Arcata Main Street’s Annual Oyster Festival

Arcata Main Street’s 23rd Annual Oyster Festival was Saturday, June 15, 2013. The Oyster Festival is AMS’s only fundraiser of the year. AMS is a non-profit organization. All the proceeds from this festival will be reinvested back into the community in the form of: Six FREE Picnics on the Plaza, four FREE Concerts on the Plaza, Halloween’s Trick or Treat Around the Plaza, Season of Wonder & Light (Chirstmas Decorations around the Plaza), Monthly Arts! Arcata events, a local aquaculture fund and more. We hope you continue to support this event and AMS’s mission is to enhance and promote Arcata’s identity, economy and cultural spirit.

Over 70% of the fresh oysters consumed in California are grown in 450 acres of Humboldt Bay where the conditions are ideal. Currently there are five companies raising both Pacific Oysters and Kumomoto oysters for export and the restaurant trade. On average, it takes 18 months from “seed” oyster to harvest. June is a peak month for oyster harvests in Humboldt County. These little gems of the sea are now farmed in bags tethered to posts in the Arcata Bay and no harmful dredging of the bay is necessary for their capture. The cities of Arcata and Eureka have made significant efforts to maintain the high quality of water in the bay, which is essential for aquaculture. Visit Humboldt Bay Oyster Tours for more information.

Arcata Main Street’s Oyster Festival has become a tradition for local restaurateurs, executive chefs, and caterers to show off their culinary skills by preparing oysters in every imaginable way.

Try them roasted, barbecued, fried or with a secret sauce or just plain raw with a hint of garlic and lime! However your taste buds desire this oceanic delicacy, you are sure to find it on the Arcata Plaza.

Crowds throughout the day top 10,000, keeping local food vendors more than busy. Most festival vendors are chefs from Humboldt County’s most appreciated restaurants. Each year festival chefs compete in the annual oyster tasting competition to claim the auspicious award of ‘Best Oyster of the Festival’.

Where to get tickets

Purchase your tickets online at HoldMyTicket.com. $10 for adults; $5 for teens 13-17, Kids 12 and under are FREE.  Some handling fees apply. Tickets will also be available on the day of the event at the four corner booths of the square. Credit cards and cash are accepted. To purchase alcohol you must show proof of age in order to receive a wristband. Beer and wine is $6.00. Most oysters sold on the Plaza are three for $5.00.