Each January, locals and lighthouse lovers alike gather at Bowens Island for one of the Lowcountry’s most beloved events: Save The Light’s Annual Oyster Roast. This year’s celebration, held on January 5th, brought together 500 attendees for an afternoon of food, music, and community—all in support of preserving the Morris Island Lighthouse. With clear skies, a sold-out crowd, and new features that elevated the experience, the 2025 Oyster Roast marked another exciting milestone in this growing tradition.
A Community Coming Together to Save a Landmark
The Morris Island Lighthouse has been a silent sentinel off the coast of Charleston for nearly 150 years. Built in 1876, the lighthouse once stood 2,700 feet inland. Today, thanks to decades of shoreline erosion, it rises from the Atlantic Ocean 2,000 feet offshore.
The Oyster Roast is one of Save the Light’s signature fundraising events, helping to fuel our mission of stabilizing and preserving the lighthouse for future generations. Every ticket purchased, every sponsorship, and every donation made during the event supports this vital work.
Highlights from the 2025 Oyster Roast
This year’s event was a sellout once again, with 500 attendees enjoying unseasonably perfect weather that made the waterfront setting all the more magical. Even better—thanks to the generosity of everyone who joined us—this year’s Oyster Roast exceeded our fundraising goal, helping us take another meaningful step toward preserving the Morris Island Lighthouse.
A standout addition for 2025 was the brand-new VIP section, which quickly proved to be a hit. VIP ticket holders enjoyed an hour of elevated offerings before the main event, including special hors d’oeuvres, wine, and a signature cocktail. Each guest also received a goodie bag featuring a Save the Light YETI tumbler and other exclusive merchandise. Due to the overwhelmingly positive response, the VIP area will be expanded for the 2026 event to give even more guests the opportunity to enjoy this premium experience.
Of course, no Oyster Roast would be complete without the food. Bushels of fresh oysters were the centerpiece of the feast, but guests also enjoyed chili and hot dogs provided by 82 Queen Hospitality and chicken bog generously donated by Dominion Energy, along with beer and wine. The day’s soundtrack came courtesy of three live bands—Shakin’ Martinis, Skye Paige Band, and 40 Mile Detour—who kept the energy high and the crowd on their feet from start to finish.
Another exciting addition this year was the introduction of a silent auction, offering attendees a fun way to support the lighthouse while bidding on a variety of memorable items. Though new, the auction was met with great enthusiasm—and plans are already underway to make it even bigger and better for 2026.
A Growing Tradition
For over 20 years, the Annual Oyster Roast has brought together supporters of the Morris Island Lighthouse for a day of celebration and purpose. It has become a highlight of the Lowcountry winter calendar, drawing in locals and lighthouse lovers from near and far. Its sold-out status is a reminder of just how much this lighthouse means to the community and how deeply people care about preserving its story.
Mark Your Calendars for 2026
If you missed it this year, mark your calendar: the next Oyster Roast is scheduled for January 4, 2026, once again at Bowens Island. Tickets will go on sale in mid-November, and if history is any indication, they won’t last long. For returning guests, expect even more to enjoy—both the VIP section and silent auction will be expanded to make next year’s experience better than ever. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a first-time attendee, it’s a chance to experience the warmth and generosity of a community united around a meaningful cause.
Join the Mission
There are many ways to support the preservation of the Morris Island Lighthouse—and every action counts. From purchasing event tickets to making a donation or simply spreading the word, your involvement helps protect a vital piece of South Carolina’s coastal heritage.
Follow Save the Light on social media or subscribe to the newsletter for updates on 2026 ticket sales and upcoming events. Together, we can keep the light shining for generations to come.
