City: East Norwalk, CT

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (203) 838-9444

Description: Since 1978 people have been coming to Norwalk the weekend after Labor Day to celebrate (and eat) the mighty oyster. Among the clams, soft-shell crabs, and lobsters, you can prove your oyster-eating prowess in a “slurp-off” contest, or just try your first one. Run by the Norwalk Seaport Association, this festival is more than just food, with a focus on maritime heritage that includes old oyster boats, a shucking contest, marching bands, harbor cruises, arts and crafts exhibitions, and more. And, of course, this is a great time to take the ferry out to Sheffield Island, to visit the Maritime Aquarium, or simply to wander around the streets of South Norwalk, just across the bridge from Veteran’s Memorial State Park, where the festival is held.