Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off (LBI Chowderfest)
LBI's premier fall food festival — free Saturday Merchant Mart, ticketed Sunday chowder cook-off.
2026 edition — past event
The 2026 edition has ended. Keep these dates as a reference; a later edition needs its own published dates before you reserve a trip around it.
Chowderfest has already run this year — here's what's next
The Jersey Shore event calendar keeps going well past Labor Day. These are the next dated events on it.
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- LBI FLY International Kite FestivalOctober 9–10 · Ship Bottom
- Ocean County Columbus Day Italian FestivalOctober 9–11 · Seaside Heights
- Atlantic City Comedy FestivalOctober 9–10 · Atlantic City
- West Cape May Lima Bean FestivalOctober 10 · West Cape May
Event Details
Date
October 3-4, 2026
Time
Saturday Merchant Mart 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Sunday Cook-Off 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location
Beach Haven
Taylor Avenue field behind Bay Village, Beach Haven
Admission
Saturday free; Sunday Cook-Off $35 advance / $40 at the gate; under-10s free unless voting
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Same trip, same weekend
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About Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off (LBI Chowderfest)
Long Beach Island's signature fall event runs two days: a free Merchant Mart on Saturday, then Sunday's Chowder Cook-Off where LBI restaurants compete for best New England and Manhattan clam chowder and attendees taste and vote.
Highlights
Competing LBI restaurants
Taste and vote
Free Saturday Merchant Mart
Live music
Craft vendors
Tips for Attending
Arrive early for shortest lines
Buy Sunday Cook-Off tickets in advance
Combine with fall LBI exploring
Official Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off (LBI Chowderfest)?
Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off (LBI Chowderfest) is listed for October 3-4, 2026 in Beach Haven, NJ. The event typically runs Saturday Merchant Mart 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Sunday Cook-Off 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
Is Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off (LBI Chowderfest) free?
Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off (LBI Chowderfest) requires Saturday free; Sunday Cook-Off $35 advance / $40 at the gate; under-10s free unless voting. Visit the official website for pricing and availability.
Where is Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off (LBI Chowderfest) held?
Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off (LBI Chowderfest) takes place at Taylor Avenue field behind Bay Village, Beach Haven in Beach Haven, Ocean County. Address: Beach Haven, NJ 08008
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