Mali Ston Oyster Festival 2026

The Oyster Festival is an authentic celebration of a centuries-old tradition dating back to the Dubrovnik Republic. Held around the Feast of St. Joseph (March 19)—when oysters are at their peak flavor—the event honors the generations of shellfish farmers in Mali Ston Bay.

Renowned globally for their quality, Mali Ston oysters earned the EU Protected Designation of Origin status in 2020. This year’s festival offers a rich program beyond gastronomy, featuring:

• Farm Tours & Tastings: Boat trips to oyster beds and wine pairings.

• Education: Workshops, lectures, and children’s activities.

• Culture: Quizzes, guided tours, and live entertainment.

Thursday, March 19

• 15:00 | Opening Ceremony (Invitation only)

• 18:00 | DUB PUB Quiz – Rector’s Palace, Ston (Registration required)

Friday, March 20

• 09:00 | AdriaMar Science Symposium (Invitation only)

• 11:00 / 13:00 | Boat tours to oyster farms (Bota Šare)

• 18:30 | Gastro Workshop with Chef Hrvoje Zirojević – Rector’s Palace, Ston (Tickets required)

Saturday, March 21

• 11:00 / 13:00 | Boat tours to oyster farms (Bota Šare)

• 11:00 | Festa in Mali Ston: Live music (Branko Medak & Jexi Band), local oyster farmers, and winemakers.

• 11:00 | Festa in Brijesta: Live music (Naro & Versi), local oyster farmers, and winemakers.

Sunday, March 22

• 10:00 | “Sea Urchins” Children’s Workshop – Orsan, Mali Ston (Registration required)

• 11:00 / 13:00 | Boat tours to oyster farms (Bota Šare)

• 11:00 | Costumed Guided Tour of Ston (Croatian) – Ston Saltworks

• 11:00 – 15:00 | Oysters & Wine: Tasting events in both Mali Ston and Brijesta.

• 13:00 | Costumed Guided Tour of Ston (English) – Ston Saltworks

Key Visitor Info

• Free Entry: Access to the Ston Walls is free from Friday (Mar 20) to Sunday (Mar 22).

• Boat Tour Tickets (€22): Purchase at Bota Šare restaurant. Includes: Welcome drink, sweets, panoramic bay cruise, history talk, 5 fresh oysters, and a glass of wine.