International Oyster Fest

The 4th annual event pays homage to Ireland's beloved and longest-running oyster fest with a pearl necklace giveaway, $1 oysters all-day Friday

The Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival, the world’s longest-running oyster fest, holds a special place in the hearts of sisters Amy and Clodagh Lawless—so much so, the Ireland natives have built their own stateside tradition around it at The Dearborn.

 The Dearborn’s fourth annual Oyster Festival, a highlight of Chicago’s fall food fest season, will feature the freshest East and West Coast oysters on the half-shell for $1 all day Friday, Sept. 20 while supplies last, plus an extra-special giveaway to last well beyond the weekend: a pearl necklace.

Guests who leave their business card during the fest will be entered to win the 6mm, 18-inch cultured pearl drop necklace from Chicago’s Diamond Consultants. The winner will be announced at the end of the day, Sunday, Sept. 22.

General Admission: Free

The Oyster Po-Boy ($15) stars jumbo fried oysters and housemade hot sauce and remoulade,

Prawn Cocktail ($17) features a classic Marie Rose sauce. Seafood Chowder ($14) is rich with mussels, salmon, clams, shrimp, corn and potatoes in a creamy broth

Smoked Salmon Platter ($18) comes with a toasted “everything” bagel, herb cream cheese, heirloom tomatoes and other accoutrements.

The Dearborn’s Oyster Festival wouldn’t be complete without a Guinness pint-glass engraving station, plenty of Guinness and a signature cocktail for toasting: the “Slow Your Roe,” featuring DB Gin, St. Germain, yuzu and lime juice, Taittinger Champagne and a “caviar" garnish of Champagne pearls for $14.