Ryleigh's OysterFest dates announced

Ryleigh's Oyster in Federal Hill has released details of its annual OysterFest celebration.

The kickoff event is the Oct. 6 Oyster Ball, a benefit for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

The weekend festival begins in earnest on Saturday, Oct. 8, with what is being billed as the first major shucking competition ever held in Baltimore. The party on Cross Street is open to the public, and a $10 suggested donation benefits the Maryland's Oyster Recovery Partnership. The event includes games, caricacture artists, and crafts, along with daylong drink specials.

Then, on Sunday, Oct 9, Ryleigh's teams up with Heavy Seas Brewing and Stalking Horse for the Ulimate Bull and Oyster Roast Block Party, also on Cross Street.