> At a Glance
> – The Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off returns February 21-22, 2026
> – Competitors battle in Boston vs. Manhattan styles across amateur and pro brackets
> – $18 tasting kit buys six samples; proceeds fund Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation
> – Why it matters: Chowder lovers get to judge the coast’s creamiest rivalry while helping local parks
Savory flavors keep sneaking into sweets, but clam chowder remains proudly in its own lane-especially in Santa Cruz, where the annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off turns the Boardwalk into a soup-lover’s dream.
The Festival by the Numbers
The event is literally built on twos:
- Two days of ladling and tasting
- Two chowder camps: thick Boston vs. tomato-bright Manhattan
- Two entry levels: home-cook amateurs and seasoned pros
Public tastings run both afternoons; no chef skills required to slurp.
How to Taste
Show up hungry and head for the Tasting Kit booth.
- Pay $18 for a punch card good for six 2-oz. scoops
- Slides are doled out by the Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation volunteers
- Every dollar beyond costs goes straight to city park programs
Calendar at a Glance
| Date | Time | What’s Happening |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 21, 2026 | Noon-4 p.m. | Amateur judging & public tasting |
| Feb 22, 2026 | Noon-4 p.m. | Pro judging & public tasting |
Key Takeaways
- Chowder stays in the bowl, not the ice-cream cone
- $18 buys six tastes and supports local parks
- Bring a spoon-and maybe a jacket for that ocean breeze
Mark the February 21-22 weekend now; when the fog rolls in, the chowder will be hot and the competition fierce.
