Bob Miller Oysterfest Celebrates America's 250th in Maplewood with 'Stars, Stripes and Shells'

MAPLEWOOD, N.J. — The Robert J. Miller Oysterfest will return to The Woodland in Maplewood on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, from 6 to 10 p.m., for its 11th annual fundraiser for melanoma awareness. In celebration of America's 250th anniversary, this year's Oysterfest will bring together the community for a festive evening of great food, music, and celebration. The event will feature its signature oyster and raw bar from Freeman's Fish Market, bagpipers, delicious food from Celebrated Foods, an open bar, and live music from Hoi Polloi and Black Tie Groove. All guests must be 21 and over to attend. New advances recently announced by several national pharmaceutical organizations for melanoma research are offering hope to families facing the disease. In August, promising results from a late-stage trial of a personalized mRNA cancer vaccine showed a meaningful reduction in melanoma recurrence and spread among high-risk patients, including those with Stage IV disease. Grace Miller, her family and several Maplewood community leaders established the Robert J. Miller Foundation more than 10 years ago in memory of her husband, Bob, who lost his life to melanoma. 'These exciting advances in melanoma research could have had the potential to extend, if not save, Bob's life,' said Miller, co-founder of the Robert J. Miller Foundation. 'Every year, I'm reminded that what we started in Bob's memory has become something much bigger than our family. Oysterfest may be a small event, but it is mighty in what this community can accomplish together. Every ticket, donation, and sponsorship helps support critical melanoma research with the potential to save lives, while also helping families facing medical or financial challenges right here at home. I'm incredibly proud of this community and so grateful for the wayMaplewood continues to show up, year after year.' Since its founding in 2015, Oysterfest has raised more than $175,000 to support melanoma awareness, fund critical research grants at the Melanoma Research Foundation, and assist local families in need. Hosted in partnership with the Township of Maplewood, Oysterfest has become one of the community's most anticipated nights of music, food and giving. Ticketing & Event Information ● Admission (21+): $155 in advance, $165 at the door | $75 for young adults (ages 21–25)● Tickets: Purchase online at https://www.bobmilleroysterfest.com/tickets/ or available in person at St. James's Gate (Maplewood).● Parking & Transport: Due to limited street parking, walking or public transit is strongly encouraged. Please note, designated handicap parking is available at The Woodland, first come-first serve, on Woodland Ave. Local sponsors are invited to help make an impact in Oysterfest's 11th year. Special thanks to Platinum sponsor Elizabeth Winterbottom Homes (https://www.elizabethwinterbottom.com/, ), Gold sponsors The GenWealth Group, https://thegenwealthgroup.com/, Celebrated Foods, Maplewood Rotary Club and St. James's Gate, and Rose Gold sponsors Able Baker and Village Trattoria. Sponsorship information is available at https://www.bobmilleroysterfest.com/sponsorship/. The Robert J. Miller Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Maplewood, was established in 2015 in memory of longtime resident Robert J. Miller, who died after a battle with melanoma. The Oysterfest event raises funds for melanoma research and reserves contributions to support local families in need. Donations are accepted year-round at https://www.bobmilleroysterfest.com/donate/. Stay connected by following Oysterfest on Facebook or email bobmilleroysterfest@gmail.com for more information.