Chowderfest 2026

Call it Chowderfest or call it the Cook-Off, everyone on the Island knows what you mean.

The tradition dates back to 1989, when the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce started Chowderfest as a way to extend the season and celebrate LBI’s seafood roots. After 34 years under the Chowderfest name, the event became the Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off, but not much about the weekend itself has changed: local restaurants, plenty of clam chowder, and some very strong opinions about red versus white.

Where and when

Everything takes place on Taylor Avenue behind Bay Village in Beach Haven.

Tickets

Presale tickets are $35 per person, with day-of tickets available for $40. Online sales close October 3 at 11:59pm.

Everyone entering the event Sunday needs a ticket, even if you don’t plan on tasting chowder. If you’re mostly interested in shopping, eating, drinking, and hanging around the festival, Saturday’s Merchant Mart is free.

Kids under 10 are admitted free Sunday, although they need their own ticket if they want to vote.

How voting works

The crowd picks the winners.

When your ticket is scanned, you’ll receive a wristband with a unique ID and password along with a commemorative poker chip containing a QR code.

Scan the chip, log in, and choose one Manhattan red and one New England white. Once your votes are submitted, they can’t be changed.

Voting runs from 11am to 3:30pm. Volunteers will also be available to help anyone having trouble with the system or anyone without a phone.

Lefty’s returns as the defending red champion and one of the most decorated names in the division. La Bamba is also back after bringing its southwestern-style red chowder last year.

On the white side, CHEGG has plenty of history in the event, while Dolce Liberta, Element, and Mud City all return from last year.

Country Kettle moving into red should make that side especially interesting this year.

Past champions

Country Kettle Chowda and Lefty’s Tavern took home the 2025 titles.

Country Kettle won white for the third straight year, while Lefty’s Tavern of Barnegat reclaimed the red title after previous wins in 2013, 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Roughly 4,000 attendees voted in 2025.

Before you go

• Parking. Free street parking is available throughout Beach Haven. Beach Haven Elementary School also typically runs a parking fundraiser in its lot for a small fee. Either way, getting there early helps.
• No outside food or drink. Coolers, Yetis, water bottles, and other outside food or drinks aren’t permitted.
• Payment. Cards, Apple Pay, and Google Wallet are preferred. Limited cash payment is available at the beverage tent and ticket sales.
• Drinks and ID. The event is all ages, but you’ll need to be 21 or older to purchase alcohol. Stop at the ID/Security tent when you arrive for a 21+ wristband.
• Seating. Beach chairs are encouraged, but they can only be set up in the grass area closest to the music stage.
• Kids and strollers. Strollers and wagons are welcome, but they need to stay out from under the tents.
• Accessibility. The chowder tasting area and restrooms are located on pavement and are handicap accessible.

Where the money goes

The event is a partnership between the Beach Haven Chamber of Commerce and The Hunger Foundation of Southern Ocean County.

It’s run entirely by volunteers, with 100% of the proceeds going back into the community. That includes support for Ocean County food banks, Beach Haven parks and infrastructure, future community events, and local tourism and economic initiatives.

Want to help? Volunteer sign-ups close October 1.

Frequently asked questions