🇺🇸 Santa Cruz
46th Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off
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Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off - 2026
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February 20 - February 21, 2027
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, California, United States
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Event Details
- Date & Time
- February 21 - February 22, 2026
About This Event
Running since 1982, the cook-off raises money for the city's youth programmes. Visitors buy a tasting kit with tickets and a People's Choice ballot, then wander the entries. It takes place on the Beach Boardwalk in late February.
More About This Event
Organizer
- City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation with the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
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Location
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, California, United States
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Open in Google MapsWhat's on
The 45th annual event, billed as the country's largest and longest-running clam chowder competition: amateur chefs on Saturday 21 February, professionals on Sunday 22, 10 am to 4 pm, rain or shine, free to enter with $18 tasting kits whose proceeds support Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation. Amateur results: Bloody Brilliant Chowder won both judges' categories; People's Choice went to Mad About Chowder (Boston) and 4 Men And A Clam (Manhattan), who stirred four pots in white shirts and blue caps. Professional day: UC Santa Cruz Dining won Best Boston, Dominican Oaks Retirement Community won Best Manhattan, The Point Kitchen and Bar and The Eastside Eatery took People's Choice, Ideal Bar & Grill had the most-tasted chowder.