Former ‘Simpsons’ showrunner bringing ‘Steamed Hams’ live event to Carolina Beach

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Former The Simpsons showrunner and writer Bill Oakley will bring a live event centered on the show’s “Steamed Hams” scene to Carolina Beach next month.

The event is scheduled for Sept. 11 at Kindred and will mark the 30th anniversary year of the scene, which first aired in 1996.

Oakley wrote the “Steamed Hams” segment, which later became widely shared and remixed online. During the Carolina Beach event, he is expected to discuss how the scene was created, share behind-the-scenes stories and video clips, and take questions from the audience.

The program is expected to run about an hour.

The event will also include a meal inspired by the scene. Organizers say Relish Catering will prepare a “Steamed Ham” burger to Oakley’s specifications, along with a side. General admission also includes one beer or glass of wine.

A separate meet-and-greet option is available after the program and includes a photo opportunity and signed items.

Oakley previously brought a food-focused live event to Kindred in Carolina Beach in 2025. That event combined a multicourse dinner with stories from his career in comedy writing and benefited the nonprofit Ocean Cure.

Oakley is an Emmy Award-winning writer who worked on The Simpsons during the 1990s and later worked on other television projects, including Futurama.

The Sept. 11 event is being promoted as a one-night program focused specifically on the history and continued popularity of “Steamed Hams.”

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