FAQs

There will be food allergens, specifically related to Shellfish, at the Festival and even with our high level of food safety standards, we cannot guarantee that food has not come in contact with allergens.

The real headliners? The food, the chefs, and the fishermen — obviously. But we’ve also stacked the Maritime Marine Supply Main Stage with some serious talent.

On Thursday, September 17th, Jason Martel of the legendary Raglan Road kicks things off alongside Feast & Frolic presented by the Lobster Fishers of PEI, Girls Night Out, and Signal Hill. 

Friday, September 18th, local Charlottetown Favourite Girls Night Out and Festival favourite Signal Hill will get you up and dancing to all of your favourite dance hits, new and old! 

On Saturday, September 19th, Ben Chase takes the stage,  followed by the main event: Shell Yeah!

Shell Yeah! is one unforgettable night celebrating three decades of the PEI International Shellfish Festival’s greatest musical moments. Created by Craig Fair Productions, this high-energy tribute rips through 30 years of East Coast anthems — the songs that shook the tent poles, the choruses you still can’t get out of your head, and the performers who made Atlantic Canada the kitchen party capital of the country. Consider yourself invited.

And Sunday, September 20th? Stay tuned — more artists are being announced soon, and trust us, you won’t want to miss it.

Yes, the tent is fully wheelchair accessible. Services include accessible parking spaces for those with government issued parking passes and accessible washrooms.

Sounds like you had a great night! Try our lost and found located at the box office onsite. If the Festival is over and you still haven’t found them email [email protected] and we will see if we can track them down during clean up.

Take a stroll through the Shellfish Pavilion to find our amazing Island vendors serving up delicious local eats. You won’t leave hungry! There will be something for everyone, including non-seafood options. You can find more information about the Shellfish Pavilion here.

Just a reminder that the Shellfish Festival is a cashless event, so all food and drink must be purchased with Shellfish Bucks. You can easily load your Shellfish Bucks Card before or during the festival and enjoy contactless payment at all vendors.

Buying food, drinks and merchandise at the festival will be a breeze with Shellfish Bucks!

You can buy and top up your Shellfish Bucks e-card online. Once purchased, you can save it to your phone’s Apple or Google Wallet, or screen-shot your Shellfish Bucks e-card for quick access and easy payments at all Festival vendors.

E-cards and physical Shellfish Bucks cards will also be available for purchase at the festival. Plus, there will be kiosks where you can reload them.

Shellfish Bucks can be pre-purchased starting at $50 increments up to $500.

You’ll be ready to Shell-abrate with a loaded Shellfish Bucks Card!

Shellfish Bucks are non-refundable, but they can be used at next year’s Festival.

Come prepared! PEI can bring unpredictable weather and remember, you are in a tent! Being located on the water can make things a bit chilly. We hope for amazing weather this September but dress accordingly. Feel free to break out those rubber boots, that rain coat (fingers crossed it won’t be necessary), and a warm sweater for those chilly Fall nights.

The Festival showcases 6 live culinary competitions throughout the whole weekend with over $26,000 in cash prizes given out over the 3 days!

Garland Canada International Chef Showdown
A fierce competition for $10,000, top chefs from across Canada compete head to head in a shellfish inspired culinary competition.

PEI Potato Chowder Championship
PEI Potato Chowder Championship is presented by the PEI Potato Board and will promise a good time for all competitors, as well as promote the many ways to enjoy potatoes, oysters, mussels and other Island shellfish.

Raspberry Point International Oyster Shucking Championship
The best shuckers in the world come to compete on the festival Main Stage to showcase their talents and PEI’s oysters on the half shell. This competition is sponsored by Raspberry Point Oysters.

Irish Point PEI Oyster Shucking Championship
Cheer on the competitors as they vie for the chance to hold the Irish Point PEI Oyster Shucking Championship title. This competition is sponsored by Irish Point Oysters.

Tie One On Mussel Competition
Competitors challenge themselves against the best in the industry in the art of tying buoys and socks! Watch them race against the clock in this head to head challenge.

The PEI International Shellfish Festival is the best way to get up close and personal with your favourite celebrity chef. There will be a live culinary demonstration daily on the main stage by the celebrity chef. The 2026 Celebrity Chef is festival favourite Chef Corbin Tomaszeski, who will also be hosting the Feast and Frolic dinner on Thursday, September 18th, with many chances to interact and get up close and personal!

Be prepared for live Shellfish competitions, the Garland Canada International Chef Challenge, world-class cooking demonstrations, and even a celebrity chef sighting or two. When the cravings hit and they will, head to our Shellfish Pavilion for fresh local Shellfish prepared right on site. At night, dance the night away at Atlantic Canada’s largest kitchen party, with some of the best-known entertainment the East Coast has to offer.

Our audiences are food-loving, music-loving, Shellfish-obsessed and they bring an unforgettable energy to the tent every single day. This is the world’s greatest Shellfish celebration, and trust us: if you love fresh Shellfish and a great night out, you do not want to miss it.

Depending on your ticket type, your festival experience may vary. Shellfish Lovers Passes grant access until 5pm,  perfect for soaking up a full day of competitions, cooking demonstrations, sampling, and fresh Shellfish from the Pavilion. Kitchen Party Passes kick in from 5pm to 11pm, getting you in for the evening’s entertainment at Atlantic Canada’s largest kitchen party. VIP Passes allow you access all day long (but only the VIP section at 5pm)! Whatever brings you to the festival, there’s a pass to match!

Yes! Our vendors and staff work hard to provide you with top quality service and it is possible to tip upon purchase with your Shellfish Bucks Card.

The Shellfish party happens at the Charlottetown Event Grounds located in downtown Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. You can find parking at 360 Grafton street right across from the main entrance. The party doesn’t end here… take one of our shuttles to our participating restaurants to finish off your night. Don’t worry our shuttles will return you to our participating hotels for your safety. Check out our hotel packages here.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, May 27th at 10am local time (AST). You can purchase tickets HERE.

All ticket sales are final. No refunds, exchanges or replacement tickets.

In the case of event cancellation, ticket purchasers will be notified and tickets will be automatically refunded.

*Please note that tickets purchased with a credit card will be subject to a third party credit card fee upon return.

Yes! For our 30th anniversary, we’ve introduced the Shellfish Lovers Pass, a brand new daytime ticket available Friday, Saturday, or Sunday afternoon from 12:00pm to 5:00pm, starting at $20+.

The Shellfish Lovers Pass gives you access to tastes of PEI’s finest shellfish and local fare throughout the afternoon, served as part of demos, activations, and programming across the grounds. Portions are sized for grazing and discovery, and the more of the afternoon you explore, the more you’ll get to sample. It also includes the Garland Canada Chef Challenge, interactive competitions, live entertainment, and food demos. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the festival at your own pace.

For evenings, the Kitchen Party Pass gives you full evening access on Friday (5:00pm to 11:00pm, $40+) or Saturday (5:00pm to 11:00pm, $50+), with mainstage performances, culinary competitions, and the local food pavilion. If you’re planning to attend both nights, the Kitchen Party Bundle combines Friday and Saturday into one ticket for the best value.

And of course, our beloved Feast & Frolic presented by the Lobster Fishers of PEI and VIP experiences are back, along with the new Pearl Package for groups of 10 looking for a premium corporate experience.As a special 30th anniversary offer, all tickets are starting at their lowest-ever price, but only for the first 30 days. Prices increase June 27, 2026, so we recommend grabbing yours early!

Shellfish Lovers ticket holders will be able to purchase a Kitchen Party ticket ONLY if the Festival has not sold out for that day. We can not guarantee there will be tickets available at the gate, so if you want to stay for the party, we recommend you purchase your Shellfish Lovers & Kitchen Party Pass tickets in advance.

Shellfish Lovers Pass (Afternoon Friday, Afternoon Saturday or Afternoon Sunday) 12:00pm to 5:00pm 

Your Shellfish Lovers Pass unlocks full access to the festival grounds on Friday, Saturday or Sunday afternoon and this year, the afternoon is more delicious than ever.

New for our 30th anniversary, every Shellfish Lovers Pass includes tastes of PEI’s finest shellfish and local fare, served throughout the day as part of demos, activations and programming across the grounds. Portions are sized for grazing and discovery, so the more of the afternoon you explore, the more you’ll get to sample.

Watch world-class chefs go head-to-head in the Garland Canada Chef Challenge, discover the stories behind PEI’s celebrated shellfish heritage through various interactive competitions, live entertainment, and soak up food demos during the Island’s most delicious afternoon out.

For our 30th anniversary, tickets start at their lowest price, but only for the first 30 days. Prices increase on June 27, 2026. 

Ticket Price: $20+

Kitchen Party Pass – Friday 5:00pm to 11:00pm 

Your Kitchen Party Pass unlocks full access to the festival on Friday, September 18th after 5:00pm until the end of the night and this year, we’re turning it up for our 30th anniversary.

Cheer on world-class chefs in the Garland Canada Chef Challenge, watch competitors go shell-for-shell in the oyster shucking or the Tie One On competitions, and take in all the action on the mainstage. Explore our local food pavilion, discover the stories behind PEI’s shellfish industry, and soak up the island’s favourite kitchen party all evening long with headliners Girls Night Out, the new local vocal powerhouse band, and festival favourites, Signal Hill!

For our 30th anniversary, tickets start at their lowest price for the first 30 days. Prices increase on June 27, 2026. 19+

Ticket Price: $40+

Kitchen Party Pass – Saturday 5:00pm to 11:00pm 

Your Kitchen Party Pass unlocks full access to the festival on Saturday, September 19th after 5:00pm until the end of the night and this year, we’re turning it up for our 30th anniversary.

Cheer on world-class chefs in the Garland Canada Chef Challenge, watch competitors go shell-for-shell in the oyster shucking or the Tie One On competitions, and take in all the action on the mainstage. Taste your way through the local food pavilion, discover the stories behind PEI’s shellfish industry, and soak up the island’s favourite kitchen party all evening long with local country music icon, Ben Chase and Craig Fair Productions once-in-three-decades show: Shell Yeah! 30 Years of PEI’s Largest Kitchen Party. 

For our 30th anniversary, tickets start at their lowest price, but only for the first 30 days. Prices increase June 27, 2026. 19+

Ticket Price: $50+

VIP (Friday) | All Day

The ultimate way to experience the Festival. Your VIP Friday Pass includes full access to the festival grounds on Friday, exclusive VIP entrance, preferred front-of-stage viewing, a private bar with premium drinks, anniversary specials and a signature cocktail station; curated grazing stations; a private oyster bar; exclusive culinary demos and samplings with Chef Corbin and food and beverage partners; dedicated hosts; a private washroom trailer; live screen feeds from the mainstage; a special 30th anniversary gift; and exclusive VIP contesting.

Outside of the VIP area explore the Garland Canada Chef Challenge, oyster shucking and Tie One On competitions, the main tent and food pavilion, local and regional talent and of course, and Signal Hill headlining PEI’s favourite kitchen party. 19+

For our 30th anniversary, tickets start at their lowest price, but only for the first 30 days. Prices increase June 27, 2026. 19+

$125+

VIP (Saturday) | All Day

The ultimate way to experience the Festival. Your VIP Saturday Pass includes full access to the festival grounds on Saturday, exclusive VIP entrance, preferred front-of-stage viewing, a dedicated bar with premium drinks, anniversary specials, and a signature cocktail station; curated grazing stations; a private oyster bar; exclusive culinary demos and samplings with Chef Corbin and food and beverage partners; dedicated hosts; a private washroom trailer; live screen feeds from the mainstage; a special 30th anniversary gift; and exclusive VIP contesting.

Outside of the VIP area explore the Garland Canada Chef Challenge, oyster shucking and Tie One On competitions, the main tent and food pavilion, local and regional talent, and Shell Yeah! 30 Years of PEI’s Largest Kitchen Party with Craig Fair Productions.  30 headlining PEI’s favourite kitchen party. 19+

For our 30th anniversary, tickets start at their lowest price, but only for the first 30 days. Prices increase June 27, 2026. 19+

$150+

Please email [email protected] and we can upgrade your ticket!

Tickets will be scanned at the Shellfish Festival gate. You can either print a copy, or have the tickets on your smartphone to be scanned. 

In the event of sell out, everyone with a ticket will be guaranteed entry for the date and hours of their ticket type. For all day tickets entry is only guaranteed until 7pm date of show. If you have not purchased your tickets in advance, please check our website www.peishellfish.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for live updates from the tent to avoid disappointment at the gate.

Yes! You can purchase tickets onsite at our box office located at the Charlottetown Event Grounds. The box office will accept cash, visa, master card, and debit. Please note tickets onsite may be limited due to capacity, to be sure to not miss the party buy your ticket in advance. *Please check the shellfish festival website, facebook or twitter for up to date information on availability of tickets at the door.

Little skippers, children 6 and under are free! Our venue becomes 19+ after 5pm. (exceptions can be made for kids under 19 until 7pm).

Visit our Official Hotel Partner page for information on exclusive Shellfish Festival room rates.

Parking is $5.00. The parking lot is located across from the event site and be accessed off Grafton Street. Complimentary shuttle runs daily from the Shellfish Festival official hotels and downtown Charlottetown.

In the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as adverse weather conditions, we will make every effort to communicate updates promptly. Refunds will be offered only in the case of event cancellation. Please stay tuned for any updates on our social media channels and know that we are committed to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable festival experience.

Bring your own seats are not allowed in the tent – but don’t worry we have tables and chairs for you to take in all of the action! (Please note seating is limited, arrive early to grab a seat.)

Yes, snap a photo of the celebrity chefs, exciting competitions and heaping plates of delicious Shellfish! Share your Shellfish Festival experience with your friends and make sure to tag us with the hashtag #peishellfishfest and #shuckinggoodtime

No. No outside food or beverages of any kind is allowed. Once inside the Festival, you can purchase food and drink with your Shellfish Bucks. We have stocked bars with a selection of wine, beer liquor, and of course Mott’s Clamato Caesars. Hungry for Shellfish, we’ve got lots check out our menu here.

No, pets are not permitted on Festival grounds. Service dogs are welcome.

We can point you in the right direction. Email [email protected] to discuss media details and to be added to our media list.

We accept artist submissions from performers only between October-April for the following years line up. Email [email protected] with your request.

We are always looking for new and enthusiastic volunteers! All volunteers will receive a branded PEI International Shellfish Festival apron, daily admission ticket and complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages during shift. Got a question about volunteer opportunities? Email [email protected].