Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk To Host 45th Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off

SANTA CRUZ, CA — The City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department will present the 45th Annual Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off on February 21–22, 2026. The event will take place at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

This marks the 45th year for the clam chowder competition. The event is described as the largest and longest-running of its kind in the nation. Thousands of attendees are expected for the weekend, which will feature various clam chowder preparations.

Over 80 amateur and professional chefs are scheduled to participate. They will compete for top honors, offering both New England-style and Manhattan-inspired clam chowder recipes. Guests will have the opportunity to sample entries and cast their votes for their favorites.

Sales tents for the event will open at 10 a.m. each day. Cooking is set to begin at 11 a.m., with public tasting starting at 1 p.m. The event is planned to proceed rain or shine.

Attendees can pre-purchase official tasting kits through February 20. These kits allow for sampling multiple chowders and voting. Limited-edition merchandise, including commemorative T-shirts and souvenirs, will also be available for purchase while supplies last.

Proceeds generated from the cook-off will support Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation programs. These funds aid local community events and initiatives throughout the year.

"This event is all about great food, local talent, and the Santa Cruz spirit—we can’t wait to welcome everyone back for another incredible year," said Annalise Bryant, Recreation Supervisor for Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation.