The South Carolina coastline is not only famous for its miles of beautiful barrier islands and sandy beaches, warm winter weather, outdoor activities and southern charm. The winter months bring thousands of visitors to the Lowcountry coastal towns to savor classic southern seafood, waterfront marsh-to-table dining and the tasty tradition of Lowcountry Oyster Roasts.
Oysters may be acquired taste, but they are a luxurious Lowcountry delicacy that appeal to many diners whether slurped raw, grilled, steamed or roasted. The long-standing, Lowcountry tradition of oyster roasts dates back to the 1800s when notable fishermen held grand open-air cookouts celebrating the fresh oyster harvest, a well-loved tradition still celebrated on the islands today.
Oyster Harvest & Roasting Season
Thanks to a prime location along the lush South Carolina coastline, oysters can be enjoyed year round on Kiawah Island. The freshly harvested Lowcountry oysters are particularly flavorful and best served in the colder months, or as legend says in the months ending in the letter R.
October to May is the peak season for clam, mussel and oyster harvesting as well as a prime time to savor the traditional taste of the Lowcountry with marsh-to-table dining and some of the best oyster events and festivals in the world.
LOWCOUNTRY OYSTER ROAST EVENTS
1. MINGO POINT OYSTER ROAST AND BBQ
The Mingo Point Oyster Roast and BBQ is a genuine Lowcountry tradition on the banks of the Kiawah River. For nearly 40 years locals and visitors to the island have been sampling Lowcountry cuisine, southern specialties, and fresh oysters roasted over an open fire coupled with a cool zone for kids, a craft market, live music, and tranquil views of the beautiful Kiawah River.
LOCATION:
Mingo Point, 876 Kiawah Island Parkway
DATE:
Monday – Memorial Day to Labor Day
TWO SEATINGS:
5 PM to 7 PM and 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
ADMISSION:
Adults – $59.99 / person
Age 4-12 – $29.99 / person
Age 3 & Under – FREE
2024 MINGO POINT DATES:
May 25th
June 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th
July 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
August 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th, 31st
Reserve your Mingo Point tickets HERE!
NEW for 2024:
Each Mingo Point date includes two seatings for guests to choose from when purchasing tickets: 5:00pm – 7:00pm and 7:30pm – 9:30pm.
- No walk up ticket purchases will be allowed or honored
- Limited capacity is available for each seating – once a seating is sold out, that date or time will no longer be available to book online.
- Tickets must be purchased by 9am the day of the event
- All attendees must have a ticket regardless of age
- There are no physical tickets, you will be emailed a receipt as your confirmation
- All purchases are final – no refunds will be issued in the event of inclement weather.
2. OYSTERS ON THE POINT
Oysters on the Point is a once-a-month winter series at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina in Mount Pleasant. This oyster roast event features creative seafood dishes and steamed oysters with local art vendors, live music, jumping castles for the kids, a Bloody Mary bar, and bonfires.
LOCATION:
Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina
DATE:
JANUARY, 2024 – MARCH 2024
EVENT SCHEDULE & TICKETS: Click HERE!
3. DRAYTON HALL OYSTER ROAST
The Drayton Hall Oyster Roast is one of Charleston’s best Lowcountry holiday events. Celebrate the start of the festive Christmas season with steaming fresh oysters, local brews, perfectly paired wines, and live entertainment in the beautiful gardens of Drayton Hall, Charleston.
LOCATION:
Drayton Hall, 3380 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC
DATE:
DECEMBER 2024
EVENT SCHEDULE & TICKETS: Click HERE!
4. BOONE HALL PLANTATION OYSTER ROAST
The Lowcountry Oyster Festival at Boone Hall is the world’s largest oyster festival and one of the top events in the southeast. With over 80,000 pounds of oysters, a festive food court, local beers and wine, live music, and seriously fun oyster shucking and eating contents, it’s a must-do for your vacation on Kiawah Island.
LOCATION:
Boone Hall Plantation, 1235 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC
DATE:
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2024
EVENT SCHEDULE & TICKETS: Click HERE!
5. LOWCOUNTRY OYSTER FESTIVAL
Sunday, February 4, 2024 | 10 AM to 5 PM
Boone Hall, 1235 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant, SC
Come and celebrate the 40th anniversary of the world’s largest oyster festival at Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, one of America’s oldest working plantations. This one-day winter festival focuses on the quintessential Lowcountry tradition of oyster roasts in one of the most beautiful spots in Charleston – the memories will linger long after the last oyster shell is cracked!
Beyond the beverages and buckets of steamed oysters, the Lowcountry Oyster Festival boasts an array of highlights to keep you entertained all day, rain or shine. Enjoy live music, raw oyster eating competitions, and shucking contests on the Main Stage, sample Lowcountry classics in the Food Court, and soak up the beauty of Boone Hall. For families, a dedicated children’s area is a big bonus with endless entertainment, aerial performers, jugglers, bouncy castles, cookie decorating, and much more! Sorry, no pets allowed.
Tickets & Pricing
General Admission
$25 in advance or $30 at the entry gate.
Children 10 and under are free with a paying adult.
Food and beverage tickets are purchased separately.
VIP Tickets (21+)
$194 in advance – limited tickets available. VIP Tickets Include unlimited catered food, oysters, beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. Food and beverage tickets are purchased separately for vendors outside the VIP area.
Parking
Parking is stress-free and free! There are two entrances to Boone Hall Plantation. The main entrance is located at 1235 Long Point Road. The second entrance is located at 2330 US Highway 17. Park and ride shuttles are available from the parking lot near the Highway 17N entrance to Boone Hall. If you’re riding with Uber, Lyft, or Island Transportation from Kiawah or Seabrook Island, drop off is at the Long Point Road entrance.
Experience the Lowcountry events in Charleston by day, and the charm of a coastal vacation rental to call home when you stay with Kiawah/Seabrook Exclusives. Browse our exclusive collection of Seabrook Island rentals online or call our team at (843) 768-0808 to customize your vacation experience.
Oyster Bars near Kiawah
The Sanctuary: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers an unparalleled oyster dining experience. Savor the fresh flavors of Champagne Mignonette oysters in the award-winning Ocean Room or authentic down-home country cuisine straight from the local waters to your table in the Jasmine Porch.
The Atlantic Room: The Atlantic Room is Kiawah Island’s signature waterfront seafood restaurant overlooking the lush fairways of the Ocean Course and the Atlantic Ocean. From fresh baked oysters to start to their signature Seafood Stew, the emphasis is on the freshest ingredients and a true taste of the season. End your meal with a night cap at the Ryder Cup Bar overlooking the 18th green of the famed Ocean Course.
The Salty Dog: The Salty Dog Café is on the Bohicket Marina waterfront on Seabrook Island and serves up fresh seafood in a casual setting with live music and front row seats to a spectacular Seabrook Island sunset. End your evening with delicious shakes and sundaes from the Salty Dog Ice Cream Shop or fireside s’mores and hot cocoa every Friday night through the festive season.
Bowens Island Restaurant: Located between James Island and Folly Beach, Bowens Island Restaurant has been hosting oyster roasts since the 1940s and is a firm favorite with island locals and visitors to the South Carolina coastline. The laid-back seafood shed has a timeless appeal, outstanding seafood and unbeatable sunsets over the Folly River and marshlands. A unique Lowcountry experience!
Bohemian Bull: In the same neighborhood you’ll find Bohemian Bull, a casual tavern and beer garden with craft beers and cocktails, live music and all you can eat oyster roasts every Thursday. Bring the whole family for fresh local oysters, harvested in their own back yard and steamed over outdoor firepits.
Charleston Oyster Bars: If you’re taking a day trip to Charleston we suggest the Royal Tern Raw Bar in the heart of John Island or head to historic downtown Charleston for endless seafood restaurants and oyster bars. Sample Rockefeller oysters at Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oysters, Seabrook oysters at the Darling Raw Oyster Bar, deep fried oyster po’boy at Rappahannock, or an oyster roast at the eclectic Pearlz Oyster Bar.
Throw your Own Oyster Roast
Oyster beds line the banks of the Kiawah River between Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island which are easily accessible during the low tide. A fishing license is required and available locally at tackle stores covering all your fishing activities including crabbing, clamming, shrimping and oystering.
Start a new tradition of your own, purchase your oyster roasting tools, roll up your sleeves and host your own oyster roast with friends and family. Buy a bushel of oysters at a local seafood market or harvest, shuck, season and roast your own oysters for a backyard oyster roast in the comfort of your Kiawah Island vacation home.
