Clam Chowder Cook-Off
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
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- 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 as they are printed with official 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 6 samples, you can purchase more than one tasting kit.
Can I pick up my preorders at the Administration Office?
- No, please pick up your preorders on Saturday or Sunday at the middle booth at Entrance#3 by the Carousel (Preorder Pick Up Booth).
- You can pick up your preorders at any booth but to help our staff please go to the the designated area for pick up.
What do I need to pick up my preorders?
- You will need a form of identification (ID card, driver’s license, etc.) and a copy of your order receipt (printed or phone is fine).
- Please pick up your preorders at entrance #3 at the Carousel.
Where do I purchase tasting kits and/or merchandise?
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You can purchase tasting kits and merchandise the day of the event starting at 10AM.
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There are three booth locations: Main entrance, Entrance #3 and entrance #5.
Do I need to be a City Resident to purchase presales?
- No, you do not need to be a city resident to purchase presale items. However, you do need to make an account with our system.
- You can also call our administrative office to purchase presale items. The phone number 831-420-5270.
- Make an account
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 be designated to the middle booth located at Entrance #3 at the Carousel.
- You will be able to pick up your preorder at any booth but we have designated the middle booth as our preorder pick location.
Where can I purchase tasting Kits and Merchandise the day of?
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.
- Tasting kit sales can end as early as 1:30pm, it is best to preorder or arrive early to purchase your tasting kits.
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)
Parking Information
Is this a rain or shine event?
- Yes, the event is a rain or shine event.
- We do not offer refunds for a rain event and the event will continue as advertise.
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.
You will also be able to find the map online at the link below
Clam Chowder Cook-Off
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?
I ordered through Presales and was not able to attend the event, can I get a refund or pick up my items?
- We do not offer refunds for this event. You can pick up your preordered items after the event at the Parks & Recreation Office (323 Church Street) up to 2 weeks after the event (March 6th). Please call ahead so we have your items ready for pick up at the front desk.
- Your chowder tasting kits can be used in 2027.
When
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Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 10:00 AM
- 04:00 PM
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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