Oyster Fest at The Durham

Oyster Fest returns July 16–19 | The Roof
Shuck and slurp your way through Oyster Fest 2026: The Durham’s fifth annual summer celebration of North Carolina oysters, summer flavors and live music. Join The Roof Thursday, July 16 through Sunday, July 19 for four nights of oysters, live music and a shooter bar running Friday and Saturday.

Come hungry and ready to enjoy raw and broiled oysters with summery sides. Cousins Oyster Co. will be on site Friday and Saturday, shucking for the shooter bar and the OBX Oyster Flight Experience. Kill Devil Rums from Outer Banks Distilling and Durham Distillery will be on The Roof all weekend with tastings and featured spirits. The NC Shellfish Growers Association joins all four days, sharing about their work advocating for shellfish farmers, advancing research and promoting responsible aquaculture in North Carolina. Every guest who donates to support their work is entered to win a night at The Durham and a farm tour with the NCSGA.

All food and drink are à la carte. Reservations are suggested for Thursday’s Al Strong kickoff; no reservations required the rest of the weekend.

The Schedule
Thursday, July 16 — Oyster Fest Preview with Al Strong

6 p.m.: Doors open for ticket holders
7-9:30 p.m.: Al Strong Presents: Jazz on the Roof
9:30-11 p.m.: Open to the public
Standing Room | Free. Full access to the Roof once doors open. No assigned seating.

Seated | $30 with $15 menu credit. Dedicated community seating under the covered portion of The Roof, first-come, first-served. *Menu credit valid the night of the show, excludes alcohol.

Reservations are suggested for Thursday evening only.

Friday, July 17
4 p.m. – midnight: Roof Open
Oyster Shooter Bar open
7-10 p.m.: DJ Rheub

Saturday, July 18
4 p.m. – midnight: Roof Open
Oyster Shooter Bar open
4-6:30 p.m.: The Simple Joy
8-9:30 p.m.: The Woodburys

Sunday, July 19 Final Day
2-8 p.m.: Roof Open
2-5 p.m.: DJ EMELCiE
Every Airmail sold today: $1 donated to the NCSGA