At the end of a long, hot, summer season, South Carolinians, particularly those along the coast, know the start of September brings with it more than just the beginning of autumn. With the return of months that contain the letter "R," also comes oyster eating season and the many oyster roasts that will fill the social calendar for the coming months. But the biggest oyster roast of them all is a must-do and should go on your calendar now. The world's largest oyster festival takes place in the dead of winter in the Lowcountry of South Carolina and you won't want to miss it!

With an attendance rumored to be capped off at 10,000 tickets, the Lowcountry Oyster Festival is an epic day filled with food, fellowship, and fun — and all the steamed oysters you can hold.

Now in its 37th year, this giant festival features tens of thousands of buckets of oysters perfectly steamed and waiting to be shucked.

Visitors line up a the oyster counters to get at the freshly steamed oysters. Some even walk away with a few pearls found while eating these salty fruits of the sea.

The event is held at Boone Hall Plantation, a venue perfect getting out of doors in the dead of winter to scoop oysters and slurp them down all day long.

Expect live music, plus a variety of vendors selling everything from beer and wine to a nice assortment of other food for those who just haven't acquired a taste for oysters yet.

There are also oyster shucking and oyster eating contests — with bragging rights for a whole year for the winners.

In spite of the sheer size of the event, Boone Hall and the Charleston Restaurant Association do a wonderful job of making sure it feels like an intimate affair, ideal for a family outing.

A special children's play area is always a highlight for the little ones, with everything from jump castles to roaming entertainment.

Wondering when it all happens? You have a few months to wait; the 37th Annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival is set for January 26, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 5 pm.

Tickets are sold in advance and always sell out so be sure to bookmark this link for getting your tickets early. Ticket prices are usually very affordable for a day of family fun and kids under 10 are usually free. (Prices for 2020 have yet to be posted.) Learn more about the world's largest oyster festival from this link on the official website of the Lowcountry Hospitality Association. And save the date (January 26, 2020) for the biggest and most fun oyster roast you'll ever attend!

Address: 1235 Long Point Road, Mt Pleasant, SC, 29464

Fall is also a great season for festivals in South Carolina. Check out nine of them here!