here to purchase general admission tickets.
Member pricing will apply in your cart once signed in.
Will this event have food options other than oysters?
Yes. This event will feature several local restaurant/catering partners providing a variety of light bites. We aim to have dietary-inclusive options at After Hours events.
What time do doors open and when does the event end?
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for VIP ticket holders and 7:30 p.m. for general admission ticket holders. No entry will be allowed after 9:15 p.m. No re-entry to the event is allowed. Tasting stations and bars will close at 10:15 p.m., and the event will conclude at 10:30 p.m.
Will I be able to buy tickets at the gate?
With a limited number of tickets available, we anticipate selling out prior to the event, so we encourage all who wish to attend to purchase early! If there are tickets available on the date of the event, you will be able to buy them at the gate. Please note, to avoid ticket scams, only purchase tickets directly from the South Carolina Aquarium website or Customer Service Center.
What should I wear?
Most attendees of Oysterfest come dressed in casual attire. Fresh steamed oysters will be served on the Harbor Terrace, so we recommend you bring a jacket or layers!
What should I bring?
Please have your ticket and photo I.D. ready. All After Hours events are 21+. You may also bring a refillable water bottle, but no other outside food or beverages are permitted.
Will this event take place if it rains?
Yes, all After Hours events are held rain or shine.
Can I receive a refund for my ticket if I can no longer attend?
All tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, your ticket purchase helps fund our mission, including animal care, education programming, conservation efforts and the Sea Turtle Care Center™.
Where should I park?
The most convenient parking is available in the City of Charleston’s pay-to-park Aquarium Garage, located at 24 Calhoun Street. There is also a limited amount of metered street parking in the areas surrounding Liberty Square. Due to the nature of this event, we encourage riding with a designated driver or using a ride-share service. If you drive to and from the event, please do so responsibly.
Please note, all attendees of Oysterfest are expected to follow the South Carolina Aquarium Code of Conduct. The Aquarium reserves the right to ask guests to leave at any time with no refund should inappropriate or dangerous behavior, including excessive inebriation, be displayed.