Long Beach Island may be synonymous with summer but the island isn’t ready to shut down just yet. And there’s no better way to welcome fall than at LBI’s 28th annual Chowderfest! Featuring delicious chowder, live music, local vendors and cold beer, this annual celebration is a can’t-miss event for locals and tourists alike.
This year’s festivities kick off on October 1 with the Merchants’ Mart from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, followed by the Chowder Cook-Off Classic on October 2 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Both Chowderfest events take place at the Taylor Avenue Ballfield, directly across from Bay Village and Schooner’s Wharf in Beach Haven.
Know Before You Go
The Merchants’ Mart will feature live music from Hawkins Road, children’s activities, food, beer and great deals from dozens of local businesses. Participating vendors include Beach Haven Antiques, Jetty Life, Just Desserts, LBI Shirt Factory, The Mod Hatter, The Sassy Apple, SwellColors Glass Studio & Gallery and many other area favorites.
But the real draw of this annual event is the Chowder Cook-Off Classic on Sunday. Attendees of the Cook-Off spend the afternoon sampling chowder and voting for their favorites in three categories before the winners are crowned at the end of the day. A panel of judges also awards Critics Choice awards for the chowders.
According to the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, a capacity crowd of 13,000 ticketed attendees is expected. This year, there is extra anticipation for Chowderfest because last year’s event was cancelled due to flooding on the island.
This Year’s Competitors
Competing in the New England Chowder category are: Chicken or the Egg, Country Kettle Chowda, Howard’s Restaurant, Mud City Crab House, Sea Oaks Country Club and The Shack.
Fighting for the Manhattan Chowder title are: Black Whale Bar & Fish House, Lefty’s Tavern, Shore Fire Grille, Stefano’s Restaurant and Stockton Seaview Hotel & Golf Club.
New to the contest this year is a Creative Seafood Chowder category that allows for the inclusion of experimental soups. Entrants in that field include: Blue Water Cafe, Buckalew’s Restaurant and Tavern, Cuisine on the Green at Atlantis, La Bamba Mexican Restaurant and Southern Smoke Foods.
Not only is Chowderfest a fun experience for all who attend, but it has proven to be a great boon to the local economy. According to the event’s website, “This extra weekend of economic activity pays dividends for our local businesses by extending the peak sales season and generating positive interest in our area.”
Important Details
Admission to the Merchants Mart is free, but tickets are required for the Chowder Cook-Off Classic. VIP tickets are $55 and include a Chowderfest t-shirt and early admission at 10:00 am. General admission tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 4-12. Children 3 and under are admitted free.
Tickets are available online or at the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce Info Center, located at 265 West 9th Street in Ship Bottom. Tickets may also be purchased at the Merchants’ Mart on Saturday and at the Cook-Off itself on Sunday.
Shuttle service to the event is available on Sunday. See the website for shuttle route locations.
For more information on Chowderfest, visit the website or call 609-494-7211.
Hero (Top) Feature Image: Facebook/The Official LBI Chowderfest
Additional Body Images (in order) Courtesy:
Facebook/The Official LBI Chowderfest
Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce
