Fisherman's Wharf Chowder Fest
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.*