The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center and Cisco Brewers New Bedford debut the city’s first-ever Oyster Festival this June 15, from noon to 3PM. The event will take place outdoors at Cisco Brewers beachfront garden, located at 1482 E Rodney French Boulevard. The event will showcase local shellfish aquaculture with a sampling of a half-dozen oysters from local growers. Tickets include the oyster sampling plus a discount on additional oysters, conversation with local growers, a complimentary craft beverage, a souvenir shucking knife, and live music with a wide-open view of the waterfront. Proceeds support the Fishing Heritage Center, whose mission is Presenting the story of New Bedford’s fishing community to the world. To learn more about the Center visit and interact with their exhibits, take their guided tour of the working waterfront, and attend their special programs. Just before Oysterfest, on Thursday June 13 at 7PM, join Dr. Dale Leavitt of Blue Stream Shellfish/West Island Oysters at the Center for “An Evening of Oysters” to learn about the history of oysters and modern ways of growing oysters in our region. The Fishing Heritage Center is located at 38 Bethel Street in downtown New Bedford.
With ever-increasing concerns surrounding the sustainability and viability of natural food sources, shellfish aquaculture plays an important role in alleviating food insecurity. Dr. Dale Leavitt is known for his knowledge of crustaceans and bivalves, from developing the Shellfish program at Roger Williams University to leading the Sea Grant Extension program at Woods Hole. According to Leavitt, “The oyster is an ecological engineer that influences our estuaries in a variety of ways, including generating habitat for other species, stabilizing the sediment to counteract erosion, and filtering our waters to aid in the control of excess nutrients entering our bays.” Seafood is not only great for our health, stewarding sustainable aquaculture is a key component in the health of the environment on which all living beings rely. Leavitt adds, “In addition to the wide variety of ecological services that the oyster provides, it has been a staple in the diet of consumers living along the coastal range for many centuries. The new era of oyster farming is a win-win for the environment and the consumer as it encompasses a sustainable activity that provides food along with many other benefits.”
Oysters have not only been a delicious and nutritious staple in the diets of centuries of coastal communities, but are now accessible on a global scale, Growers are stepping ‘up to the plate’ to provide a sustainable food source that gives back to its environment. To learn more about the local seafood industry and sustainability efforts in the industry visit the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center and don’t miss out on the opportunity to meet with local growers, taste the tradition, and relax in the waterfront setting at Cisco Brewers during Oysterfest.
Plan your visit to Cisco Brewers. Here are some tips and general information to help you prepare for Oysterfest:
Will there be other food options available? There are food trucks on site in the brewers garden serving a variety of seafood, burgers, tacos and sushi. To dine inside at Cisco Kitchen and Bar we recommend making advanced reservations.
Where do I park? There is the main parking lot that abuts the Cisco Brewers/Cisco Kitchen and Bar compound. There is an auxiliary parking lot on the west side of E Rodney French Boulevard just before Cisco heading from the north (look for signage).
Restrooms? There are restrooms outdoors next to the main entrance as well as inside Cisco Kitchen and Bar.
What is the live entertainment planned for the evening? Enjoy soulful pop rock and blues with Gracie Grace and all the Good Boys from 2-5PM. Wild Nites, the fun party band covering a variety of genres and generations, takes the stage from 6-9PM.
Is the event and location family-friendly? Yes, Cisco Brewers is a family-friendly beer garden open to the public. They serve craft beer, craft cocktails and wine. Guests are welcome to come to the event and make a day of it lounging in the beach-style garden, playing games, and listening to live music.
Visiting New Bedford for the first time or looking to explore more? See our visitor information section for lodging and getting around. Visit our trip planners section for inspiration to get you started on your journey.
Meet the participating growers: West Island Oysters (Fairhaven, MA), Padanaram Oyster Farm (Dartmouth, MA), Cuttyhunk Shellfish Farms (Cuttyhunk, MA), Duxbury Oyster Co. (Duxbury, MA), Island Creek Oysters (Duxbury, MA), Spindrift Oysters (Westport, MA), and West Passage Oyster Co. (Narragansett Bay, RI)
