Chowderfest Weekend Sept 29 & 30 2018

The anniversary weekend kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 29 with a free Merchant Marketplace. Dozens of chamber members will be offering end-of-season bargains, local specialties and gourmet food. Live music from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. featuring a popular line up of local bands. Children’s entertainment will include hands on crafts and a command performance of Crunchy the T-Rex. For the adults, a select variety beers on tap and hard ciders For the adults, a select variety beers on tap and hard ciders are available, including Bud Light, Landshark Lager, Blue Point Toasted Lager, Spaten Oktoberfest, Goose Island IPA, Stella Cidre, Strongbow and McKenzie Black Cherry. First ever wine by the glass and spritzers will be provided by Barefoot Wines. Last year’s expansion of the Chowderfest grounds proved popular providing with more seating, extra room under the tents and by the stage. The musical line up for Saturday begins with Garage Kept, 40 North and closing with the Jimmy Brogan Band performing.

The Chowder Cook-Off Classic heats up on Sunday, September 30 at 11 a.m. as favorite restaurants face off for the tastiest chowder. All ticket holders can sample and place votes for the best red, white and creative chowders, with VIPs getting early access to the chowder tents to taste and view competitors’ decorative booths at 10 a.m. New England or White chowder competitors Country Kettle, Chicken or the Egg, Howard’s, Tucker’s Tavern, Wally’s and Polly’s Dock. Manhattan or Red competitors include Lefty’s Tavern, Buckalew’s, Stefano’s, Ocean County College Hospitality Program, Bistro 14 and Black Whale. Creative Category which is seafood inspired offerings include: Delaware Ave Oyster House, La Bamba, Sunny Rae’s , The Woo Hoo, Blue Water Café, Cuisine on the Green and the first international competitor Nancy’s Barn of Ballyliffen Ireland. VIPs also receive access to Bud Lite Big Screen Bar with dedicated food and beverage service. Children’s activities will also be available throughout out the day with crowd pleasing live music featuring Ted Hammock and Jason Booth, The Pickles and The Impulsives. Winners will be announced at closing ceremonies, which are scheduled for 4 p.m. Though Saturday is a free event, Sunday’s Cook off Classic is a ticketed event. Tickets can be purchased at chowderfest.com or by contacting the Southern Ocean County Chamber at 609-494-7211, visiting their Visitor Center at 265 West Ninth Street in Ship Bottom, or emailing info@sochamber.com. Toddlers under the age of three get free admission. Tickets for the Cook-Off cost: Children to age 4 to 12 – $10, General Admission – $30, VIP – $65 VIPs get early access to the Chowder Cook-Off Classic and an official 2018 Taster T Shirt.