Aw Shucks, Y’all: Don’t Miss the 10th Annual Apalachicola Oyster Cook-Off!

Need something to look forward to after the holidays have come and gone? We’ve got you covered. After the New Year, the festivities will continue here on Florida’s Forgotten Coast—starting with our 10^th Annual Apalachicola Oyster Cook-Off on Friday and Saturday, January 17 and 18, 2020.

This awesome annual event is held every Friday and Saturday before Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in historic Apalachicola at beautiful Riverfront Park. The Cook-Off features a silent auction, live music, local beer, kids’ activities, dancing performances, a 5.5K fun run, hamburgers, hot dogs, smoked mullet, shrimp and—of course—loads of delicious oysters! There is no gate entrance fee for this family-friendly event.

All proceeds from the Oyster Cook-Off go to benefit the Apalachicola Volunteer Fire Department. Thanks to this popular fundraising festival, the department was able to purchase a brand-new fire truck a few years ago.

Enter your best recipe and compete in the oyster cook-off or just come on down and enjoy a day of fabulous food, tasty brews, live entertainment and fun in the sun. And feel free to bring your four-legged friends along for the ride. Well-mannered, leashed pets are welcome at this event.

This year’s Apalachicola Oyster Cook-Off will feature the following activities:

Silent Auction

On Friday, January 17, there will be an Art Auction Preview and Oyster Tasting from 6 to 8 pm at the Apalachicola Center for History, Culture and Arts (86 Water Street). This auction, which showcases unique oyster-related art and items, will continue throughout the day on Saturday. There is also a buy-it now option, so be sure to arrive early to snag the best of the best.

Live Music & Dancing

Jam out to live music at venues across downtown Apalachicola Friday night. On Saturday at Riverfront Park, the John Sutton Band cranks up at 2 pm.

Check out the Pam Nobles Dance Class Performance at 1 pm on Saturday at the Cook-Off. Trust us—you don’t want to miss the Fireman dance!

The Half-Shell Hustle Fun Run

The Half-Shell Hustle is a 5.5K super-duper fun run. Registration begins at 7 am at Riverfront Park on Saturday, January 18, and the race kicks off 8 am. Every runner will receive a t-shirt, and categorical winners will be awarded medals.

Oyster Cook-Off Contest

The Oyster Cook-Off contest is open to everyone! The top three winners will receive a trophy.

Enter your best oyster recipe for the chance to win. To participate, submit the name of your dish and a $25 entry fee by than January 11, 2020. Finalists must provide all ingredients, mixing, cooking utensils and heat source. (No electricity will be available.) Fresh oysters will be provided, and finalists will have two hours to prepare and cook their recipe. The judges will select the top three winners based on originality, predominance of oysters, taste and presentation.

Judging begins on Saturday, January 18 at 2 pm, and the winners will be announced around 3 pm.

Eat, Drink & Be Merry

Throughout the day on Saturday, an array of food, beer and other refreshments will be available for purchase. Whether you prefer hamburgers, hot dogs and sweet treats or smoked mullet, shrimp and oysters on the half-shell, you’ll find plenty of tasty dishes to satisfy your cravings.

Ready to plan your trip down to the Forgotten Coast for the Oyster Cook-Off? Book your getaway today!