Newport, Oregon is all about seafood. Founded in 1977 to support the economy in the winter months, the Newport Seafood and Wine Festival has become a staple food event in the Pacific Northwest. Now with more than 130 vendors, you can indulge in the local delicacy of grilled razor clams, plunge a spoon in a hearty Dungeness crab bisque or slurp harvested oysters from the beautiful Oregon coast.
This year, the festival will host its first seafood chowder competition, with a $5000 award. A panel of judges will blind-taste each entry on the first night of the festival. If you disagree with their winner, you will also have the chance to vote: the people’s choice award for the best seafood chowder will be announced on the closing night. The festival’s two wine competitions – there’s a commercial contest and an amateur one – will also happen this year. Entries are scored based on sight, smell, taste and quality.
Inspired by the blue and yellow 1950s Oregon license plate, the 2024 festival theme is “Pacific Wonderland.” Expect to see swing dresses, pencil skirts and lots of polka dots to capture the charm of the 1950s and 1960s. As always, the festival warms up the atmosphere with live music and invites local artisans. You might go home with a fun knitted crab hat or a personalized oyster knife to show off to your friends.
The Specs
- 15,000 people attend every year.
- Single-day tickets start at $12, three-day tickets (3-day pass) start at $65 and Ruby Club Membership (VIP 4-day pass) start at $150 and include wine tastings in the VIP hospitality suite.
- Did you know that Oregon is home to one of America’s underrated beaches? Check out our Fifty Grande Summer edition guide to these beautiful places. And here’s our guide to the state.
FAQs
What is the closest airport to the Newport Seafood & Wine Festival?
The closest international airport to get to The Newport Seafood and Wine Festival is Portland International Airport, about 140 miles away. (This is Oregon, not Rhode Island.)
What is the exact location?
2320 SE Osu Dr, Newport, OR 97365-5261, USA
It’s my first time attending. What should I expect?
The festival has branded itself “the original and still the best,” if that gives you any insight. Expect to sample Oregon’s seafood and premier wines. There will be wine tastings from regional wineries, seafood chowder and wine competitions (there’s an amateur win competition and a commercial wine comp). In all, you’ll find 130 wineries, eateries, crafters, and other exhibitors. The Newport Seafood & Wine Festival is basically a premier showcase of Northwest wines and culinary pros.
Who produces the festival?
This fest is presented by Chinook Winds Casino Resort and produced by Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce.
When does the fest begin?
Thursday, February 22.
Is the festival family-friendly?
The festival is only for those 21 and older. No children or infants are allowed inside.
How do I get to the festival?
There is a free round-trip shuttle that runs on a 45-minute loop. It stops at most of the major hotels, Nye Beach and the Historic Bayfront.