News Summary
The Yorktown Wine & Oyster Festival will return, featuring local wineries, fresh oysters, and live music along the scenic Yorktown Waterfront. Attendees can enjoy various food and beverage options, including a Virginia Craft Beer Garden. The two-day event will also include educational experiences focused on the health of the Bay’s ecosystem. Visitors can participate in wine tastings, create oyster ornaments, and enjoy engaging activities. With ample transportation options and entertainment, the festival promises a delightful experience celebrating the flavors and culture of the Chesapeake Bay.
Yorktown will be the host for the annual Yorktown Wine & Oyster Festival on October 4-5, 2025. This much-anticipated festival, taking place along the scenic Yorktown Waterfront, promises attendees a weekend filled with the rich flavors of local delicacies, particularly Virginia’s finest wines and fresh oysters.
The two-day, ticketed event will showcase nearly 20 local wineries and distilleries, where guests can sample signature wine blends crafted in Virginia. Oysters will be available in a variety of preparations, including raw, roasted, and steamed, ensuring there is an option to satisfy every palate. A special Virginia Craft Beer Garden will also be featured, providing additional beverage choices for attendees.
In addition to food and drink, the festival will offer live music, gourmet food trucks, and regional artists. Guests can enjoy performances from local bands including The Fifes and Drums of Yorktown, Against All Odds, BrassWind, The Michael Clark Band, and Skylark, scheduled throughout the two days. Educational experiences will also be integrated into the festival, focusing on the importance of oysters and the overall health of the Bay’s ecosystem. Partnering organizations providing these learning opportunities include:
- Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Association
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science
- Virginia Oyster Trail
- Watermen’s Museum
Gourmet food trucks and vendors, such as Coastal Thirst, Dong’s Food Truck, and Hungry Hungry Arrow, will be present to provide a range of culinary delights for attendees. The festival will operate from noon to 6 p.m. on both days, with ticket options including special experiences and tastings.
On Saturday, guests can participate in an Enhanced Wine Tasting event from 1 to 5 p.m. for an additional cost of $20 per person. A free opportunity to create your own oyster ornament will be available from 1 to 3 p.m., and the popular Oyster Shuck Off competition will take place at 3 p.m..
Sunday will feature an engaging Boats & Bordeaux sip-and-paint workshop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., costing $35 per person, along with a second session of the Enhanced Wine Tasting from 2 to 5 p.m.. Limited non-drinking tickets will also be available for those looking to enjoy the festival festivities without alcohol.
While guests are encouraged to bring unopened bottled water and small folding chairs for comfort, outside food and beverages, tents, and umbrellas are strictly prohibited. Service animals will be the only pets allowed on-site.
For ease of access, a free, ADA-accessible Yorktown Trolley will be in operation throughout both days of the festival, running until 5 p.m.. This will provide a convenient transportation option for attendees looking to make the most of their visit to Yorktown.
The Yorktown Wine & Oyster Festival is not just a celebration of local seafood and wines, but also a community gathering that emphasizes the Chesapeake Bay’s cultural heritage and ecological importance. With a wide array of offerings, the festival aims to deliver an enriching and enjoyable experience for all who attend.
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Additional Resources
- WYDaily: Yorktown Wine & Oyster Festival
- Wikipedia: Oyster
- Coastal Virginia Magazine: Fall Seafood Fests
- Google Search: Yorktown Wine Oyster Festival
- WYDaily: WATA Invites Community to Celebrate Try Transit Week
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Festival
- Williamsburg Families: Job Alert – Bookkeeper
- Google News: Virginia seafood
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
