Dive Into Flavour at the 2025 PEI Shellfish Festival in Charlottetown
Set your calendars for September 18–21, 2025, and get ready to crack claws, slurp oysters, and raise a Caesar at Atlantic Canada’s biggest kitchen party — the PEI International Shellfish Festival, now in its 29th year! Held at the vibrant Charlottetown Event Grounds, this four-day extravaganza of seafood, song, and spirited competition is the crown jewel of Prince Edward Island’s culinary calendar.
🦪 From Humble Beginnings to International Fame
What started as a simple one-day event in 1996 has evolved into one of Canada's most beloved food festivals. It began as a celebration of PEI’s world-class shellfish — mussels, oysters, and lobster — and has grown into a globally recognized gathering for foodies, chefs, locals, and tourists alike. Today, it blends culinary competitions, celebrity chef demos, live entertainment, and of course, unlimited shellfish delights.
🎉 Highlights from the 2025 Festival Lineup
Thursday, September 18: Kicking Off in Style
The shell-ebration starts with the Feast & Frolic dinner presented by Lobster PEI, a sumptuous kickoff event at the Charlottetown Event Grounds. Meanwhile, Peake’s Quay will host the always-entertaining Mott’s Clamato Best Caesar in Town competition.
Friday, September 19: Let the Kitchen Party Begin!
Friday’s action kicks off at noon with local dance troupes, the first heats of the Garland Canada International Chef Challenge, and a culinary demo by none other than Chef Corbin Tomaszeski. Expect lively music from The Irish Scots and Tip Er Back, before the shellfish gets serious with the PEI Oyster Shucking Championship and performances by Vintage 4.0 and Signal Hill to close out the night.
Saturday, September 20: Culinary Battles & Coastal Beats
Saturday turns the heat up! Watch semi-finals of the chef challenge, the dramatic Tie One On Mussel Competition, and the internationally renowned Raspberry Point Oyster Shucking Championship. Musical guests Raglan Road and The Trews will have the tent rocking late into the evening.
Sunday, September 21: Funday & Finals
Sunday brings a laid-back but flavor-packed finale. The finals of the Chef Challenge, Junior Chef Showdown, Chowder Championships, and a culinary demo with Jason Woodside showcasing PEI oysters make for a family-friendly grand finale. Enjoy East Coast melodies from Luka Hall, Shane Pendergast, and Vishtèn as the tent closes on another unforgettable year.
👩🍳 The Garland Canada International Chef Challenge
With $10,000 on the line, this is one of Canada’s fiercest culinary throwdowns. Twelve elite chefs from across North America will compete over four days in front of live audiences and expert judges, including Chef Corbin Tomaszeski, Chef Imrun Texeira, and Chef Dany Duguay.
Watch as these top-tier talents transform fresh PEI shellfish into dishes worthy of the crown. Expect high-pressure showdowns, creative plating, and serious flavor.
🌊 The Shellfish Pavilion: A Seafood Lover’s Dream
Craving PEI’s best oysters, lobster rolls, or steamed mussels? Head to the Shellfish Pavilion, where you’ll find fresh, local offerings from beloved Island institutions like Olde Dublin Pub, Peake’s Quay Restaurant, and Raspberry Point Oysters.
No need to juggle cash — grab a Shellfish Bucks card and breeze your way through delicious plates and local beverages.
🍹 Sip & Shell-abrate with the Best Caesar in Town
Back by popular demand, the Mott’s Clamato Best Caesar in Town competition brings together the most creative and mouthwatering Caesars. Cheer on local mixologists as they compete for bragging rights — and sip some spicy creations yourself!
🎶 Music, Dance, and That East Coast Vibe
From kitchen-party classics to local folk acts, the festival stage is alive all weekend. Expect dancing, fiddles, and singalongs as Signal Hill, The Trews, and many more artists take over the Main Stage. It’s not just a seafood festival — it’s a full-on maritime celebration.
🦞 Family Fun & Culinary Inspiration
With events like the Junior Chef Challenge and culinary demos from icons like Chef Corbin and Chef Jason Woodside, this festival is as much about learning and sharing as it is about indulging. Bring the whole family, get inspired in the kitchen, and discover why PEI’s shellfish scene is second to none.
🌟 Why You Shouldn’t Miss the PEI International Shellfish Festival 2025
- 🍽️ World-class chefs and live cooking battles
- 🦪 Fresh PEI oysters, lobster, mussels, and more
- 🎶 Epic East Coast music & dance every night
- 🧂 Unique competitions like oyster shucking & Caesar crafting
- 👫 A fun, welcoming community vibe — Island-style!
Whether you’re a foodie, a festival junkie, or just looking to savor the authentic spirit of Atlantic Canada, the PEI Shellfish Festival is your ticket to coastal magic.
Come for the seafood, stay for the celebration — and leave with unforgettable memories. See you under the big tent in Charlottetown, September 18–21, 2025
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