Aw Shucks, Ya’ll! It’s Oyster Cook-Off Time!

Need something to look forward to after the holidays have come and gone? We’ve got you covered! After the New Year, the festivities will continue here on Florida’s Forgotten Coast—starting with our annual Apalachicola Oyster Cook-Off on Saturday, January 14, 2023.

This awesome annual event is held every year on the Saturday before Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in historic Apalachicola at the beautiful Riverfront Park. The event features a silent auction, oysters galore, shrimp, smoked mullet, hot dogs, hamburgers, local beer, live music, kids’ activities, dancing performances and a 5K run! Enter your best recipe and be a contestant in the oyster cook-off or just come out and enjoy a day of wonderful food, refreshments, and music. We always welcome donations and volunteers to help make this wonderful event a success. There is no gate entrance fee for this family-friendly event. And feel free to bring your four-legged friends along for the ride. Well-mannered, leashed pets are welcome at this event.

All proceeds from the Oyster Cook-Off go to benefit the Apalachicola Volunteer Fire Department. Thanks to this popular fundraising festival, the department was able to purchase a brand-new fire truck a few years ago.

Silent Auction

This auction, which showcases unique oyster-related art and items, will continue throughout the day on Saturday. There is also a buy-it now option, so be sure to arrive early to snag the best of the best. Event will be held at the Apalachicola Center for History, Culture and Arts (86 Water Street).

Live Music & Dancing

Jam out to live music throughout downtown Apalachicola watering holes Friday night 8 pm-until. On Saturday at Riverfront Park, live bands will crank up at 2 pm.

Check out the local Dance Class Performance at 1 pm on Saturday at the Cook-Off. Trust us—you don’t want to miss the Fireman dance!

The Half-Shell Hustle Fun Run

The Half-Shell Hustle is a 5K super-duper fun run. Registration begins at 7 am at Riverfront Park on Saturday, January 14, and the race kicks off 8 am. Every runner will receive a t-shirt, and categorical winners will be awarded medals.

Oyster Cook-Off Contest

The Oyster Cook-Off contest is open to everyone! The top three winners will receive a trophy.
Enter your best oyster recipe for the chance to win. To participate, submit the name of your dish and a $25 entry fee by January 5, 2023.

Finalists must provide all ingredients, mixing, cooking utensils, and heat source. (No electricity will be available.) Fresh oysters will be provided, and finalists will have two hours to prepare and cook their recipes. The judges will select the top three winners based on originality, the predominance of oysters, taste, and presentation.

Judging begins at 2 pm, and the winners will be announced around 3 pm.
Visit the Oyster Cook-Off event detail page to learn more details and to enter your best recipe.

Eat, Drink & Be Merry

Throughout the day on Saturday, an array of food, beer and other refreshments will be available for purchase. Whether you prefer hamburgers, hot dogs and sweet treats or smoked mullet, shrimp and oysters on the half-shell, you’ll find plenty of tasty dishes to satisfy your cravings.

Ready to plan your trip down to the Forgotten Coast for the Oyster Cook-Off? Book your getaway today!