Join the Chesapeake Mermaid at the 60th Anniversary U.S. Oyster Festival for an interactive adventure celebrating the wonders of the Chesapeake Bay! Through storytelling, music, movement, and hands-on audience participation, guests of all ages will meet local wildlife, learn Chesapeake Bay creature sign language, and enjoy imaginative stories that inspire curiosity about the natural world.
After each performance, stay for Mermaid Moments, where families can meet the Chesapeake Mermaid, ask questions, and take photos to remember the day. Be sure to visit our booth to take home our award-winning storybooks and activity books to continue the adventure long after the festival. Learn more at ChesapeakeMermaid.com.
The Chesapeake Mermaid will present three different live shows throughout the weekend:
- The Last Bivalvian – Saturday & Sunday at 12:00 PM
- Giants of the Bay – Saturday at 3:00 PM
- Century Island – Sunday at 3:00 PM
Celebrating 60 wonderful years, the U.S. Oyster Festival honors the Chesapeake Bay, its waterways, watermen, and oyster heritage, culminating in the U.S. National Oyster Shucking Championship. This two-day, family-friendly festival marks the beginning of oyster season and features delicious food, live music, contests, artists, authors, educational exhibits, nonprofit organizations, and activities for all ages.
The U.S. Oyster Festival takes place Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds, 42455 Fairgrounds Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650.
Advance tickets are available at USOysterFest.com, with general admission also available at the gate. Children under 10 are admitted free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Only registered, clearly identified service animals are permitted. Handicapped parking is available, and the fairgrounds, restrooms, and pathways are wheelchair and stroller accessible and ADA compliant. For accessibility information, call (301) 863-5015 or email USOysterFestival@gmail.com.
Note: This announcement is about the Chesapeake Mermaid’s performances. We are not the event organizers. For festival questions, please contact the U.S. Oyster Festival through their Facebook page at Facebook.com/NationalOysterFest or visit USOysterFest.com.
