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 Boardwalk.

Teams compete in the friendly competition, hoping to win prizes and bragging rights for BEST CLAM CHOWDER in the country’s largest and longest-running clam chowder competition!

Try Some Clam Chowder!

The Boardwalk admission is free! Just purchase a Tasting Kit to sample the clammy concoctions.

Tasting Kits are $12 and include 6 taste tickets, spoon, cup, and a People’s Choice ballot.

100% of Tasting Kit sales benefit Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation.

Enter a Team!

The competition features four categories.

Competing Saturday

Amateur Boston
Amateur Manhattan

Competing Sunday

Professional Boston
Professional Manhattan

Enter a Team

Early Bird Registration: Fri., Feb. 4, 2022
Includes: 2 Rides Wristbands and 2 team T-shirts

Final Deadline: Fri., February 11, 2022

Team Rules & Info

Awards will be given for Best Clam Chowder in each category, plus People’s Choice, Most Tasted, and Best Theme.
Awards include plaques, cash prizes and bragging rights!

For more information please contact the Chowder Committee: (831) 420-5273.

Cook-Off Schedule

Saturday, February 26, 2022 • Amateur Teams

10am Tasting Kits go on sale
10am-11am Preparation period (no heat)
11am-1pm Cooking period
1pm Public tasting begins
4pm Amateur Division winners announced at the Neptune’s Stage (near Pirate Ship)

Sunday, February 27, 2022 • Professional Teams

10am Tasting Kits go on sale
10am-11am Preparation period (no heat)
11am-1pm Cooking period
1pm Public tasting begins
4pm Professional Division winners announced at the Neptunes’ Stage (near Pirate Ship)

The Clam Chowder Cook-Off is an important fundraiser for the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department. Last year, more than $90,000.00 was raised!