The 3rd Annual Fort Morgan Oyster Fest is set to take place this weekend, February 22nd & 23rd at The Beach Club Resort & Spa. The event features all-you-can-eat oysters, live music, craft vendors, and various activities for attendees; including a larger kids area.

This year's festival features several improvements, including daily ticket caps to control crowds and prevent long lines. The food service format has been modified to streamline the process, and the children's area has been expanded with new activities.

Entertainment will include live music performances by Wes Loper on Saturday and Justin Wall on Sunday. Over 40 Alabama-based arts and crafts vendors will be present, offering a variety of products for browsing.

The festival will also feature contests, including an oyster shucking competition open to beginners and experienced shuckers alike. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Alabama Coastal Foundation.

Tickets include admission, parking, all-you-can-eat oysters, and non-alcoholic beverages. The festival will showcase oysters from local farms, including Navy Cove Oysters and Admiral Shellfish, both from the Fort Morgan area.

Navy Cove and Admiral oysters offer distinct flavor profiles, reflecting their unique growing environments in coastal Alabama.

Navy Cove oysters are known for their sweet flavor with moderate saltiness. They have a plump profile and are described as having a "perfect blend of meaty, salty, and creamy" taste. Some tasters have noted a cucumber-like finish to Navy Cove oysters.

Admiral oysters, on the other hand, are characterized by a more pronounced salty flavor. They are described as plump, firm, and creamy, especially during the cooler months. The strong wave action in their growing area contributes to a deep, meaty cup, which enhances their flavor profile.

Both oyster varieties benefit from the unique conditions of Alabama's coastal waters.

Saturday’s Schedule:

10:00 AM: Festival Opens for VIP Admission

11:00 AM: Festival Opens for General Admission

11:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Live Music by Wes Loper

11:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Rock Wall and Inflatables

11:00 AM – 3:00 PM – All-You-Can-Eat Oysters!

1:00 PM: Festival Opens for Late Entry Tickets

3:00 PM: Festival Closes

Sunday’s Schedule:

10:00 AM: Festival Opens for VIP

10:00 AM: VIP Registration for Cornhole Tournament

11:00 AM: Festival Opens for General Admission

11:00 AM: General Admission Registration for Cornhole Tournament

12:00 PM: Cornhole Tournament Begins

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Live Music by Justin Wall

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Rock Wall and Inflatables

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM: All-You-Can-Eat Oysters!

1:00 PM: Festival Opens for Late Entry Tickets

3:00 PM: Festival Closes

For more information visit the Fort Morgan Oyster Fest website.