OYSTERFEST 2025 - FAQ

What are ticket prices, and what does each include?

VIP PLATINUM PASS ($195 per person) - includes:
Entry beginning at 12:00pm; Exclusive access to VIP Tent/seating area; Unlimited Oysters (in VIP tent); Two (2) beverage tickets; Reusable event beverage cup

GENERAL ADMISSION ($75 per person) - includes:
Entry beginning at 1:00pm; a dozen oysters (in wooden nickels), One (1) beverage ticket; Reusable event beverage cup

GENERAL ADMISSION ($35 per person) - includes:
Entry beginning at 2:00pm; One (1) beverage ticket; Reusable event beverage cup

what do I need for check-in? Where do I go?

Check-In is located in the Hamm Building lobby (408 Saint Peter Street), and the line will extend out onto the sidewalk along Saint Peter Street. You will need:
- Your printed receipt (sent via email upon purchase); this can be pulled up on your smart phone or printed out
- Valid ID (to be carded/wristbanded for alcohol purchase and event security)

WHAT’S THE FESTIVAL LAYOUT?

We’re back on the street for 2025 - map to be available soon.

What time is the festival?
When can I enter?

12:00pm - 6:00pm; VIP Platinum Pass entry begins at 12:00pm, Oyster Pass entry begins at 1:00pm, General Admission begins at 2:00pm. 

How do I buy food and beverage for the day?

Step 1: Head to a Pay Station located throughout the festival, where you can pay for beverage or food items, and receive wooden nickels for purchases.
Step 2: Head to a bar / grill / oyster tent and give your corresponding tickets or nickels to the bartender / food expediter / oyster shucker to receive your item(s).

I have a VIP Platinum Pass - where do I receive my unlimited oysters?

After 1:00pm (once Oyster Pass entry begins), unlimited oysters for VIP Platinum Pass holders are only available in the VIP Tent.
(Oysters from the “East Coast” and “West Coast” tents will then require nickel purchase from a Pay Station.)

can i buy any additional beverage/food tickets, or nickels for oysters, ahead of time?

There will be limited advanced sales for wooden nickels this year - this reduces time in lines for festival attendees.
They will also be available for purchase day-of, at one of the Pay Stations located throughout the festival.
Feel free to use your beverage ticket(s) included with your pass purchase (you’ll receive upon Check-In) to get started with a drink at one of our numerous drink areas, scope out the additional offerings to make your plan for the day, and go from there!

What food and beverage items are available, other than oysters?

We will have plenty of food and beverage options available. Other than raw shucked oysters, here are some examples of other food items we plan to have at the festival:
- Grill Items (think burgers, brats, wings, pork sandwiches, grilled oysters, etc)
- Other seafood and fried items (think chowder, seafood pot pies, shrimp cocktail… and of course our famous frites!)
- Crepes
- Giant Paella
We will also have beer, wine, cocktails, 420 and spirit-free options available!

How much are oysters, and how many can I get at one time?

Each oyster is one (1) wooden nickel. The value of a wooden nickel is $4 and you can order up to 4 oysters at a time.

Why can I only get 4 oysters at a time?

Shucking oysters fresh to order takes a little bit of time. We serve them in trays of 4 at a time in order to keep lines as short as we can (and not overwhelm our amazing volunteers). 

Will there be live music?

Yes! We are thrilled to bring back the full Southside Aces band for their New Orleans-style jazz, which will flow into the soulful funk of Onyx as we fest into the afternoon.

Can I bring my dog?

Since part of the festival takes place inside, and due to the lack of green space outdoors, we do not recommend bringing your pets along.

Do you have further questions that are not addressed here? Please contact:
Kylie, Engagement Manager: 651-222-5670 or kylie@meritage-stpaul.com