Oysterfest – Montreal’s favourite summertime food festival is returning for its 7th year on August 29th and 30th. The annual festival will showcase some of the best culinary eats from throughout the city, including some 25,000 oysters.
What began several years ago as an effort to bring ‘oyster culture’ to the 514, has now grown to include several competitions, dozens of restaurants and a projected estimate of 8,000 attendees. Montreal’s Annual Oysterfest has gotten so big, that organizers have decided to move the festival from the Old Port to the Peel Basin.
But don’t assume that Oysterfest is all about the food, drink and party. Daniel Notkin – the main man behind out city’s oysters – has been working on a unique project dedicated to educating seafood lovers and fishery workers alike. In 2011, Notkin formed The Open Pier Conservatory – a non-profit group devoted to protecting international waterways and aquatic life for future generations. With over $40,000 raised in donations (via sales generated from Oysterfest), these funds have gone to support The World Wildlife Fund of Canada and The Environmental Defence (water and ocean preservation programs). Along with their fundraising efforts, the team behind TOPC has been able to launch The Open Pier Project. This holistic visual map was created to better help folks understand the seafood that we consume, and its place in the ecosystem.
Competitions
The 7th Annual Oysterfest will feature several competitions, including the traditional oyster shucking competition. The Montreal Chefs Classic Plating Competition will also take place on Sunday, August 30th, along with Walter’s Caesar Throwdown. On Saturday August 29th, attendees will be entertained by the So You Think You Can Drink mixology competition held by Bishop & Bagg, with a mix of professional and home bartenders.
Live Entertainment
will be dancing on Sunday to the beats of DJ Myles throughout the weekend. Guests will be spoiled with an acoustic set by Jonas, who will open for headlining act Shane Murphy. Annakin Slayde is expected to round off the night – yet another local talented sensation.
Event Details
When: Saturday August 29th and Sunday August 30th 2015
Where: Peel Basin (1057 rue de la Commune O)
Time: Saturday 12pm to 6 pm | Sunday 12pm to 10pm
Admission: Saturday is FREE | Sunday $40 Gen Admin + 2 Oysterfest coupons for $70 | General admission + 10 Oysterfest coupons*
Tickets can be purchased online, at Notkins restaurant and Newland & Jump.
*Every item on-site is priced in increments of $5 Oysterfest coupons (5,10,15 etc)
