5 Reasons to Love the Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off

1) The Chefs are Characters

Contestants take their cooking very seriously, but when it comes to fun, they really know how to mix it up. Wild costumes and crazy booths attract tasters and help contestants win votes. Don’t be surprised if Hannibal Lecter serves your chowder at Silence of the Clams or meet the Big Clam Chowdski at Wine with Swine.

2) Salty Breezes Stimulate the Appetite

Whatever the weather, fresh ocean air goes perfectly with clam chowder. Work up an appetite with a walk on the beach, have a scream on the Giant Dipper, then take a stroll along the Boardwalk as the chefs prepare their ingredients. It’s a colorful, friendly spectacle, filled with the sizzling smells of yummy ingredients.

3) World-Class People Watching

Take a seat and watch the show! Foodies from all around the Bay Area will be in town to sample their way through dozens of clam chowders. Between the costumed chefs, hungry locals, and happy visitors enjoying a day out in Santa Cruz, it’s a colorful, upbeat crowd.

4) Your Community Benefits

City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department receives all event proceeds. Last year, that was a whopping $67,000! Since it started in 1981, the Clam Chowder Cook-Off has raised a $1.2 million for local Parks & Recreation programs.

5) The Chowder

Sample your way thorough NorCal’s largest selection of clam chowder! You’ll find more than 60 different chowders spread like a giant buffet from one end of the Boardwalk to the other.

The 35th Annual Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off gets underway at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on Saturday, February 20. This fun event has been going strong for 35 years -- come see why! Admission is free, tasting kits (5 taste tickets) may be purchased for $10. Arrive by 11am for the full experience! Tasting starts at 1pm.

For more information visit beachboardwalk.com/clamchowder or call (831) 420-5273