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The Oyster Riot is one of the greatest parties of each year in Washington. Always held the Friday & Saturday before Thanksgiving, the Riot is DCﾒs preeminent food & wine event. Each night, nearly 1000 people devour tens of thousands oysters while enjoying the worlds best oyster wines and ales backed by local blues band Mudcat. In short, this ainﾒt no cocktail party -- itﾒs a riot.
Oyster Riot XIV
Friday, November 21 & Saturday, November 22
6:30 -- 9:30 pm
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I buy tickets?
Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, September 2 at 7:30 am. You may purchase them online or by calling 202.347.4800. Last year, tickets sold out in less than an hour, so donﾒt please donﾒt wait! Tickets are $115.00 each plus 10% DC sales tax for a total of $126.50. There will be a maximum of four tickets per night per transation. (This is a new policy.) There will be a $7.50 UPS charge for each order.
When will I get my tickets?
Acutally, you won't be getting tickets at all. This year, we're streamlining the process a bit and mailing out a bar-coded bracelet in early November. When you arrive the night of the Riot, you can just stroll right in...no need to have someone rip your ticket and give you a bracelet.
What is the menu?
Oysters, oysters and more oysters. There are over 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ﾒ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ﾒ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 in excess of 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 clicking here.
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 and 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ﾒre gone, theyﾒ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.
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 complimentary valet parking. However, returning Rioters will recommend that you use metro or stay at one of the great hotels around the Ebbitt.
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