The 10th annual Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival returns to Bowen’s Wharf this weekend, bringing local oyster growers, restaurant vendors, signature beverage sponsors and live music to the downtown waterfront to kick off the summer season.
The free-admission, rain-or-shine festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17. Attendees can sample a range of fresh seafood while taking in the scenic views of the harbor.
The festival began in 2016 to highlight the Ocean State’s oyster farmers and their diverse varieties and has grown over the years to feature more vendors and another New England favorite — clam chowder — giving local restaurants a chance to showcase their takes on the classic soup.
Ten local growers will be on-site shucking freshly harvested oysters: Salt Pond Oysters, Aquidneck Island Oyster Co., Matunuck Oyster Farm, Watch Hill Oysters, 401 Oyster Co., Behan Family Farms, East Beach Oyster Co., Sea Smoke Oyster Co., the Ocean State Aquaculture Association and the Ocean State Shellfish Co-operative.
For those who aren’t oyster fans, participating vendors and food trucks include Newport Chowder Company, Luke’s Lobster, Little Clam, Binge BBQ, Diego’s, Wharf Fish House and the Shuckin’ Truck, with menus featuring both seafood and non-seafood options. Sweet treats will be available from Mooseman’s Kettle Corn and Sweet B’s Donuts.
Signature cocktails featuring Ketel One, Don Julio and Silent Pool will be served at the festival bars, alongside wines from Delicato Family Wines, Whalers cold brews and Surfside.
BankNewport returns as presenting sponsor for the third consecutive year. A portion of proceeds will benefit Child & Family, the festival’s charitable partner.
Sustainability is a focus throughout the weekend, with multi-bin waste stations separating materials by landfill, compost, recycling and oyster shells, staffed by Epic Renewal. Bike Newport is also partnering with the festival to encourage attendees to skip downtown traffic and “Get There by Bike.”
Live music will enliven the waterfront all weekend, and the Jamestown Newport Ferry — which launches its 2026 season this weekend — will offer special express service from Jamestown to Bowen’s Wharf for festival-goers.
More information is available at bowenswharf.com.
