A shuckin’ tradition: 21st annual Murrells Inlet Oyster Roast set for Nov. 8

A shuckin’ tradition: 21st annual Murrells Inlet Oyster Roast set for Nov. 8

If slurping freshly steamed oysters while enjoying the fall weather and a scenic view of the marsh on South Carolina’s Hammock Coast® sounds good, then we have the perfect event for you.

Murrells Inlet 2020 will host its 21st annual Murrells Inlet Oyster Roast on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in the parking lot of The Wicked Tuna overlooking the Murrells Inlet waterfront.

The event, held from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., will offer all-you-can-eat steamed oysters, as well as various other food options and beverages. There will also be live music.

In addition to all-you-can-eat oysters, there will be other food including barbecue plates from Danny’s B.B.Q., tasty treats from Karolina Kettle Corn, as well as soft drinks, beer, and wine. Vendors will include oyster shell art and specialty dog treats. Live music will be performed on the outside stage. Admission to the event is free, but oyster tickets are $40. For online tickets, click here. This event sells out fast every year, so don’t wait.

Murrells Inlet, originally a fishing village, is today one of the main coastal communities in Georgetown County, also made up of southern Garden City, Litchfield Beach and Pawleys Island. Murrells Inlet has long been heralded as the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina.” Today, the village is a bustling community beloved by locals and vacationers alike.

Just north of Huntington Beach State Park and overlooking the southern end of Garden City, Murrells Inlet is home to a number of well-known restaurants that draw visitors not just from those visiting the Hammock Coast® but also from Myrtle Beach, Charleston and North Carolina. It’s also known as one of the best places in America for retirees, and home to world-famous Brookgreen Gardens.

The fresh oysters will be provided again this year by Seven Seas Seafood of Murrells Inlet. Although the steamed oysters can be eaten as-is, many people dress them up with cocktail sauce, hot sauce or crackers as they shuck them open with their oyster knives and slurp them down.

Chelsea Murray, administrative assistant/media coordinator for Murrells Inlet 2020, said all proceeds from the event benefit that group, a local nonprofit organization, whose mission is to promote the conservation of our natural environment while fostering local community and commerce.

She suggests that people who are eating oysters bring their own oyster knives, towels, and gloves for shucking. If people need to purchase an oyster knife, there will be some available while supplies last, she said.

“The 21st Annual Murrells Inlet Oyster Roast is an ongoing staple of the Inlet that you won’t want to miss,” Murray said. “Visitors and locals alike enjoy the scenery, camaraderie, and plenty of delicious local oysters.”

For tickets and more information about the event, visit murrellsinletsc.com, or call the Murrells Inlet 2020 office at 843-357-2007. Wicked Tuna is located at 4123 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet. South Carolina’s Hammock Coast, located between Myrtle Beach to the north and Charleston to the south, encompasses the beach communities of Georgetown County, as well the historic cities of Georgetown and Andrews.

The Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce is one of the sponsors of this year’s event.

By Clayton Stairs, tourism manager, Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce and South Carolina’s Hammock Coast®