Shell-A-Bration returns to Audubon Zoo with oysters, live music

Event benefits and promotes Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana’s shell recycling program

March 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Shell-A-Bration, Louisiana’s premier party in support of the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana’s Oyster Shell Recycling Program and Louisiana seafood, returns to Audubon Zoo’s Swamp Exhibit and Cajun Ballroom on March 26. The annual event hosted by CRCL features fresh Gulf oysters, Abita Beer and True Coast Wine, live music by T Marie and Bayou Juju and a silent auction chockful of interesting items and experiences.

“If you love Louisiana and you love oysters, you’ll have a rollicking good time at Shell-A-Bration,” said Donna Betzer, CRCL’s development director. “Your ticket gets you admission to a great venue, delicious bites from a half-dozen oyster harvesters and farmers as well as classic dishes from Dickie Brennan and Co., local libations and the great sounds of T Marie and her band. It’s an unforgettable party and a great cause.” 

Shell-A-Bration starts at 7:30 p.m. Parking is available in the main lot in front of the zoo. A limited number of VIP tickets are available, granting exclusive early access to oysters and hors d’oeuvres and an intimate acoustic set by the band. Both regular and VIP tickets can be purchased online.

The event is sponsored by Dickie Brennan and Co. Catering and Events, New Orleans and Co., Valero, Ashley and Christopher Liuzza, Abita Brewing Company, EMR, the Liuzza Law Firm, True Coast Wine, Where Y’at, Big Easy Limos, Louisiana Seafood and Community Coffee.   

Oyster farmers and an all-star lineup of shuckers, including the NOLA Oyster Queen, will serve the bivalves to attendees. Participating oyster providers are La Belle Oyster Co., Bayou Rosa Oyster Farm, Bright Side Oyster Co., Grand Isle Sea Farms, Shelley Farms Oyster Co., Bayside Oyster Co. and Louisiana Seafood.

Shell-A-Bration promotes and raises funding for CRCL’s Oyster Shell Recycling Program, through which more than 40 restaurants in the New Orleans area and Baton Rouge have recycled more than 16 million pounds of shell since 2014. The shell is used to build reefs that slow the rate of land loss along Louisiana’s coast. CRCL’s next oyster reef builds will be this spring in St. Bernard Parish and this fall in Lafourche Parish.

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The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to unite people in action to achieve a thriving, sustainable Louisiana coast for all.