Where are the photos from the Oyster Riot? I thought I looked good!
Photos are available for purchase right now! Check out the Photos Page and click on the image you like to see the purchase options.

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 6:30pm each night and lasts until 9:30pm at Old Ebbitt Grill, 675 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20005.

How do I buy tickets?
Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, September 8 at 7:30 AM EST. You may purchase them online or by calling 202.347.4800. Last year tickets sold out in less than half an hour, so please don't wait! Tickets are $115.00 each plus 10% DC sales tax for a total of $126.50 per ticket. There will be a maximum of four tickets per night per transaction. (This is a new policy.)

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 Order Information Form and find the tickets you would like to transfer. In order to successfully transfer the ticket(s), you will receive an email to the same email address 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?
Anyone who would like to check their order can use our Order Information Form to check on the exact details of your ticket order.

What is included in my ticket?
Your ticket includes entrance in the Oyster Riot on the night 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 .

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 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 night, 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.

Which night is better?
Half the people say Friday and the other half Saturday. We suggest that you come both nights and decide for yourself.

Is there parking?
Yes. As always, the Ebbitt offers $8.00 valet parking. 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.