Clam Chowder Cook-Off
Next date: Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 10:00 AM
to 04:00 PM
The 45th annual Clam Chowder Cook Off takes place Saturday, Feb 21 and Sunday, Feb 22 at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It is the largest and longest-running Clam Chowder Cook Off in the country. Join the fun and excitement as talented chefs from throughout the West Coast compete for the title of BEST CLAM CHOWDER. The atmosphere will be festive and fun as contestants prepare their finest ingredients outdoors along the Boardwalk to the delight of thousands of spectators.
2-Day Event- Rain or Shine!
Amateur chefs will compete on Saturday, followed by professional chefs on Sunday! Join the delicious festivities as amateur and professional chefs prepare their finest clam chowder recipes along the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk!
Teams compete in the friendly competition, hoping to win prizes and bragging rights for the BEST Clam Chowder in the COUNTRY'S largest and longest running clam chowder competition!
Chef Registration is now open!
Enter a Team!
Chowder Kits and Merch Available for Pre-Sale starting mid-November!
Purchase Here!
Tasting Kits and event merchandise will be available for purchase at the two-day event (while supplies last).
La Bahia Hotel and Spa is this year's Hotel Sponsor- Chefs, teams and patrons can receive 30% off their booking for the event weekend using the following booking link!
Book Here!
Purchase your kits and merch online! Presale set to end on Thursday, February 19 at 11:59 pm. Visit to www.cityofsantacruz.com/chowdermerch to purchase online. Limited merchandise and tasting kits will be available for purchase on-site, while supplies last.
Pick up your tasting kits and merch at one of our Parks and Recreation booths on the day of the event!
**Must bring receipt and ID to pick up merchandise. No refunds. Not available for transfer or resale.**
- Merchandise Booths open at 10 am
- Shirts, hoodies, collectors pins, stickers and totes (while supplies last)
- Public tasting begins at 1:00 pm
- Please note: we are providing "Flat Pack" tasting kits
-
- Inside the bag you will have a spoon, napkin, tasting tickets, two ballots (Manhattan and Boston)
- Your cup will be given to you separately during pick up at P&R Booths
For more information on merchandise and tasting kits, contact Parks and Recreation at (831) 420-5273.
For more information on Team Registration, contact the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Event FAQs
Can I use my tasting kit for either day?
Yes, you can use the tasting kit for either Saturday or Sunday.
I have tasting tickets from last year I did not use, can I use them this year?
Yes, you can use tasting tickets from previous years,as long asthey are printed withofficial event graphic
How does tasting work?
You purchase a tasting kit that comes with 6 tasting tickets. Each ticket represents one sample. If you want to taste more than 6samples,you can purchase more than one tasting kit.
Can I pick up my preorders at the Administration Office?
No, pleasepick upyour preorders on Saturday or Sunday atthe middleboothat Entrance#3by the Carousel(Preorder Pick Up Booth)
What do I need to pick up my preorders?
You will need aform of identification (ID card, driver’s license, etc.) and a copy of your order receipt (printed or phoneis fine)
Where do I purchase tasting kits and/or merchandise?
Can I preorder tasting kits the day of the event?
No, preordering ends on February 19th
Can I purchase tasting kits online anywhere else besides the Parks and Recreation Website?
Where to I pick up my preorders?
Preorders will bedesignatedto the middle boothlocatedat Entrance #3 at theCarousel
Where can I purchase tasting Kits and Merchandise the day off?
We will have 3 booths to purchase day of sales. The main entrance of the Boardwalk, Entrance #3 (carousel)and Entrance #5 near the Giant Dipper and Loggers Revenge
When do day of sales end?
Day of sales typically end around 3PM for tasting Kits. We will stop tasting kit sales earlier if the chowder quantity is running low
What type of payment will be accepted?
If I do not use my tasting kit, can I get a refund?
Where do I park for the event?
The closest parking for the event is the main lot at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (paid parking)
Is this a rain or shine event?
Yes,the event is a rain or shine event
Is there a map of the event?
We have limited printed maps both days, we will have QR codes to scan for the map that will be posted online
Do tasting booths run out of chowder?
We do our best to ensure all guests are able to taste the chowder they want; however, booths can run out of chowder, make sure you buy your tasting kits early and arrive early to the event. Public tasting begins at 1PM both days
If booths run out of chowder to taste, can I get a refund?
When
-
Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 10:00 AM
- 04:00 PM
-
Sunday, February 22, 2026 | 10:00 AM
- 04:00 PM
Location
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach Street, 95060, View Map
36.9645218,-122.0166672
400 Beach Street ,
95060
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
400 Beach Street ,
95060
Clam Chowder Cook-Off