Is the event free or ticketed?

• The Merchant Mart on Saturday, October 5, 2024 is free. All vendors (merchants and food vendors) accept various forms of payment (Cash, CC, Venmo, etc.). Beer, Wine, & Seltzer can be purchased with a digital payment method only (CC, Apple Pay, etc.). Cash will not be accepted for beer, wine, and seltzer sales.

• The Cook-off on Sunday, October 6, 2024 is a ticketed event. The gated competition portion of the event requires proof of a digital ticket to enter. Tickets can also be purchased the day of the event, but at a higher price.

• Pre-purchased tickets are available here for $30/person. Day of the event tickets will be $35/person.

• All patrons purchasing beer/wine/seltzer must be 21 or older and have a valid form of ID.

Do kids need tickets?

Under 10 don’t need tickets unless they want to vote. If so, they would need a purchased ticket. 

What goes on at the Merchant Mart on Saturday?

Saturday is grounded by 75+ local and regional merchants. An application process allows us to curate the village to predominantly include local, handmade, LBI-related goods. If you are interested in vending, then please fill out the application. The Vendor Village is supplemented with local food vendors, beer/wine/seltzer bars, a youth section, and music all day which rounds out our festival on the Barnegat Bay.

What goes on at the Cook-off on Sunday?

The classic cook-off is the core of our event where local restaurants compete in RED and WHITE chowder categories. This is the ticket portion of the event where proof of purchase allows you to gain entry and taste an unlimited amount of red and white chowder. Sunday’s festivities also include a limited amount of merchants, food vendors, beer/wine/seltzer bars, a youth area, and music all day.

Which restaurants are competing in the Cook-off?

Please see our restaurants page for more information on the local businesses that make up the core of our event!

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are allowed on Saturday for the merchants mart but not Sunday unless are a certified service dog. Emotional support animals DO NOT classify as service dogs. All dogs must be on a short leash.

Can I bring my kids / strollers?

Yes, our event is family-oriented and includes a youth section with activities. Strollers and wagons welcome but please do not bring them under tents.

Do you allow outside food and beverage?

No outside food or beverage is allowed. Absolutely no coolers, yetis or water bottles. All water, drinks and food must be purchased with in the event. 

Is this a 21+ event?

This is an all ages event. You must be 21 + to drink, but not to enter. 

How do you deem you are 21+?

Upon entry please go  to the “ID/Security” tent to have your ID scanned and receive a 21+ wrist band. 

How do we buy beer?

There will be POS systems set up at each beer tent for purchases. Please have a Credit Card or Apple Pay available.

Is the event completely cashless ? 

The Chowder Cookoff is a Cashless Event. You can not buy a ticket with cash, however vendors, both food and retail may take cash.  

Is the Chowder Cook off Handicap Accessible?

The Chowder tasting and restrooms (located on pavement) are handicap accessible. 

Where should we park?

The Beach Haven School does a fundraiser to park in their lot it is $15 per car. Get there early! Otherwise, there is street parking around Beach Haven .

Is there seating available?

We encourage people to bring beach chairs if you would like to sit. These chairs will ONLY be allowed to be set up in a limited section of the grass closet to the music stage. 

What does this event support?

Our community! Checkout our homepage which details the areas where the event profits go!

How do I vote?

All voting will take place digitally! Each Guest will receive a wristband when their ticket is scanned. The wristband will have a unique ID and Password printed on it. When you are ready to vote, look for the Voting signs that will have a QR code on them. Scan the QR code and log in with your unique ID and Password from your wristband. Once you enter this information, you will get one vote for your favorite Manhattan (Red) Chowder and your favorite New England (White) Chowder. Once you submit your vote, you will not be able to change or vote again. Voting will be open at the start of the Sunday event at 11am and end at 3:30pm. We will have volunteers available to assist you if you have difficulty scanning the QR code or do not have a smart device. We will also have limited wifi available if you are having difficulty with service.