We’re always on the look-out for ways to sneak out of town for a weekend of fun and exploration, so when we heard news that Osoyoos would be kicking off their 3rd Annual Oyster Festival later this month, we started planning.
It’ll be ready-set-shuck at the annual festival starting April 23rd and running through until April 27th, as oyster and wine lovers alike flock to one of BC’s top travel destinations. The Osoyoos Oyster Festival showcases oysters produced by West Coast fishermen alongside Canadian craft beers and fine wines for nearly a week. It’s the perfect segue into spring feasting in our books, and a great excuse to indulge in this delicacy.
This year organizers have upped the ante and added a beer and oyster pairing competition, the Beer & Beast Bash (sponsored by CAMRA, BC Craft Brewers and Spirit Ridge Resort). Participants will get to sip and slurp their way through entries before deciding which local craft beer pairs best with oysters while taking in live music courtesy of the Gorden James Duo. It all comes to a grand finale celebration at the festival’s Brew Party on April 25th.
If you go, remember to save plenty of room in your belly for the following day’s signature festival event: Watermark Beach Resort’s The Art of the Oyster Pearl Gala. Showcasing some of the best oyster-based creations from Osoyoos and nearby Oliver, BC’s top restaurants, it is definitely not to be missed. Sample your way around the various oyster stations, meet oyster fishermen, and sip specially paired local wines from the region for a truly memorable night.
Later in the evening, results of the 2nd annual Canadian Oyster Wine Competition will be revealed and the real party is set to begin.
Alongside these two signature festival events will be a bevy of other happenings including a Tinhorn Creek Winery Long Table Dinner, “Under the Tuscan Sea Dinner” hosted at Terrafina Restaurant at Hester Creek Winery, and plenty more.
Plan on making it a long weekend and book a special Osoyoos Oyster Festival room rate at the area’s many stylish boutique hotels or B&Bs, and gear up for a great spring weekend escape.
For all event details and to reserve tickets, visit here.
If you’re checking out the Osoyoos Oyster Fest, let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.