A Small Town, a Big Celebration
Each November, with autumn in full swing, the tiny town of Urbanna transforms into one of Virginia’s liveliest fall destinations. The 68th Annual Urbanna Oyster Festival returns on Friday and Saturday, November 7–8, 2025, and promises a weekend filled with salty breezes, festive energy, and seafood that’s all about local flavor. Between Friday’s Firemen’s Parade and Saturday’s Oyster Shucking Contest, the whole town opens its arms to oyster lovers and fall festival fans alike.
Entry to the festival is free, with a pay-as-you-go setup, so you can wander craft booths, sample oyster dishes, and enjoy live music without buying a ticket up front.
Get the full event details here.
The Tides of Fun: What to Expect
From the moment the festival kicks off, Urbanna fills with inviting aromas and festive noise. Highlights include:
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Friday evening Firemen’s Parade, when center streets close down to vehicles and the town buzzes with celebration
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Oyster shucking competitions, where speed meets skill in the heart of town
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Vendor village and arts & crafts, offering everything from handmade oyster-themed art to local brews and sweets
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Multiple live music stages, keeping the pace lively well into the afternoon
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A festival parade Saturday afternoon, weaving through the historic district
Festival-goers have described Urbanna during this weekend as equal parts nostalgic and electric, as you’ll find kids chasing bubbles, neighbors hugging in the streets, and savory oyster dishes selling out fast.
About Urbanna & the Surrounding River Realm
Urbanna is, quite literally, a hidden gem, a town of under 500 people that swells to thousands during festival weekend. Situated along the Rappahannock River, it combines old-school maritime charm with a growing local art scene and beautifully preserved streetscapes
This stretch of the Virginia coast, the River Realm, has long been known for oysters, boatbuilding, gallery strolls, and a slower pace of life that’s exactly the kind of place you want to linger.
Make It a SeaEO Weekend
If you’re already heading to Urbanna for the Oyster Festival, consider letting us help you extend the magic. Right nearby in Yorktown, we offer private boat charters that let you explore the Rappahannock and York Rivers at your own pace, with your own people.
Imagine your group stepping out onto the water after festival days, slowing it down with a sunset cruise, or swapping time in the streets for quiet commentary from a captain who knows this history firsthand. Whether you’re toasting oysters from the deck or just watching the river reflect autumn light, our private charters offer a distinct, peaceful way to anchor your festival weekend.
Every trip is private, up to 13 guests, and worry-free. We handle launch, navigation, and docking while you soak in scenery that connects the dots of history with every ripple.
Wrapping Up: See You in Urbanna
As oyster shucks and local bands fuel Urbanna’s biggest weekend of the year, there’s no better way to round out your trip than with time on the water. Between festival parades and private cruises, you will get a true taste of coastal VA.
We’d love to help you create the best trip on the water. Visit sea-eo.com to check availability.