Shore to Enjoy in October

BACK-TO-BACK WEEKENDS OFFER THE EASTERN SHORE OF VIRGINIA AGRICULTURAL FAIR AND THE CHINCOTEAGUE OYSTER FESTIVAL

—From staff reports

Eastern Shore of Virginia Agricultural Fair
Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
7247 Young St., Machipongo
esvachamber.org/esvaagfair

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Agricultural Fair celebrates the region’s people, aquaculture, agriculture, and rural heritage. The fair brings together residents and visitors from across the shore to experience the farming community while enjoying a fun-filled event for all ages.

Aquaculture and agriculture have long been the backbone of the Eastern Shore’s economy and identity, and the fair serves as an opportunity to recognize the hardworking farmers, watermen, growers, and agricultural professionals who continue to provide food, preserve the land, and strengthen the local communities.

Visitors can explore livestock exhibits, admire locally grown produce, view horticulture, see home arts displays, and learn about the latest innovations in farming and conservation practices.

Beyond agriculture, the fair offers something for everyone. Families can enjoy live entertainment, local food vendors, craft vendors, educational exhibits, children’s activities, and opportunities to connect with local organizations and businesses.

Competitions featuring baked goods, pumpkins, photography, arts and crafts, and other traditional fair exhibits highlight the talent and creativity found throughout the Eastern Shore.

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Agricultural Fair is a celebration of community. It provides an opportunity for neighbors to gather, share traditions, educate future generations about the importance of aquaculture and agriculture, and support local businesses and organizations. The fair gives an authentic Eastern Shore experience that reflects the pride, hospitality, and resilience of the community.

Each year, the fair continues to grow while remaining true to its mission of promoting aquaculture, agriculture, educating the public, and preserving the heritage that makes Virginia’s Eastern Shore such a special place. It serves as a reminder that while aquaculture and agriculture continue to evolve, the values of hard work, stewardship, and community remain at the heart of life on the Eastern Shore.

Booth spaces: Each space is 10’x10’ on the grounds of the old middle school. Vendors must bring their own tents. The tent must be secured appropriately in the event of wind. Electrical outlet access is not guaranteed. Vendors are responsible for all necessary equipment, including extension cords. Vendors are responsible for the setup, removal, and cleanup of their booth spaces. Setup is from 8 to 10 a.m. Booths should remain open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a rain-or-shine event. Both spaces are $40. There is no fee for nonprofits, but you still must register using the form at esvachamber.org/esvaagfair. Applications and fees for booth spaces are due by Sept. 25. For more information, email marketing@esvachamber.org or 757-787-5649.

Chincoteague Oyster Festival
Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Tom’s Cove Park, 8128 Beebe Road, Chincoteague Island
chincoteaguechamber.com/events/chincoteague-oyster-festival

The Chincoteague Oyster Festival is held each year to mark the arrival of oyster season and promote the seafood industry that is integral to Chincoteague Island. 

Enjoy all-you-can-eat seafood, live music from Island Boy (a festival favorite for more than 30 years), an extravaganza raffle, and the Best Space Awards.

The gates open at 10 a.m. Appetizer tents begin serving at 11 with clam chowder, shrimp cocktail, salad bar, boardwalk fries, hushpuppies, and hot dogs. Seafood tents start serving at noon with oysters on the half shell, steamed oysters, single fried oysters, oyster fritters, and clam fritters.

Oyster festival rules: 

• All attendees must have a festival wristband before entering the festival grounds.
• E-tickets must be scanned either by scanners at the entrance of Tom’s Cove Park or at the will call tent to acquire festival wristband.
• Attendees can come and go to the festival grounds from 10 a.m. to noon. After noon, you will not be permitted to re-enter the festival grounds. Wristbands will be cut as you exit.
• All attendees age 21 and over must provide a photo ID at the beer tent to purchase beer. No exceptions.
• Eat all you want, but do not remove food from the festival grounds.
• All coolers and bags are subject to search by festival staff and volunteers.
• Prohibited on the festival grounds: pets, fire pits/rings, vehicles of any kind (including golf cart, one wheels, scooters, and bicycles).