As the old saying goes, any month with an “R” in the name is a good time to eat oysters. And January/February is prime time for it.
Case in point: the biggest oyster festival on earth, happening right here in Mount Pleasant on February 1st. More about that in a minute.
The Oyster Roast: A Lowcountry Classic
The tradition of savoring oysters around here goes back hundreds of years. Folks here in the Lowcountry have made oyster roasts into an art form - the quintessential cool weather gathering.
Picture this: oysters fresh out of the local waterways, steaming on over the hot coals of a fire.
Family and friends standing around a communal table, libation in hand, shucking steamed oysters and throwing the shells into a hole in the middle. Oyster knives, thick gloves, saltine crackers and cocktail sauce scattered around the table. Terrific conversation abounds, friendships are made and solidified.
It’s a must-do experience.
Shucking for a Good Cause
Local charities often have oyster roasts as fundraisers. They’re always a lot of fun, a neat way to hang with the locals in a relaxed environment, and a great way to support worthy causes. Usually there’s chili/hot dogs for those who don’t want oysters, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drink options, live music and a silent and/or live auction.
If you’re here staying in one of our Isle of Palms vacation rentals, it’s worth checking the calendar and adding one to your itinerary.
Here are some favorite Charleston-area oyster roast fundraisers:
- Lowcountry Land Trust's annual oyster roast on January 11th, 2026; it takes place on Gold Bug Island near the Intracoastal Waterway and Sullivan’s Island.
- Charleston Parks Conservancy’s “Shucked & Sauced” – Sunday, February 1st, 2026 at the Rose Pavilion in downtown Charleston’s Hampton Park. This one features both oysters and barbecue.
- Ducks Unlimited’s 29th annual Oyster Roast at SEWE on February 13th, 2026, it takes over the Charleston Visitor Center’s Bus Shed and is always a hot ticket.
- 25th Annual Pet Helpers Oyster Roast on Sunday, February 22nd at the classic oyster spot, Bowen’s Island - a wonderful way to help animals in need.
- The women’s ministry Drawing Near to God’s annual oyster roast on March 12th, 2026 at Memorial Waterfront Park’s Cooper River Room in Mount Pleasant.
- Drayton Hall’s popular annual “Deck the Halls” Oyster Roast on the grounds of historic Drayton Hall each year in early December.
Oyster Roasts at Local Restaurants/Breweries
Local eating and drinking establishments also feature fresh oysters - a perfect way to dip your toe into the oyster roast experience.
Isle of Palms:
Islander 71 is located in a most scenic spot at the IOP Marina and is a favorite of locals. They usually host oyster roasts with fresh clusters on Saturdays from noon till 4:00 in the winter months, and even recycle the shells through DNR to replenish local oyster beds. Islander 71 has plenty of decks and a huge outdoor space with 14’ screen to watch the game. Great gathering spot. Check their website or socials for the latest schedule and specials. FUN FACT: they also host free Mahjong on the Frolic Porch every Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until close.
The Windjammer on Front Beach is the go-to spot for live music and concerts on the Isle. They also serve roasted oysters by the bucket on Saturdays. Just a hop, skip and a jump from your Isle of Palms luxury rental home. Read more here.
Mount Pleasant:
“Oysters at the Point” - Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina is hosting a series of afternoon oyster roasts on its Harborside Beach, with buckets of fresh oysters, beach games and live music. Dates include Jan. 10th (Thomas Champagne with Friends), Jan. 24 (B.I.L.L. Wilson Band), Feb. 7th (Weigh Station & The Green Thieves), Feb. 21 (Gritty Flyright), and March 7th (TBA). It's located at 20 Patriots Point Road in Mount Pleasant. Read more on our Events page.
Downtown:
The Blind Tiger - Get an authentic pub experience on Broad Street downtown, and enjoy free oyster roasts while you’re at it. The Blind Tiger hosts them on various dates, including even Christmas Day from 3:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. The next one is scheduled for January 18th.
West of the Ashley/Folly Creek:
Bowen’s Island is a local institution and provides the quintessential oyster roast experience, happening on a daily basis. It’s located on 14 acres right on the water, has been around for 80 years and several generations, and its owner Robert Barber even won a James Beard Award. Bowen’s is the real deal and must be experienced in person. It’s also available for private events and parties.
North Charleston:
Holy City Brewing - Located on Noisette Creek and Park Circle in North Charleston, it’s one of the area’s most hoppin’ breweries, with its Taproom, Walrus Raw Bar and Cabana Bar. Holy City Brewing hosts big oyster roasts a couple times a year – like Black Friday and Valentine’s Day (2/12/26).
Firefly Distillery – The famous maker of Sweet Tea Vodka also hosts monthly oyster roasts on a Sunday in October, December, January, February and March. They’re noon till 4:00, with all-you-can-eat oysters, live music, food trucks and optional tastings. Upcoming dates in 2026 are January 25th, February 22nd and March 29th. Located on Spruill Avenue in North Charleston. Read more here.
The 42nd Annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival
This is the motherlode of oyster roasts, the biggest oyster festival on the planet, and it takes place in a supremely scenic spot – historic Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant. It’s just over the IOP Connector from our Isle of Palms beachfront rentals.
Prepare to encounter 45,000 pounds of fresh oysters, plus wine and cocktails, domestic and imported beer, live music, a food court, large children’s area (the ever- popular “Pluff-a-Palooza”), and oyster shucking and raw oyster eating contests.
The Lowcountry Oyster Festival happens Sunday, February 1st from 10:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Charleston Restaurant Foundation, it’s raised over $1.5 million for several local charities. Read all about it on our Events page.
So do like the locals do, and enjoy some sensational salty bivalves while staying here in a Charleston beach house. And just like our Isle of Palms luxury rentals, you definitely have lots of options!
All best,
Lowcountry Lisa
your Isle of Palms vacation blogger