FAQ

For over 30 years this event has been held the Saturday BEFORE Columbus Day Weekend.

2023 DATE: 
Saturday, September 30th - Rain Date: Sunday, Oct 1st

HOURS:
10am - 6pm

LOCATION:
Taylor Ave, Bayfront in Beach Haven

Map

2024 DATE:
Saturday, October 5th

New partnership with community nonprofit organizations continues the 34-year tradition!

The Southern Ocean Chamber Association has partnered with the Hunger Foundation of Southern Ocean, both 501(C)3 nonprofit organizations, to present Chowderfest making it a full day of events.

Bayfront Festival & Vendor Village - Free
Hosted by Southern Ocean Chamber Association
The Festival will feature the popular vendor village, live band schedule, beer on tap, seltzers, and delicious food specialties for purchase & more. There is no fee to enter and will feature the Bywatyr Base Camp seating section as well as various activities to spend the day. 

Cook-Off Classic - Ticketed
Hosted by Hunger Foundation of Southern Ocean
This year the ticketed Cook-off Classic will return! Proceeds from ticket sales benefitting (10) food pantries that exclusively service the LBI region. and be presented adjacent to the vendor village featuring eight local restaurants vying for your vote. A red and white chowder champion will be crowned.

Both events will be happening at the Taylor Avenue Bayfront in Beach Haven on Saturday, September 30, 2023. The rain date is scheduled for
Sunday, October 1, but all intentions will be to run this great, traditional fundraising event on the slated date.

Tickets are available online at hfsoc.org

Hosted by Southern Ocean Chamber Association
The Festival will feature the popular vendor village, live band schedule, beer on tap, seltzers, and delicious food specialties for purchase & more.

There is no fee to enter and will feature the Bywatyr Base Camp seating section as well as various activities to spend the day. 

Hosted by Hunger Foundation of Southern Ocean
This year the Cook-off Classic will return with proceeds from ticket sales benefitting (10) food pantries that exclusively service the LBI region. and be presented adjacent to the vendor village featuring eight local restaurants vying for your vote. A red and white chowder champion will be crowned. Both events will be happening at the Taylor Avenue Bayfront in Beach Haven on Saturday, September 30, 2023. The rain date is scheduled for Sunday, October 1, but all intentions will be to run this great, traditional fundraising event on the slated date.

Tickets are available at hfsoc.org

Ticket questions? Email info@hfsoc.org

Parking on LBI and Beach Haven is free, please utilize street and lot parking as available. Designated Handicap parking while available is located on N Delaware Ave. Map

Official LBI Chowderfest merch will be available on-site at the festival for purchase. The Official LBI Chowderfest merchandise is trademarked and sold exclusively by the Southern Ocean Chamber Association and the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce via online storefront and at the festival.

The Bayfront Festival and Vendor Village is a juried event. In order to participate you have to inquire and be selected to exhibit. 

Cost To Participate 
Food Vendor – Per 12×12 Space – $500 
Non-Food Vendor – Per 10×10 Space – $300 

Along with full payment, what is required from selected vendors?
All participating vendors must email:
- Signed contract (provided by SOCA)
- Copy of a certificate of insurance Sample
- FOR FOOD VENDORS ONLY – Completed and signed Temporary Food Establishment Form from the LBI Health Dept. 

Vendors MUST SUPPLY the following:
Tent covering with adequate weights/tie-downs
Tables & Chairs
Fire extinguisher (Fire Marshall will be on-site checking)
Extension Cords

Tender Options
ATMs will be at the event, however, vendors who offer cashless options do far better than vendors who only accept cash.

How many guests are expected to attend?
We are anticipating more than 8,000 guests to attend.

If you would like merch before the event there is a pre-order launch 8/1-8/15. Online store will close to fulfill the orders.

Merchandise can be bought at the event, until sold out.