New Bedford Oysterfest is City’s Newest Summer Celebration

Debut Event Showcasing Local Oyster Scene is June 15 at Cisco Brewers

NEW BEDFORD – Enjoy fresh local oysters with a water view at the City’s newest can’t-miss summer event.

Explore New Bedford – the City’s marketing and tourism department – is partnering with the Fishing Heritage Center on Cisco Brewers’ first annual New Bedford Oysterfest from 12-3 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, on the water at Cisco on East Rodney French Boulevard.

The new festival showcasing the local oyster scene will feature fresh oysters shucked right in front of guests 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 West Passage Oyster Co (Narragansett Bay, RI).

“As the seafood capital of America, New Bedford is the best place to try fresh seafood,” Mayor Jon Mitchell said. “This event is a fitting addition to the busy summer calendar.”

Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 on the event day and include a sampling of a half-dozen local oysters, a complimentary craft beverage (beer or cocktail can) and a souvenir shucking knife to bring home. 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. Tickets can be purchased online in advance by visiting ExploreNewBedford.org/event/new-bedford-oysterfest.

“We are thrilled to support the Fishing Heritage Center’s efforts to present New Bedford’s first oyster festival overlooking the water at Cisco Brewers. This festival is a fantastic opportunity to draw visitors from near and far, boosting tourism and supporting the local economy,” said Explore New Bedford Director Ashley Payne.

“We’re proud to partner with Explore New Bedford on Cisco Brewers’ first New Bedford Oysterfest! This is a great chance to come and get a taste of our local shellfish aquaculture scene. We’re excited for this collaboration and to introduce our community to oyster growing, an essential part of our fishing story in the region. 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 community.

About Cisco Brewers

Cisco Brewers New Bedford is a 3.5-acre waterfront hotspot with five 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, a place for all ages (and dogs!).

About the Fishing Heritage Center
New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center (FHC) is dedicated to preserving and presenting the story of the commercial fishing community past, present, and future. In addition to exhibits at the Center, FHC serves as a conduit for people to experience America’s most valuable fishing port through group tours of the working waterfront and shoreside businesses, talks with fishing community members, classes, films, and performances.