Chowder Fest: SF’s “Best Clam Chowder” Showdown (Fisherman’s Wharf)
2860 Taylor Street San Francisco, CA 94133 | 2860 Taylor Street San Francisco, CA 94133
Event Details
Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl, steps from Fisherman’s Wharf iconic piers — this October, that’s the whole afternoon. The Fisherman’s Wharf Chowder Fest brings 8–12 local restaurants together to compete for the title of San Francisco’s Best Clam Chowder, judged live on the waterfront.
Free to attend — watch the competition, shop the marketplace, enjoy free activities and catch the entertainment at no cost.
Want to taste the best clam chowder in San Francisco yourself? Grab a Taster’s Pass while supplies last!
What to Expect
- Live chowder competition — 8–12 SF restaurants go head-to-head for San Francisco’s Best Clam Chowder, Best Theme & Display, and the People’s Choice.
- Judged live — San Francisco culinary tastemakers score every entry right in front of the crowd.
- Your vote counts — Ticket holders vote for People’s Choice via QR code.
- Marketplace & outdoor bars — food, drink, and retail vendors line the Wharf all afternoon.
- Live entertainment — enjoy live music, demonstrations, and competition updates from the host and judges
- Free activities — photo ops, workshops, and lawn games, all included with general admission.
Grab Your Pass
Free General Admission — FREE Watch the competition, browse the marketplace, and enjoy the entertainment. No ticket required to attend — but this tier doesn’t include chowder tastings or a People’s Choice vote.
Taster’s Hungry Pass — $50 (limited availability onsite, pre-purchase highly encouraged) Your ticket to the actual tasting. Includes access to every competing chowder station with a sampler kit, plus a vote in the People’s Choice Award.
Taster’s Thirsty Pass — $70 (limited availability onsite, pre-purchase highly encouraged) Everything above, plus drink tickets and beverage tasting while you make your way through the Wharf.
VIP Judge’s Table — $125 (very limited, only available pre-purchase) Go all in with reserved seating, full chowder service, special drink service, access to chefs and judges throughout the day.
All tasting tiers are limited — once they’re gone, they’re gone. Free GA is always available, but tasting access is first-come, first-served.
The Day At a Glance
- 12:00 PM — Doors open, tasting stations open
- 12:00 – 3:30 PM — Public tasting window (Taster’s Pass holders)
- 3:30 PM — People’s Choice voting closes
- 4:45 PM — Winners announced on the main stage
Good to Know
- Family-friendly: General admission and Taster’s Hungry Pass are open to all ages. The Taster’s Thirsty Pass is for guests 21+ with valid ID.
- Rain or shine: The event goes on as scheduled — dress for the weather.
- Location: Triangle Lot & Little Embarcadero, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco.
- Tickets: Taster’s Passes are limited and expected to sell out — we recommend purchasing early.
Presented by Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District, Into The Streets and the Port of San Francisco.
Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.
Cost: FREE*
