Get ready to shuck, sip and celebrate! Aw Shucks and Big Shucks Oyster Bars are celebrating all things oysters with the launch of their inaugural OysterFest, a multiweek celebration featuring six specially created oyster dishes available for a limited time at all four North Texas locations (Dallas, Lewisville, and Richardson) through Saturday, Nov. 14.
From crispy fried oyster nachos and Buffalo-style oyster tacos to grilled Gulf oysters topped with lump crab, the OysterFest menu offers creative new ways to enjoy one of the restaurants' most popular seafood favorites. The promotion celebrates the arrival of prime oyster season while inviting guests to explore new flavors, discover interesting oyster facts and learn more about the importance of oyster conservation.
The celebration culminates Saturday, Nov. 14, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Big Shucks on Mockingbird Lane in Dallas, with an afternoon of live music by Hit Factory, oyster tastings, cold drinks, raffles and educational experiences with nonprofit partner Oyster South. From flip-flops to dress socks, everyone is welcome to join the festivities.
"Oysters have been at the heart of Aw Shucks and Big Shucks since we opened our doors in 1983, and we wanted to create something that celebrates that tradition in a fun, new way," said Nick Peterson, CEO of Peterson Management Group. "With OysterFest, guests can enjoy some exciting new oyster creations at all our locations, then come together for a great afternoon of seafood, live music and celebration. We're also proud to partner with Oyster South to highlight the importance of protecting the Gulf Coast waters and oyster habitats that are so important to our industry. We hope OysterFest becomes an annual tradition that our guests look forward to every fall."
Six Special Oyster Creations Available for a Limited Time
The OysterFest celebration extends across all Aw Shucks and Big Shucks locations with six limited-time menu offerings available now through Nov. 14. Whether guests prefer their oysters raw, fried or grilled, the specialty selections deliver bold flavors and creative combinations inspired by the restaurants' Gulf Coast seafood traditions.
The OysterFest menu includes:
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Fried Oyster Nachos ($12.99): Six crispy fried oysters served atop tortilla chips, generously drizzled with creamy verde sauce and topped with habanero-infused onions.
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Buffalo Fried Oyster Tacos ($12.99): Two soft corn tortillas filled with Buffalo-style fried oysters and tangy slaw, finished with creamy blue cheese dressing and served with additional slaw.
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Lump Crab Grilled Oysters ($14.99): Four grilled Gulf oysters topped with succulent lump crab, rich Cajun cream sauce and fresh parsley, served with a lemon wedge.
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Shrimp Pico Raw Oysters ($17.99): Six fresh raw oysters topped with zesty shrimp pico de gallo, presented in Tajín-rimmed shells over ice with lime wedges.
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"Dressed" Raw Oysters ($24.99): A dozen fresh raw oysters served over ice with watermelon salsa, ponzu sauce and creamy cilantro sauce, allowing guests to customize each bite.
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Oyster Shooter "Shucks Style" ($4.99): House-made Michelada mix blended with a choice of draft beer, topped with a fresh raw oyster and served in a chilled, Tajín-rimmed glass with lime.
The specialty menu is available at regular menu prices at all five restaurant locations throughout the promotional period. During the Nov. 14 festival celebration, participating specialty items will be available for purchase through a ticket-based system.
A Shuckin' Good Time: OysterFest Finale Nov. 14
The OysterFest celebration will culminate Saturday, Nov. 14, from 1 to 6 p.m., when the Big Shucks Mockingbird patio transforms into a lively gathering place for seafood enthusiasts, music lovers and anyone looking for a fun afternoon with friends and family.
Guests can enjoy live music from Hit Factory, performing a variety of crowd favorites, along with fresh seafood, cold drinks, oyster tastings and raffles throughout the afternoon.
The event will also feature representatives from nonprofit partner Oyster South, who will share fascinating facts about oysters, Gulf Coast ecosystems and the importance of oyster conservation, including efforts affecting Texas waters.
With its laid-back atmosphere, live entertainment and plenty of seafood, OysterFest brings together everything guests have come to love about Aw Shucks and Big Shucks in one festive afternoon.
More Than Great Seafood: Celebrating Oyster Conservation
While oysters are a longtime seafood favorite, they also play an essential role in protecting and sustaining coastal environments. Through its partnership with Oyster South, OysterFest will help raise awareness about the importance of healthy oyster populations and the coastal communities that depend on them.
Oyster South is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting a thriving oyster community in the South through education, advocacy and connections among oyster farmers, industry professionals and enthusiasts.
During the Nov. 14 celebration, Oyster South representatives will provide educational information about oysters, the Gulf and conservation efforts, helping guests discover why these remarkable shellfish are important far beyond the dinner plate.
For example, a single adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day under ideal conditions, helping improve water quality. Oyster reefs also provide valuable habitats for fish, shrimp, crabs and other marine life, supporting healthier coastal ecosystems.
And there's plenty more to learn about these fascinating shellfish:
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The "R" rule: The centuries-old tradition of eating oysters during months containing the letter "R" dates to a time when cooler temperatures made oyster harvesting and transportation safer. September through April also remains a popular period for enjoying oysters.
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Cooler weather, better oysters: As water temperatures drop, many wild oysters develop fuller bodies and desirable flavors, making fall and winter especially popular seasons for oyster lovers.
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A taste of their surroundings: Much like wine, oysters develop distinct flavor profiles based on their growing environment, including water salinity, minerals and other conditions. This concept is known as merroir.
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An ancient delicacy: Archaeological discoveries show that people have enjoyed oysters for thousands of years, with oyster shells found in ancient coastal settlements around the world.
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Small shellfish, big benefits: Oysters are naturally rich in nutrients, including zinc, vitamin B12 and protein.
Through these educational experiences, OysterFest aims to give guests a greater appreciation for the Gulf Coast waters, habitats and communities that help bring fresh oysters to North Texas tables.
For more information about Oyster South, visitoystersouth.com.
OysterFest Event Details
WHAT: Inaugural Aw Shucks and Big Shucks OysterFest Celebration
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, from 1 to 6 p.m.
WHERE: Big Shucks Oyster Bar, 6232 E Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75214
HIGHLIGHTS: Live music by Hit Factory, oyster tastings, specialty seafood, cold beverages, raffles and educational experiences with nonprofit partner Oyster South.
OYSTERFEST MENU PROMOTION: Six limited-time oyster creations available now through Nov. 14 at all five Aw Shucks and Big Shucks locations.
MORE INFORMATION:awshucksdallas.com
About Aw Shucks and Big Shucks Oyster Bars
Since 1983, Aw Shucks and Big Shucks Oyster Bars have been North Texas destinations for fresh seafood, including raw oysters, shrimp, catfish, crab legs, po'boy sandwiches and seasonal crawfish, along with ice-cold beer and other favorites. Known for their casual, eclectic seafood shack atmosphere and welcoming hospitality, the restaurants offer guests a place to relax, gather with friends and enjoy a great shuckin' time. A division of Peterson Management Group, a family-owned and operated restaurant management company, Aw Shucks and Big Shucks have four locations throughout North Texas. For more information, visitawshucksdallas.com. Follow Aw Shucks and Big Shucks onFacebook andInstagram for the latest news and promotions. #shucksdallas