Festivals

Arcata Main Street's Oyster Festival has become a tradition for local restaurateurs, executive chefs, and caterers to show off their culinary skills by preparing oysters in every imaginable way.

With imagination and flair, one can eat away the entire day. The coals glow hot from early morning 'til the last oyster has been shucked. Crowds throughout the day top 15,000 to 18,000, keeping local food vendors more than busy. Most festival vendors are chefs from Humboldt County's most appreciated restaurants. Each year festival chefs compete in the annual oyster tasting competition to claim the auspicious award of 'Best Oyster of the Festival' and 'Peoples' Choice.'