Milford Oyster Festival
2026 marks the 51st annual Milford Oyster Festival, where locals and visitors are invited to learn about oysters and enjoy the varieties from the coastal town that it has to offer. While tasting the famous briny shellfish, you are treated to a great lineup of live music performances and can take the kids to the amusement park. All the oysters served at the Festival are locally sourced from Milford’s Briarpatch Shellfish Company and Pearl’s Shellfish Farm. The festival takes place at Fowler Field during two evenings in August, and is great for families. The Milford Oyster Festival also encourages people to support local businesses and organizations while RVing in the area.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
The Milford Oyster Festival offers two nights of live music, fresh oysters, beer, wine, and amusement rides. Learn about local oyster traditions, try different oyster species and grab dinner, and then take a walk around the park or set up your lawn chair and enjoy an evening of entertainment.
ON-SITE AMENITIES
Fowler Field is part of a park complex with tennis courts, walking paths, pavilions, and restrooms. You can buy food and drinks at the event or walk to one of the local restaurants. Stores, gas stations, and medical centers are located nearby. There will be ATMs and additional sanitary facilities at the festival for your convenience.
LOCATION
The Oyster Festival takes place at Fowler Field, which is located on 1 Shipyard Lane, Milford, CT 06460. The park is in the downtown area that is close to Milford Harbor on picturesque Long Island Sound. There is street parking for cars, and commercial and school lots are available in the evening after business hours. It is best to arrive early to find parking or take a car service.
FAQs About RVing to the Milford Oyster Festival
Are children and pets permitted at the Milford Oyster Festival?
Children 13 and under are free and must be accompanied by an adult. The only pets allowed at the Festival are service animals.
Where can you park an RV for the Oyster Festival?
RV parking isn’t available at the festival. It is recommended that you leave your RV at the campground or in a private driveway. Always check with the city for RV parking regulations.
Where can you stay overnight near the Milford Oyster Festival?
Since there are no RV sites or hookups at the event site, you can leave your RV at the campground, a nearby rest area, or a casino and stay at a local hotel for the night. Be sure to book your hotel stay early, as this is a very popular festival.
Are there RV parks near the Milford Oyster Festival?
You have several RV campgrounds along the coast of CT with easy access to Milford, either by train or car. The closest RV park is about 12 miles away, with more options up to 60 miles away. These are along the I-95 and Merritt Parkway corridors.
LINEUP
The 2026 lineup for the Milford Oyster Festival includes bands like Nashville Drive, Mike DelGuidice, and Two Of A Kind. For the latest updates, visit the official event page.
RVING AT THE EVENT
Milford is located directly along the coast of Long Island Sound. The location is great because it is easily accessible from Interstate I-95. However, Milford doesn’t have RV campgrounds, and the event itself doesn’t offer parking or hookups for RVs. There are campgrounds not very far away, but you will need alternative transportation, such as car service, ride-sharing, the Coastal Link bus, or Metro North rail service. We recommend checking with the municipality for parking regulations before you park your RV on the street or in a friend’s driveway. Boondocking in Connecticut isn’t encouraged. Though some rest areas and casinos do allow RV parking, such as the Walingford Rest Area, Mohegan Sun Casino, and Foxwoods Resort and Casino. Learn more about RV camping in Connecticut to get the most out of your experience.
Where to Camp Near the Milford Oyster Festival
• Totoket Valley RV Park is located approximately 12 miles from Milford. It offers 20, 30, and 50-amp electrical hookups, sewer connections, and water connections. Each site is large enough to accommodate any Class C and most Class A RVs, free 300 Mbps Wi-Fi, basic cable, and access to 24/7 coin-operated laundry facilities. The park has both short and long-term spaces. This campground is best for RVers who are self-sufficient and not looking for amenities like a camp store, public restrooms, or a swimming pool. • Riverdale Farms Campsites is a 19-mile drive to Milford. The farm is located near the scenic Hammonasset River. Water, electric, and full hookups are available, including new 50-amp electric service. You will also have Wi-Fi access. Amenities include a camp store, laundry facilities, hot showers, a swimming pool, and plenty of recreational activities. This is a great option for both older adults and young families. • Hammonasset Beach State Park, located 23 miles east in coastal Madison, is an affordable, seasonal campground with 88 sites with water and electric hookups available. There is a camp store, bathhouses with hot showers, adult fitness equipment, playgrounds, and beach access. Getting to the festival is easy due to its proximity to US Route 1 and Interstate 95.
RV Rental Tips for the Milford Oyster Festival
• Summer in coastal Connecticut is a busy camping season, so book your RV rental and campsite early. • Check with the campground for any RV size limitations. Some sites will allow you to pitch a tent if you have to limit the size of your RV and need extra sleeping space. • Most sites listed have hookups for electricity, sewer, and water. The exceptions are rest areas and parking lots. • If you have a truck with a hitch, consider a towable camper so you can unhook and use your vehicle to travel to the event venue.
WHERE TO STAY
There are plenty of hotels near the festival in Milford. Hilton Garden Inn Milford is one of the nicer chain hotels near the event. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Milford by IHG is another large chain hotel that is convenient to the festival. Homewood Suites by Hilton Orange New Haven is an easy drive via I-95 from Orange. This hotel has an indoor pool. For a budget hotel, try Motel 6, located right in Milford. A smaller accommodation includes the Shoreline Motel, which has an outdoor pool but fewer amenities than the chain hotels.
HOW TO GET THERE
If you're traveling from either Hartford to the north or New York City to the south, take I-95 to the High Street exit. Then, get on Main Street and turn right onto Prospect Street. This takes you right to the park entrance. You could also get on US-1 and drive to Cherry Street and then turn left on Gulf Street, right on New Haven Avenue, and left on Shipyard Lane, arriving at the venue. Alternatively, Metro North Railroad stops in downtown Milford.
PARKING
All the streets are open, so you may park downtown. Harborside Middle School, The Milford Senior Center, Wasson Field, Parson’s Government Center, new public parking under 44 River Street, and the downtown bank lots will be available for free parking.
TICKETS & PRICING
Tickets are $8 per night and must be purchased on-site at the event. Amusement Rides tickets can be purchased per ride or with a $35 wristband. Credit cards are accepted.
WRAP UP
As Milford's biggest tourist event, the Milford Oyster Festival draws thousands of visitors who love community, local seafood, and live entertainment. The festival is an evening-only event for food and music, but you can take the kids to the amusement park starting at 12:00 PM on Saturday. The festival takes place in Fowler Field, allowing you to relax and get back to nature. Keep checking the official event website and Facebook page for updates. You can also buy festival merchandise online before embarking on your RV adventure. If you don’t already have an RV, you can browse RV rentals near Milford and find the right fit for your trip. Whatever you choose, be sure to book early for the 2026 Milford Oyster Festival as demand fills up quickly. If this is your first time renting an RV, be sure to check out our guide to RVing for Beginners.
4-Day RV Itinerary for the Milford Oyster Festival
• Day 1: Plan to arrive in the Milford area on Thursday, August 13, 2026, so you have plenty of time to get settled into your RV site. Start by picking up your RV rental and driving to the campground or RV-friendly parking lot. Park and hook up the RV. Have a nice dinner under the stars, and get a good night’s sleep before the festivities begin. • Day 2: On Friday, August 14, 2026, take in the sights by exploring the New England coastline and the quaint city of Milford. Enjoy lunch at one of the many area seafood restaurants. Head over to Fowler Field for the Oyster Festival around 5:00 p.m. Sample some local oysters and listen to great live music. Head back to your RV park or stay in a nearby hotel for convenience. • Day 3: After breakfast, Saturday offers another evening of oysters, live music, and amusement rides. Or, you can take a train to visit one of the other nearby coastal towns during the day. At around 4:00 p.m., you can head back to the festival grounds for more oysters and music, or to sample the offerings of the other vendors. At the end of the evening, head back to your RV for some well-deserved sleep. • Day 4: Wake up refreshed and enjoy breakfast outside. Pack up and unhook your RV. Hit the road at checkout time and continue on your RV journey, or head home.
Please note, this is not the official source of the event information. While we try to be as comprehensive as possible, some details may have changed since the time this article was written. Please confirm final details with the official event page.
Do you manage this event?
Work with RVshare to provide housing for staff, vendors, artists and executives. Earn additional revenue by creating unique VIP/GA turn-key packages for your attendees.
Interested in becoming one of our Corporate and Festival Partners? Fill out the form here.