The 44th annual Clam Chowder Cook Off takes place Saturday, Feb 23 and Sunday, Feb 24 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! 

Chowder Kits and Merch Available for Pre-Sale Starting Tuesday, November 12th! 

Purchase your kits and merch online! Presale set to end on Thursday, February 20 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 9:30 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 this year
  • 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.

Team registration opens on Tuesday, November 12th

Team Registration information available at beachboardwalk.com/Clam-Chowder-Cook-Off