Virginia City's hall mark festival is Mountain Oyster Fry Festival in March. For 15 years, locals have made food as the center for the town's biggest celebration with an unusual competition. From all over Nevada, participants arrive in town to fry Mountain oyster brought from New Zealand. The competition begins at 10 in the morning when stoves are lit and the cooking starts. By noon, judges taste and evaluate the fried pieces that have been coated in egg and bread, soaked in butter and spices and cooked in sauces.

European and local cooking traditions mix to produce an amazing selection of Mountain oyster preparation. Each participant strives to excel with the best recipe that includes a unique blend of ingredients; it is no wonder as some competitors have attended the festival for more than 10 years.

The awards include the best taste, the most creative use of flavors, best booth, best presentation and best first-time cook. After the awards are granted, the oysters are sold from the booths at U$2 each sample.

Not only do travelers enjoy excellent and unique food but also great music and local show such as a gunfighter show.