The sixth annual Osoyoos Oyster Festival returns to the South Okanagan, April 19-23.
The festival offers the opportunity to dive into spring with dining experiences, tastings of oysters from around the world, and glasses brimming with award-winning South Okanagan wines, ciders, beers and spirits.
A variety of oysters will be featured throughout the festival, supplied by Kelowna’s Codfathers Seafood Market, Nova Scotia’s Sober Island Oyster Farm, Effingham Oyster and more.
Returning to the festival this year is special guest Patrick McMurray, also known as “Shucker Paddy.” Patrick is a former World Champion Oyster Shucker and owner of The Ceili Cottage Restaurant in Toronto. He’ll be shucking fresh oysters at events throughout the festival. Trevor and Michelle Munroe from Nova Scotia’s Sober Island Oyster Farm, along with their children, will be shucking east coast oysters at all three signature events.
The five-day line-up consists of three big parties organized by Destination Osoyoos and five partner events, with plenty of time in between to explore the area. Many Osoyoos hotels and resorts will be offering special weekend rates for the duration of the festival, as well as “Stay and Savour” packages starting at $569 per couple (includes two nights’ accommodation and tickets to Oyster Festival events). For more information about accommodation packages or the events listed below, please visit: destinationosoyoos.com/osoyoos-oyster-festival/.
Beach BBQ & Brews at Watermark Beach Resort, April 21 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $75. New in 2017 and held on the resort’s stunning beachfront, this lively barbecue-style buffet features seafood and traditional barbecue fare, paired with the South Okanagan’s best brews, craft ciders and a signature Canadian Whiskey cocktail. Tickets available online, here.
Deep Sea Garden Party at Walnut Beach Resort, April 22 1 p.m. Tickets: $60 (family pricing – children under 10, admitted free with an adult; kids 11-18, $25). This afternoon event, held outside on the lawn of Walnut Beach Resort, features culinary delights and exceptional local wine and beer. New this year is the introduction of The Garden Market, with local vendors offering samples, as well as products for sale. Tickets available online, here.
Art of the Pearl Gala at Spirit Ridge Resort, April 22 6 p.m. Tickets: $95. Guests will enjoy incredible oyster creations served up by local chefs, along with freshly shucked oysters, and charcuterie offerings, paired with wine samples from the area’s award-winning wineries. Tickets available online, here.
Partner Events: Long Table Dinner at Miradoro at Tinhorn Creek Winery, April 19 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $39. Enjoy a special evening, starting with freshly shucked oysters, followed by a three-course dinner dedicated to the oyster. Call 250-498-3742 for tickets.
Under the Tuscan Sea at Terrafina Restaurant at Hester Creek, April 20 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $45. Terrafina at Hester Creek Estate Winery invites guests to sample pizza and oysters paired with spring releases from Hester Creek, along with tastings from the winery’s “bubbly” neighbours. Call 250-498-2229 for tickets.
Whiskey & Oysters at Sol in the Holiday Inn, April 21 4 to 6 p.m. Tickets: $65. A great opportunity to try fresh oysters alongside various whiskeys. Call 250-495-7223 for tickets.
Amateur Shuck ‘n Suck Competition at the Sage Pub, April 22 8 p.m. Tickets: $20 per team. Come to compete or come to cheer at the Amateur Shuck ‘n Suck Competition as teams of two compete to win the coveted title of the Best Shuck n’ Suck Team in the Okanagan. Call 250-495-2322 for tickets.
Brunch Buffet at Mica Restaurant at Spirit Ridge Resort, April 23 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. $30. Wrap up the weekend by enjoying a delicious brunch buffet. Includes a complimentary mimosa or caesar. Call 250-495-8007 for reservations.