Oyster Fest (Festival) in Wellfleet, Cape Cod Schedule of Events

Looking for the ultimate in festival fun? Then come on down to Cape Cod and enjoy one of the last festivals of the season -- The Wellfleet Oyster Fest.

Here are the activities and times for a spectacular weekend:

Friday, October 17, 2008

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Number and Shirt Pick-up for Sunday's 5K Road Race
Baker’s Field Recreation Building across from Mayo Beach.

9:00 pm - 1:00 am Disco Night at the Lighthouse Restaurant
Lighthouse Restaurant, 317 Main Street

Dance to disco classics at this classic OysterFest tradition.


Saturday, October 18, 2008

8:00 am - 9:00 am Shucky's Day: part 1, On the Flats
A unique two-part local experience! Meet at Cove Road Parking lot for part 1, a visit to the grant of acquaculturist Jim O'Connell to tour his flats and harvest your own Wellfleet oysters which you will later shuck and enjoy paired with wine (part 2). Bring waterproof shoes if you have them. Cost is $50 per person, limit 15 participants. For information and registration, email Heidi Clemmer or phone 508-340-2424.

10:00 am - 5:00 pm Main Street Festival
Main Street and Town Hall Parking Lot

Food, Arts & Crafts and Education Booths open. Shuttle Service available from designated beach parking lots and Town Pier. Walk-in parking from Cove Corner Parking Lot and Wellfleet Elementary School. Handicap parking and accessible shuttle from Mayo Beach lot.

10:00 am - 5:00 pm SPAT Booth
Located just behind Town Hall

Stop by for information, schedule, registration forms, directions and lots of great OysterFest merchandise.

10:00 am - 10:15 am OysterFest 2008 Kick-off
Announcements and DJ from the Main Stage behind Town Hall

10:00 am - 1:00 pm U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Boat
Public dock at Wellfleet Pier (adjacent to Mac's Seafood)

Meet U.S. Coast Guard crew members and explore the 47-foot motor life boat designed as a first response rescue resource in high seas, surf and heavy weather environments. Open to all, free of charge.

10:00 am - 3:00 pm The Woodfleet Project Art Auction
Located behind Town Hall next to Hatch's Fish Market

TODAY ONLY: Wellfleet's own mobile art gallery brings one-of-a-kind works of fine art created by dozens of admired artists to the heart of the OysterFest. Don't miss the exciting action - bid early, bid often and take home an affordable piece by any one of the featured local and nationally-known artists. Bidding begins at $20 and all proceeds go to support SPAT's educational mission, scholarship and grants program.


10:00 am - 5:00 pm “Shellfishing in Wellfleet: 19th-20th Century”
Wellfleet Historical Society, 266 Main Street
Admission is free to a special exhibit in our new Annex of arts and artifacts concerning the history of the shellfishing industry in Wellfleet. Also, enjoy a look back through time at our quintessential Cape Cod village.


10:30 am - 11:15 am CrabGrass (progressive Bluegrass & Folk)
Music on the Main Stage

11:00 am - 4:00 pm Family/Children’s Entertainment Area
Entrance on Main Street at Wellfleet Preservation Hall

Featuring clowns, moon bounce, face-painting, oyster jewelry making, pumpkin painting, cotton candy, balloon twisting and more right off Main Street, but away from the crowds in the enchanting park behind Wellfleet Preservation Hall (the old Catholic Church).

11:00 am - 12:00 pm Haunted Wellfleet
Wellfleet Public Library, 55 West Main Street

Seems like some people love Wellfleet so much they never want to leave! Ghost hunters and authors of Cape Encounters, Dan Gordon and Gary Joseph, talk about Wellfleet's ghosts and haunted places. Admission is free.

11:00 am - 12:00 pm Guided Beachcombing Walk on Mayo Beach
Mayo Beach
Join staff from the Massachusetts Audubon Society Wellfleet Bay Sanctuary for a beachcombing and birding walk along Mayo Beach. Weather permitting, beachcombers will have the opportunity to wade with a seine net to see what small fish may be in the Harbor.

11:00 am - 1:00 pm Number and Shirt Pick-up for Sunday's 5K Road Race
Baker’s Field Recreation Building across from Mayo Beach

Advance registration available or download registration form here.

11:00 am - 1:00 pm Tennis Round Robin
Baker’s Field Tennis Court across from Mayo Beach

Sponsored by the Wellfleet Recreation Department. Information form available here or by visiting the Recreation Department, Town Hall, 300 Main Street or by contacting Becky Rosenberg: phone #508.349.0330

11:30 am - 12:30 pm Cooking Demonstration: Homemade Clam Chowder
Masonic Hall, corner of Bank & Commercial Streets

Seasonal South Wellfleet resident, JJ Gonson, voted Best Personal Chef 2008 by "Best of Boston", will prepare Clam Chowder with Bacon "like my mom used to make" featuring local bacon and Wellfleet clams. For more on JJ Gonson, visit her blog at www.cuisineenlocale.com. Cost is $10/per person, participation is limited to 75 people, online reservation system available October 1st.

11:30 am - 12:15 pm XCape (Motown, 50's thru 70's rock)
Music on the Main Stage

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Kid's Interactive Steel Drum Workshop
Family/Children's Entertainment Area Stage

Erik Sewer, originally from the Virgin Islands, will lead a steel drum workshop in the Kid's Area from 12 to 1 both days on a first come basis. Experience playing the island sounds on the steel drums and learn from a real pro!

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Oyster Shuck-Off, Shucking Contest Preliminaries
Main Stage

Emceed by local hero and reporter, Eric Williams, host of CapeCast, the daily webcast of the Cape Cod Times, seen at capecodonline.com/capecast. Register at the SPAT booth by 12:3o pm. Advance registration form available here or for more information contact Tracy Vanderschmidt. Prizes awarded:

1st Place-$1,000 2nd Place-$500 3rd Place-$250

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Erik and His Steel Band
Family/Children's Entetainment Area Stage

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Cooking Demonstration: Oyster Cornbread Stuffing
Masonic Hall, corner of Bank & Commercial Streets

Seasonal South Wellfleet resident, JJ Gonson, voted Best Personal Chef 2008 by "Best of Boston", will prepare Oyster Cornbread Stuffing, "a Gonson family favorite for holidays and more". For more on JJ Gonson, visit her blog at www.cuisineenlocale.com. Cost is $10/per person, participation is limited to 75 people, online reservation system available October 1st.

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Book Talk: The Famous Beds of Wellfleet
Wellfleet Public Library, 55 West Main Street

Author and local historian, David Wright, will speak about the history of Welllfeet shellfishing and read from his new book, The Famous Beds of Wellfleet. Sponsored in part by a grant from Wellfleet SPAT. Admission is free.

2:00 pm - 2:30 pm The Woodfleet Project Art Auction
Next to the SPAT booth directly behind Town Hall

Don't miss the exciting final 30 minutes of bidding and the opportunity to add a beautiful piece of art to your home. Benefits SPAT''s educational mission, scholarship and grants program.

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Rip It Ups (Rockabilly)
Music on the Main Stage

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Shucky's Day: part 2, Sunset Soiree
Sol Restaurant, 15 Kendrick Ave (Mayo Beach)

Part 2 of Shucky's Day continues with a personal hands-on shucking demonstration followed by wine pairing of several exquisite offerings to sip while enjoying your own catch as the sun begins to drop over the bay. The shucking gloves and oyster knife are yours to keep.

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Spelling Bee
Wellfleet Public Library, 55 West Main Street

Join the craze and test your spelling skills at the annual OysterFest Spelling Bee with children's and adult rounds, prizes and fun! Register at the SPAT booth or the library by 3:00 pm. Registration form available here or for more information contact Ed Miller.

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Pre-race Spaghetti Dinner
Masonic Hall at the corner of Bank and Commercial Street

5K road racers load up on carbs, but open to all.


Sunday, October 19, 2008

TBD Oyster Grant Tour
Wellfleet Shellfish Department, 30 Kendrick Ave

Sponsored by the Wellfleet Shellfish Department. Meet at Wellfleet Shellfish Dept for a guided tour of an oyster grant. For more information, contact Wellfleet Shellfish Constable Andy Koch: phone #508-349-0325.

9:00 am 5K Adult Road Race
Mayo Beach Parking Lot

Sponsored by the Wellfleet Recreation Department. Check-in and on-site registration beginning at 7:30 am at Baker's Field Recreation Department. Advance registration form available here or visit the Recreation Department at Town Hall, or contact Becky Rosenberg: phone #508.349.0330

10:00 am - 5:00 pm Main Street Festival
Main Street and Town Hall Parking Lot

Food, Arts and Crafts & Education Booths open. Shuttle Service available from designated beach parking lots and Town Pier. Walk-in parking from Cove Corner Parking Lot and Wellfleet Elementary School. Handicap accessible parking and shuttle at Mayo Beach lot.

10:00 am - 5:00 pm SPAT Booth
Located just behind Town Hall Stop by for information, registration forms, directions and lots of great OysterFest merchandise.
10:00 am 1.4 Mile Children's Fun Run
Mayo Beach Parking Lot

Sponsored by the Wellfleet Recreation Department. Check-in and on-site registration beginning at 9:30 am at Baker's Field Recreation Department. Advance registration form available here or visit the Recreation Department at Town Hall or contact Becky Rosenberg: phone #508.349.0330

10:00 am - 10:15 am OysterFest 2008 Kick-off, Day 2
DJ and Announcements from the Main Stage behind Town Hall

12:00 pm - 3:00 pm U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Boat
Public dock at Wellfleet Pier (adjacent to Mac's Seafood)

Meet U.S. Coast Guard crew members and explore the 47-foot motor life boat designed as a first response rescue resource in high seas, surf and heavy weather environments. Open to all, free of charge.

10:00 am - 5:00 pm “Shellfishing in Wellfleet: 19th-20th Century”
Wellfleet Historical Society, 266 Main Street

Admission is free to a special exhibit in our new Annex of arts and artifacts concerning the history of the shellfishing industry in Wellfleet. Also, enjoy a look back through time at our quintessential Cape Cod village.


10:30 am - 11:15 am Crabgrass (progressive Bluegrass &Folk)
Music on the Main Stage

11:00 am - 1:00 pm Taste the Terroir
Masonic Hall, corner of Bank & Commerical Streets

To learn more about oysters, clams and terroir (the french word for "taste of place"), join Fisheries & Aquaculture Specialist Bill Walton from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution for an educational and fun "taste-the-terroir" seminar. Participants will sample 3 types of oysters and 3 types of clams from different sections of Wellfleet Harbor. Walton will provide details about the biology behind Wellfleet oysters and aquaculture in the harbor, while guiding a discussion to taste the differences. Wellfleet shellfishermen will also be available for questions. Cost: $10/per person, participation is limited to 50 people, online reservation system online October 1st.


11:00 am – 4:00 pm Family/Children’s Entertainment Area
Entrance on Main Street at Wellfleet Preservation Hall

Featuring clowns, moon bounce, face-painting, oyster jewelry making, pumpkin painting, cotton candy, balloon twisting and more right off Main Street, but away from the crowds in the enchanting park behind Wellfleet Preservation Hall (the old Catholic Church).

11:30 am - 12:30 pm Zoe Lewis and her Elastic Band (jazzy latin & quirky originals)
Music on the Main Stage

11:30 am - 12:30 pm Guided Beachcombing Walk on Mayo Beach
Mayo Beach

Join staff from the Massachusetts Audubon Society Wellfleet Bay Sanctuary for a beachcombing and birding walk along Mayo Beach. Weather permitting, beachcombers will have the opportunity to wade with a seine net to see what small fish may be in the Harbor.

12:00 pm - 12:30 pm Poekoelan Demonstration
Family/Children's Entertainment Area Stage

Sponsored by the Tulen Center for Martial Arts and Wellness/Willy's Gym. Poekoelan is a rare and beautiful Indonesian martial art.

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Kid's Interactive Steel Drum Workshop
Family/Children's Entertainment Area Stage

Erik Sewer, originally from the Virgin Islands, will lead a steel drum workshop in the Kid's Area from 12 to 1 both days on a first come basis. Experience playing the island sounds on the steel drums and learn from a real pro!


12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Book Talk: The Famous Beds of Wellfleet
Wellfleet Public Library, 55 West Main Street

Author and local historian, David Wright, will speak about the history of Welllfeet shellfishing and read from his new book, The Famous Beds of Wellfleet. Sponsored in part by a grant from Wellfleet SPAT. Admission is free.

12:45 pm - 1:00 pm Pirate Shellfish Biggest Oyster Competition
Main Stage

Sponsored by Pirate Shellfish. Announcement of prizewinner! Oysters from participating shellfishers are collected and measured on Saturday morning to determine the biggest oyster. Owner of the biggest oyster and first prize winner will be announced. For more information on participating, email info@pirateshellfish.com.

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Oyster Shuck-Off, Shucking Contest Finals
Main Stage

Emceed by local hero and reporter, Eric Williams, host of CapeCast, the daily webcast of the Cape Cod Times, seen at capecodonline.com/capecast. Finalists check in at SPAT booth by 12:30 pm. Prizes awarded!

1st Place-$1,000 2nd Place-$500 3rd Place - $250

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Haunted Wellfleet
Wellfleet Public Library, 55 West Main Street

Seems like some people love Wellfleet so much they never want to leave! Ghost hunters and authors of Cape Encounters, Dan Gordon and Gary Joseph, talk about Wellfleet's ghosts and haunted places. Admission is free.

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Cooking Demonstration: Paella
Masonic Hall, corner of Bank & Commercial Streets

Homegrown Wellfleet chef, Fred Vanderschmidt, showcases 20 years of culinary expericnce that began at the Lighthouse Restaurant and culminated in serving as Executive Chef at Aesop's Tables. Fred will prepare an authentic paella (traditional Spanish rice dish) with Wellfleet oysters and clams. Cost: $10/per person, participation is limited to 50 people, online reservation system online October 1st.

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Zoe Lewis's Funtabulous Show for Kids
Music on the Family/Children's Entertainment Area Stage

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Booty Vortex (disco, dance & funk)
Music on the Main Stage

5:00 pm OysterFest closes
See you next year!

There are still rooms available at the Inn for this fun filled weekend. So book early and enjoy our off-season rates.