What You Need to Know
FAQs
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Where is the festival held?
Veteran's Memorial Park @ Fort Point Street and Seaview Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06855
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What is the entry fee and what is included?
The daily entrance fee is:
- $15 for adults
- $8 for children (5-12 years old)
- Children under the age of 5 are FREE
- $10 for seniors (65+)
- Sunday, September 7th all children are FREE with a paid adult ticket!
- Individual tickets are good for one day only
- The daily entrance fee includes free off-site parking, shuttle buses to and from the festival and all entertainment
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Do you accept credit cards at the gate?
Yes. We accept American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Discover & ApplePay
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Will there be an ATM on-site?
Yes. There will be three (3) ATMs on-site
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Where can I park?
Free parking and shuttle buses are available at these locations:
- 9/5 – Norwalk Community College & Calf Pasture Beach (5:30 pm - 11:30 pm)
- 9/6 – Norwalk Community College, Calf Pasture Beach, and Norwalk City Hall (10:30 am - 11:30pm)
- 9/7 – Norwalk Community College, Calf Pasture Beach, and Norwalk City Hall (10:30 am 8:30 pm)
Additional fee parking at Webster Street Parking Lot, Haviland Street Parking Lot, Maritime Aquarium Garage, and Iron Works Garage. All are within walking distance to the festival.
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Is there handicapped access to the festival?
Yes
- Facilities on the field are handicap
- Free parking and free handicapped bus service is provided all weekend long located at Calf Pasture Beach
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Is entertainment included in admission price?
All entertainment performances at the Norwalk Oyster Festival are included in the cost of admission to the festival. No additional ticket purchase is required.
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Can I reserve seats for any of the shows?
No. All entertainment is included with your admission. Seating for the shows is on a first-come, first-served basis.
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What else is there to do or see at the festival?
- Arts & Crafts – Thousands of creative and practical items that appeal to all tastes, budgets, and ages; hand-crafted jewelry; artwork, sculpture and photography; decorative and usable pottery; woodcrafts including children’s toys, boxes and furniture; clothing, accessories, wearable art, and much more!
- Kids’ Cove – Games, amusement rides, entertainment and parades.
- International Food Court – Diverse dining selections from all around the world.
- Road to the Festival – Prizes, give-aways and displays.
- New England Village – Interactive displays demonstrations and merchandise.
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Do I need an ID to purchase alcoholic beverages?
Yes. Purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages required valid government issued photo identification. Must be 21 years of age or older.
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Can I bring my own food and drink?
No. Outside food and beverages are not allowed into the event
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Can I bring a cooler or backpack?
No. Coolers, bottles, cans, large bags, and backpacks may not be brought into the festival.
The only permitted bags will be diaper bags or bags that contain medical supplies for people with conditions that require them to carry those supplies.
ALL bags are subject to inspection at the entrance gates.
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Can I bring my pet to the festival?
No. A City of Norwalk ordinance prohibits dogs from Veterans Park, however, certified service dogs with documentation are welcomed.
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Any suggestions for festival attendees?
- The Oyster Festival is an outdoor festival so guests should be prepared for the weather on the day(s) they are attending
- The site is a park (mostly grass) and comfortable shoes are recommended
- The site is on the Norwalk Harbor and it is September, so evenings can be cool
- Be prepared to have fun
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Where do the festival proceeds go?
- The Norwalk Seaport Association (a not for profit 501(C)3 organization) is solely responsible for organizing and financing the annual Oyster Festival. Funds raised from the Oyster Festival allow the Seaport Association to continue its educational programs, stewardship for the 1868 Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Norwalk Islands habitat restoration projects with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and other services
- Since it began in 1977, the Norwalk Seaport Association has provided an opportunity for other local non-profit organizations to earn money for their programs and services by operating food booths at the Oyster Festival. The Seaport Associations also supports youth groups by hiring them to work at the festival.
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How do I get a press pass?
Media representatives should contact info@seaport.org at least one week prior to the event for press credentials approval
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How can I become a festival vendor or exhibitor?
Applications for Arts & Crafts and New England Village are available by mail, e-mail or download from the website. If you have trouble or questions, email your request to info@seaport.org or call 203-838-9444.
For Food Vendors, complete and submit the food Vendor inquiry and forward to the Seaport. ..we will review your offerings and respond.
Entertainers please email info@seaport.org
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Are there overnight accomodations nearby?
The Hilton Garden Inn in Norwalk is offering a special rate for the 2024 festival from 9/6 to 9/10. You will need to book by 8/31/24
Hilton Garden Inn
560 Main Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06851
203-523-4000
- Use this link to book:
- Booking your room is simple, just select "Book a Room" to receive your group's preferred rate.
Three Days of Fun, Food and Entertainment for the Whole Family!
Family Fun
Children of all ages will be engaged and entertained by enthralling performances that are sure to delight. The fun continues with carnival rides, face painting, pint sized games where every child is a winner, plus popcorn, cotton candy and balloons, and much more @ Kids Cove. Don’t miss the Seaport Association’s tent where you will learn about our cruises to Sheffield Island Lighthouse, our sunset and harbor cruises, and our New England Clam Bakes on Sheffield Island.
Calling All Foodies
A favorite at any festival is the food, and the Norwalk Oyster Festival never disappoints. After exploring the fairgrounds head to the International Food Court that dishes up everything from Mexican, Columbian and Italian to funnel cakes, and cotton candy. Culinary delights also include New England favorites like oysters fresh off the boat, authentic New England lobster dinners, and fresh lobster rolls. This culinary fare is prepared by dozens of local nonprofit organizations allowing them to raise vital funds for their charitable causes. And, if you have worked up a thirst, no worries head to the craft beer tent that offers more than forty beers.
Go On A Treasure Hunt
If you like to shop, head to our New England Village where you will find Arts and Crafts galore! There are more than 100 fine artists and crafters that display whimsical as well as practical items that appeal to all tastes, budgets, and ages. Jewelry, paintings, pottery, sculpture, clothing, home décor, and wearable art are just some of the treasures to be found here.
Countdown to the 47th Annual Oyster Festival
Thanks to All of Our Sponsors
