[Festival] Chowder Fest 2026 - (free or $50 and up) Be a Judge
Details
Chowder Fest 2026
An annual Fisherman's Wharf event, Chowder Fest, about a dozen local restaurants competing for Best of the Chowders.
The Event itself is free, with music and other amusements, but for tastings and the right to vote a ticket must be purchased, Purchase tickets Fisherman's Wharf Chowder Fest
Taking over Fisherman's Wharf annually since 2013, (nearing there 15th year anniversary) are about fifty vendors, live music and of course restaurants (about a dozen) competing to be the big chowder (or whatever they call the winner).
There are many types of Clam Chowder. New England's creamy, New York's Tangy Tomato Based, and Rhode Island's Clear. Of course the hybrids should be mentioned, half-cream, half tomato (Long Island Style) and other combinations.
Some other lessor known varieties are Portuguese (think New York with sausage), Minorcan (Florida) Style (imagine New York Style with Italian spices and a Florida spicy pepper), Hatteras (North Carolina) Style (Rhode Island with Bacon) finally, of course, San Francisco Style (New England Style in a Sour Dough Bowl).
Feel free to drop your favorite in the comments.
Even with so many variations it seems every restaurant is a little different, a secret ingredient, a surprise element, I wonder what is in store this year at the Wharf.
I signed up for the Judge's Table. If anyone else has, let me know and maybe we can sit together.
For my examples of outstanding Clam Chowder from our San Francisco Bay Area, there is Hog Island Oyster in the Ferry Building is amazing, and Swan Oyster Depot is steady classic.
I, Dean, will have a blue flag, we will meet at the starting location and then can go through the event as a group or individually, perhaps eating together at the end. If anyone else purchases judges tickets let me know, maybe we can sit together.
Minutiae
Full event details on eventbrite, there is a discount for five tickets, use comments to find friends.
Event Information
Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 12:00 – 5:00 PM | Little Embarcadero, Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco
Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl, steps from Fisherman’s Wharf iconic piers — this October, that's the whole afternoon. The Fisherman's Wharf Chowder Fest brings 8–12 local restaurants together to compete for the title of San Francisco's Best Clam Chowder, judged live on the waterfront.
Free to attend — watch the competition, shop the marketplace, enjoy free activities and catch the entertainment at no cost.
Want to taste the best clam chowder in San Francisco yourself? Grab a Taster's Pass while supplies last!
### What to Expect
- Live chowder competition — 8–12 SF restaurants go head-to-head for San Francisco's Best Clam Chowder, Best Theme & Display, and the People's Choice.
- Judged live — San Francisco culinary tastemakers score every entry right in front of the crowd.
- Your vote counts — Ticket holders vote for People's Choice via QR code.
- Marketplace & outdoor bars — food, drink, and retail vendors line the Wharf all afternoon.
- Live entertainment — enjoy live music, demonstrations, and competition updates from the host and judges
- Free activities — photo ops, workshops, and lawn games, all included with general admission.
from event website
Administratriva
Festival payment is via Eventbrite
Dress is cool casual
Transportation to Fisherman's Wharf
MUNI: F, 30
Finding street parking in Fisherman's Wharf is usually impossible.
Parking garages can be found nearby
Use event comments for Car Pooling and Ride Sharing.
Many thanks for the photos and history from event website
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