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Oysterfest FAQ

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); Four (4) beverage tickets; Reusable event beverage cup

GENERAL ADMISSION ($50 per person) - includes:
Entry beginning at 1:00pm; 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:
- QR code for tickets (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)


WHAT’S THE FESTIVAL LAYOUT?

TBD


What time is the festival?
When can I enter?

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


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 a corresponding ticket.
Step 2: Head to a bar / grill / oyster tent and give your corresponding ticket to the bartender / food expediter / oyster shucker to receive your item(s).
*If you ordered oysters, you’ll get one wooden nickel per 4 oysters, in lieu of a food ticket. Give the nickel to a shucker in the “East Coast” or “West Coast” oyster tent to receive your 4 oysters (oysters will only be available 4 at a time).


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

After 1:00pm (once GA 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 no advanced sales for food & beverage tickets / oyster nickels this year. They will be available for purchase day-of, at one of the several 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
We will also have beer, wine, 420 and cocktails available! (Some NA also available for those that don’t imbibe.)


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

While we are still determining final food costs for the day, oysters will only be served 4 at a time (no more, no less), and a tray of 4 will cost around $15.


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?

We are in the process of booking the stage for the day. If you have a particular band you would like to suggest, we are listening.


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