Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores is getting ready for a major food celebration this fall. The town will host a two-day oyster festival that brings together top chefs and oyster farmers from across the Gulf Coast. Murder Point Oyster Company and The Hangout Gulf Shores are teaming up to make the event happen. Organizers say the weekend will offer a one-of-a-kind food experience that visitors won't forget.

The festival is called Experience the Oyster and it takes place November 7 and 8 this year. The event is being held at The Hangout, located at 101 E. Beach Boulevard in Gulf Shores.

The weekend promises to be full of food, music, and the kind of hospitality Gulf Coast communities are known for. There will be something for everyone at the celebration.

The main focus of the festival is fresh oysters. Visitors will get to taste raw oysters and cooked oyster dishes. The festival will showcase oysters from different Gulf Coast farms. Besides oysters, attendees can enjoy gumbo and other traditional Gulf Coast dishes.

Some of the South's best chefs will be at the festival. These chefs will do cooking demonstrations throughout the day. Live music will also be playing to keep the energy going. The Hangout's regular restaurant menu will still be available for guests as well.

Friday's activities start with a special VIP event that takes place at Zeke's Restaurant in Orange Beach. VIP guests will enjoy cocktails and appetizers made with fresh Murder Point oysters. They'll also have the chance to meet the chefs and farmers involved in the festival.

Saturday is when the main festival events begin at The Hangout. The day will include oyster tastings, live music performances, and chef demonstrations. Football games will also be shown during the event. This gives visitors plenty of entertainment options throughout the day.

The festival is open to both locals and visitors. People interested in attending can get tickets through the official festival website. Early VIP access is available before the general admission begins. The website also has information about parking and traffic near the Gulf Place area.

Organizers recommend that guests arrive early to avoid crowds. The beach area gets busy on weekends, so planning ahead is smart. The official festival website has the most up-to-date schedule and information about which chefs will be participating.