What happened to all those oyster shells? Will they be just thrown away?
The oyster shells were sorted and transferred to the Oyster Recovery Partnership. About 75 bushels of shells were collected for their use. Once the shells are aged, they will end up being planted with 1 million baby oysters.



When and where is the Oyster Riot?
The party kicks off at 7:00pm each Friday and Saturday night and lasts until 10:00pm while the Saturday Matinee lasts from 1:00pm until 4:00pm at Old Ebbitt Grill, 675 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20005.

How do I buy tickets?
Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, September 8th. You may purchase them beginning at 7:30am in person at the Old Ebbitt Grill and 10:00am online. Tickets are $140.00 for each of the sessions (including the matinee). There will be a maximum of twenty tickets per session per transaction.

When will I get my tickets?
Actually, you won't be getting tickets at all. Your order WILL NOT be mailed to you. Instead, your tickets will be waiting for you at will call under your name on the day of the event. Please be prepared to provide a valid picture ID to pick up your tickets.

What if I can't make the Oyster Riot or I need to give my ticket to someone else?
You may go to our Ticket Transfer Page and find the ticket(s) you would like to transfer by entering your e-mail address. In order to successfully transfer the ticket(s), you will receive an email in order to confirm the transfer. Upon confirmation, you and the new recipient will receive an email announcement the successful transfer.

How do I know if I have tickets? How do I know if my order was confirmed?
Confirm your ticket(s) here.

What is included in my ticket?
Your ticket includes entrance in the Oyster Riot on the event corresponding to your ticket and all the wine and oysters you can handle. There will also be some passed hors d'oeuvres and beer available.

What is the menu?
Oysters, oysters and more oysters. There are about 25 oysters from both coasts, shucked to order (last year over 50,000 oysters were sucked down in two days). While there are a few other items such as fruit & cheese, shrimp, crab claws and some hot oyster hors d'oeuvres, this is an event for oyster lovers. If you don't like 'em, and you still want to come, we suggest coming to the Ebbitt early and having a burger.

What wines will be served?
We don't know yet. The Riot is the celebration of the winners of the International Wines for Oysters Competition. During the Competition, wines entered from all over the world will be sampled with raw oysters by a notable panel of judges made up of wine and oyster lovers from the fields of politics, medicine, journalism and food. Each year a field up to 400 wines is narrowed through several rounds of blind tastings, with the top 10 gold medal winners being announced and poured at The Riot. To get an idea of the wines that typically perform well in the Competition, check out previous winners by looking at the past Wine Competition Results.

Is there a bar open to the guests at the Oyster Riot?
No, there is only wine to be enjoyed. No other liquor will be served or available within the Oyster Riot.

What bands will be playing the Oyster Riot this year?
This year in honor of our recently departed dear friend, Captain Luke, Music Maker Relief Foundation will put on a show Friday and Saturday nights featuring Cool John Ferguson, Ironing Board Sam, Pat "Mother Blues" Cohen, Big Ron Hunter, Robert Lee Coleman, Lil Joe, Harvey Dalton Arnold, Bubba Norwood and Sol Roots: Music Maker Relief Foundation

For the Saturday Matinee, November 23rd - Bad Influence Band headlines the Matinee: www.badinfluenceband.com

What should I wear?
While the traditional answer is business attire, over the years Rioters have been seen in everything from tuxedos to silk pajamas to cocktail dresses to designer jeans and stilettos. Originality counts.

Is there seating?
Not really. While there are several small cocktail tables throughout the room, the Riot is a standing room only cocktail party. Besides, you'll be too busy sucking down oysters and dancing to sit.

Can I buy tickets at the door?
Nope -- it'll be sold out. We only sell a limited amount of tickets for each event, and when they're gone, they're gone. Tickets go on sale each year the day after Labor Day and they go quickly.

Are tickets refundable?
No. Does Springsteen refund your tickets when your babysitter cancels at the last minute? Same rules apply at The Riot. Your tickets are transferable and the details for the transfer will be posted to this site as the Riot comes closer.

Do I have to be 21 years old to attend?
Yes, due to the nature of the event, no one under 21 years of age will be admitted to the Oyster Riot.

 
Which night is better?
Half say Friday night, half say Saturday night...and now half say The Matinee...Hey, isn't that 150%...yup, Riot math!!

Is there parking?
Yes.  For the evening Riots the Ebbitt offers $10 valet parking.  Unfortunately we are unable to offer valet parking for the Matinee Riot on Saturday, but there are public garages open right around the corner on F St. between 14th St. and 15th St.  However, returning Rioters will recommend that you use metro or stay at one of the great hotels around the Ebbitt. The Old Ebbitt Grill encourages safety and asks that you do not drink and drive.