Get out your checkbooks kiddos, Old Ebbitt Grill’s Oyster Riot X is slated for Friday, Nov. 18 and Saturday, Nov. 19. For a paltry $88 attendees can feast on more than 20 oyster varieties, drink dozens of wines, and get down with the blues band Chicken Head. The annual event pits wineries from around the globe against each other in an effort to determine each mollusk’s best mate.

The Oyster Riot event began in 1996 and has steadily grown since its inception. Ticket sales will stop at 750, so if oysters and wine are favorites of yours, you’ll want to pull the trigger soon.

If dropping nearly a C-note on oysters and wine isn’t your bag, fear not! September is here, and fresh wild oysters will be gracing menus all over the city. While Old Ebbitt is one of our favorite places to dine on the half-shell, oysters are increasing in popularity and a number of restaurants in the area are making these beauties available.

Gulf oysters — preferred by some for their robust flavor and low cost — will almost certainly have limited availability in Katrina’s wake. During summer months, however, a higher prevalence of bacterial-infected specimens make Gulf oysters only safe for po’ boys and other thoroughly heated delicacies. DCist prefers to get our half-shell on in cooler, and safer, northern waters year round. You’ll pay a bit more, but their mild sweet flavor is worth the price.

Anyone hungry? Where will you get on your half-shell?