Photo courtesy New Bedford Oysterfest.
NEW BEDFORD – After the sold-out success of the City’s inaugural Oysterfest last year, organizers are excited to announce the event will return to Cisco Brewers on June 7.
Explore New Bedford – the City’s marketing and tourism department – is partnering with the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center and Cisco on the second annual New Bedford Oysterfest, which will take place from 12-4:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, on the beach at Cisco on East Rodney French Boulevard.
The event showcasing the local shellfish scene will feature fresh oysters shucked on the spot by local growers, who will share their stories and answer questions. This year’s event will feature seven local growers: Island Creek Oysters (New Bedford/Duxbury), West Island Oysters (Fairhaven), Padanaram Oyster Farm (Dartmouth), Cuttyhunk Shellfish Farms (Cuttyhunk), Duxbury Oyster Co. (Duxbury), Spindrift Oysters (Westport), and Copper Beach Oyster Farm (Mattapoisett).
“Oysterfest is a perfect addition to New Bedford’s summer calendar,” Mayor Jon Mitchell said. “I’m grateful to Steve Silverstein and the teams at the Fishing Heritage Center and Explore New Bedford for making this new event a big success.”
Tickets can be purchased online by searching for New Bedford Oysterfest on Eventbrite.com. Tickets are $35 in advance ($40 starting at noon on June 6) and include a sampling of seven local oysters, a complimentary craft beverage (12 oz beer or canned cocktail), and a souvenir shucking knife to bring home. Additional oysters will be available for sale at $2 each. Ticketholders will have a two-hour window to enjoy the event, either from 12-2 p.m. or 2:30-4:40 p.m. Proceeds will support the Fishing Heritage Center and its mission to preserve and promote New Bedford’s rich fishing story as the nation’s most valuable fishing port.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Fishing Heritage Center to present New Bedford Oysterfest overlooking the water at Cisco Brewers. After last year’s sold-out festival, I am certain this year’s event will draw even more visitors to the city, increasing visitor spending and supporting the local business economy,” said Explore New Bedford Director Ashley Payne.
“We’re proud to partner with Cisco Brewers and Explore New Bedford to produce the 2025 New Bedford Oysterfest. This is a great opportunity to get a taste of our local shellfish aquaculture scene. We’re excited to introduce guests to this fast-growing part of the region’s fishing community. Plus, you can’t beat the venue!” said Fishing Heritage Center Director Laura Orleans.
About Explore New Bedford
Explore New Bedford promotes the City of New Bedford as a leisure and business travel destination and hub for creatives, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. We celebrate the story of the City’s history, arts, and culture by sharing the diverse stories of our vibrant City.
About Cisco Brewers
Cisco Brewers New Bedford is a 3.5-acre waterfront hotspot with six outdoor bars, live music, food trucks, and the surf-themed Cisco Kitchen & Bar, complete with two patios and a rooftop. This offshoot of the famed Cisco in Nantucket offers lots of sand, a dock, and moorings for those coming by water, a firepit, outdoor games and a beach. The vibe is laid back, and the energy is always right on.
About the Fishing Heritage Center
New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is dedicated to preserving and presenting the story of the commercial fishing community past, present, and future. In addition to interactive exhibits at the Center, FHC’s invites the public to experience America’s most valuable fishing port through group tours of the working waterfront, talks with fishing community members, seafood cooking classes, films, and performances.
