2025 Tyne Valley Oyster Festival: Canada's Ultimate Celebration of Oysters, Culture & Community
Nestled on the salty shores of Prince Edward Island, the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival returns from July 29 to August 3, 2025, with a jam-packed week of fun, flavor, and fierce competition. Since 1964, this beloved festival has drawn oyster lovers and thrill-seekers from across the country to witness Canada’s fastest shuckers, local talent, and a vibrant community spirit that only PEI can deliver.
This isn’t just a seafood festival—it’s an all-out cultural celebration where rural charm meets national excitement.
A Salty Tradition Since 1964
The Tyne Valley Oyster Festival has roots stretching back over half a century. Since its inception in 1964, it has grown from a local maritime gathering into a national celebration of Canada’s oyster culture. Over the decades, it has built a reputation for its community spirit, mouthwatering oysters, and, of course, its thrilling shucking showdown.
This is the kind of event where you don't just watch the culture—you live it. Whether you’re elbow-deep in an oyster platter or standing ringside cheering for your favorite shucker, the festival immerses you in the heart of PEI’s shellfish heritage.
The Crown Jewel: Canadian Oyster Shucking Championships
The heart of the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival beats strongest on Friday, August 1, when Canada’s finest oyster shuckers gather for a series of intense competitions. It all kicks off with the Junior Canadian Oyster Shucking Contest at 6PM, followed by the PEI Grading Championship at 7:30PM, and the Canadian Oyster Shucking Championship at 9PM.
These high-energy, razor-sharp showdowns bring in shuckers from coast to coast—vying not only for national titles but for the pride of representing Canada on the world stage. Expect a rowdy, shell-cracking good time.
Full Festival Line-Up: July 29 – August 3, 2025
Here’s your insider guide to the week-long lineup of events at the Cavendish Farms Community Events Centre and surrounding areas:
Tuesday, July 29 – Family Fun Night
Kids Dance with DJ | 6PM–9PM
A high-energy dance party for the little ones! Great tunes, flashing lights, and a lot of giggles.
🎟️ $3/child at the door
📍 Cavendish Farms Community Events Centre
Wednesday, July 30 – Trivia Night Showdown
PEI Trivia Championships Sponsored by Moosehead Brewery
Hosted by Anthony Millar – This 19+ event is perfect for trivia buffs and pub quiz warriors.
🕕 Doors open 6PM, trivia starts 7PM
💸 $10/player | Max 6 per team | Cash prizes for top 3
📍 Cavendish Farms Community Events Centre
Thursday, July 31 – Pageant & Family Feud Fun
Miss Oyster Pearl Pageant | 6PM
Meet the contestants and enjoy their talent showcases.
Community “Family Feud” | 7PM (Family Groups), 9PM (Business Groups)
Come watch local teams battle it out in this hilarious community game show!
🎟️ Admission by donation
📍 Cavendish Farms Community Centre
Friday, August 1 – Championship Night
Doors open 5:30PM
- 🦪 Junior Canadian Oyster Shucking Championship | 6PM
- 🧪 PEI Oyster Grading Championship | 7:30PM
- 🇨🇦 Canadian Oyster Shucking Championship | 9PM
🎟️ $20/adults, $10/children | All ages | Licensed event
📍 Cavendish Farms Community Centre
Saturday, August 2 – Parade, Carnival & Concerts
PEI’s Largest Rural Community Parade | 1PM
Watch as vibrant floats travel from Britannia Hall to the Firehall in classic island style.
Kids Carnival | Following the Parade
Games, treats, and family fun.
🎟️ $5/child | 📍 Cavendish Farms Community Centre
Rock the Rink | Doors open 6PM, Music 7PM
Live music all night! Line-up to be announced—expect major Canadian talent.
🎟️ $40 advance | $45 at the door | 19+ event
📍 Cavendish Farms Community Centre
Sunday, August 3 – Closing Ceremonies
Church Service | 11AM
Join the community in giving thanks and reflecting on the week’s celebrations.
Miss Oyster Pearl Pageant Finale | 1PM
The crowning of Miss Oyster Pearl 2025, with a special celebration of 60 years of past titleholders.
Community Awards Ceremony | Immediately following the pageant
🎟️ Admission by donation for all Sunday events
📍 Cavendish Farms Community Centre
Why Tyne Valley?
You might wonder—why Tyne Valley? This tiny PEI village may be modest in size, but it holds a massive place in Canada’s oyster story. The waters surrounding Prince Edward Island produce some of the world’s finest oysters, known for their clean, briny flavor and exceptional texture. Local pride runs deep, and the festival is a powerful reflection of the island’s oyster industry and the people behind it.
When you visit, you’re not just attending a festival—you’re stepping into a living maritime tradition where community and craftsmanship intersect with celebration and competition.
Why You Should Be There
The Tyne Valley Oyster Festival is more than a summer event—it's a gathering of generations, a showcase of Canadian talent, and a celebration of community through music, games, and, of course, oysters. Whether you're cracking your first shell or cheering on your trivia team, this weeklong bash promises something unforgettable for everyone.
Book your ferry, pack your oyster knife, and mark your calendar for July 29–August 3, 2025. The Tyne Valley Oyster Festival is calling—will you answer?
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