SHIP BOTTOM – Long Beach Island’s famous Chowderfest event is turning 30 this year! The anniversary weekend will be on September 29 and 30, where locals and devoted “Chowderheads” can once again come together for a weekend of celebration and signature dishes.
This year’s event will feature a free Merchant Marketplace, lots of end-of-season bargains, local specialties gourmet food, and children’s’ entertainment. Don’t miss out on the live music from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. featuring a popular line up of local bands!
Not only does the festival boast the best chowder around, but there will also be a variety beers on tap and hard ciders available. For the first time ever, there will also be wine by the glass and spritzers provided by Barefoot Wines.
The Chowder Cook-Off Classic will be held on Sunday, September 30 at 11 a.m. Local favorites will compete for the title of “tastiest chowder.” Ticket holders can sample all kinds of chowders and VIPS get early access to the chowder tents at 10 a.m.
For New England or White Chowder, the competitors include:
- Country Kettle
- Chicken or the Egg
- Howard’s
- Tucker’s Tavern
- Wally’s
- Polly’s Dock
Manhattan or Red:
- Lefty’s Tavern
- Buckalew’s
- Stefano’s
- Ocean County College Hospitality Program
Creative Category:
- Delaware Ave Oyster House
- La Bamba
- Sunny Rae’s
- The Woo Hoo
- Blue Water Café
- Cuisine on the Green
- Nancy’s Barn of Ballyliffen Ireland (The first international competitor!)
Winners will be announced at closing ceremonies at 4 p.m.
Saturday is a free event; however Sunday’s Cook off Classic requires tickets. You can purchase tickets at chowderfest.com or by contacting the Southern Ocean County Chamber at 609-494-7211, visiting their Visitor Center at 265 West Ninth Street in Ship Bottom, or emailing info@sochamber.com.
Toddlers under the age of three are free. Children to age 4 to 12 are $10, General Admission is $30, and VIP is $65.
Chowderfest proceeds benefit hundreds of local charities and scholarships. This year, proceeds will benefit Chowder for A Cause Charity. David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation has also partnered with the Chamber for this event, providing Chowderfest reusable bags and a September Dine to Donate event.
