Chowder Fest Returns to Fisherman’s Wharf

Media Kit

Media contact:
David Perry (Fisherman’s Wharf)
news@davidperry.com
415 – 676 – 7007

Maro Guevara (Into The Streets)
maro@intothestreetssf.com
415 – 226 – 9289

Wharf Fest Returns as Chowder Fest
on October 24

Fisherman’s Wharf revives its annual chowder competition with
a full afternoon of festival fun, acclaimed culinary judges,
and a free Pride & Joy SF concert

20 October 2026 – SAN FRANCISCO, CA:  Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl is a Fisherman’s Wharf classic, and this Saturday, a beloved waterfront tradition is back on the menu. Wharf Fest returns as Fisherman’s Wharf Chowder Fest on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from noon to 5 p.m., reviving the annual chowder competition with a full afternoon of live music, local flavor and bayside fun, with free general admission and tasting passes available for purchase.

Reviving the celebration formerly known as Wharf Fest after years dormant, Chowder Fest brings a fresh flavor to a beloved annual tradition. Presented by Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District, Into The Streets, and the Port of San Francisco, the event takes place at Triangle Lot and Little Embarcadero on Fisherman’s Wharf. 

“Fisherman’s Wharf Chowder Fest invites the Bay Area to experience the best of San Francisco—our historic waterfront, our food, and our hospitality,” said Bri Maughan, Executive Director of Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District. “After a multi-year hiatus, we’re reigniting our annual chowder competition tradition. We can’t wait to welcome back our neighbors and visitors alike for a delicious, joyful afternoon on the Wharf. We’ll meet you by the Bay!”

Steps from the Wharf’s iconic piers, local restaurants will compete for the title of San Francisco’s Best Clam Chowder, alongside awards for Best Theme & Display and People’s Choice. Culinary judges will score entries live on the waterfront, while tasting-pass holders sample the competing chowders and cast their own votes.

General admission is free, with no ticket required. Visitors can watch the competition and enjoy a free concert by Pride & Joy SF, the beloved Bay Area party band known for its crowd-moving mix of timeless pop and soul favorites.

The fun continues all afternoon with a pop-up vendor marketplace, free activities, demonstrations and outdoor bars. Stick around for “Seal the Deal” contests, where you can balance a ball on your nose, honk your best honk and show off your inner sea lion (all hosted by Chowder Fest’s own drag superstar, Glam Chowder). 

“There’s something wonderful about seeing people come together over a local favorite, discover a small business and end up dancing with strangers,” said Katy Birnbaum, CEO and founder of Into The Streets. “We’re bringing that spirit to Chowder Fest, with plenty of room for delightful surprises. Come for the chowder, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself in a sea lion honking contest.”

A Culinary Lineup Reflecting the Bay Area’s Flavor

Some of the Wharf’s most beloved restaurants are stepping up to the ladle—with a little friendly competition from the Sunset. Blue Mermaid, Cioppino’s, Franciscan Crab Restaurant, and Bistro Boudin will be joined by Rusty Ladle from the Sunset District, bringing signature recipes, neighborhood pride, and serious culinary chops to a bayside battle for chowder glory.

Meanwhile, Chowder Fest’s judging panel brings together expertise in pastry, artisan sourdough, Thai cuisine, and New Orleans-inspired cooking, reflecting the culinary traditions and creativity that define the Bay Area:

• Monique Feybesse: San Francisco-born Filipino American chef behind Oakland’s Tarts de Feybesse, a Top Chef Season 19 contestant and 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker.
• Azikiwee “Z” Anderson: Founder of San Francisco’s Rize Up Bakery, celebrated for inventive naturally leavened breads and a commitment to community, food access, and mentorship.
• Kasem “POP” Saengsawang: Le Cordon Bleu–trained founder of Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine and the restaurant group behind Daughter Thai, Son & Garden and Noka Ramen; winner of Food Network’s 2025 Chopped “Thai Takedown.”
• Brenda Buenviajé: Chef and founder of Brenda’s French Soul Food, whose cooking draws on her New Orleans upbringing and Sicilian, French, and Filipino heritage; twice invited to cook at the James Beard House.

Leading the festivities is emcee and host Geronimo Ramos III, a professionally trained chef, forager, and host of the PBS series Geronimo Eats the Bay. Known for his sustainable seafood advocacy and collaborations with Hog Island Oyster Co. and Patagonia Provisions, Ramos will guide the crowd through the competition, demonstrations, and award announcements.

Taste, Vote, and Bring Your Crew

Tasting passes are available in limited quantities, with advance purchase strongly encouraged:

• Taster’s Hungry Pass — $50: Samples from every competing chowder station, a sampler kit and a People’s Choice vote.
• Taster’s Thirsty Pass — $70: All Hungry Pass benefits, plus drink tickets and beverage tasting. Available to guests 21 and older with valid ID.
• VIP Judge’s Table — $125: Reserved seating, full chowder service, special drink service and access to chefs and judges throughout the day. Available by advance purchase only.

Groups can save 25% with the Taster’s Hungry Pass 5-Pack. 

Public tasting runs from noon to 3:30 p.m., when People’s Choice voting closes. Winners will be announced on the main stage at 4:45 p.m.

Calendar Listing
What: Fisherman’s Wharf Chowder Fest, formerly Wharf Fest
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026 | Noon–5 p.m.
Where: Triangle Lot & Little Embarcadero, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco
Admission: Free; tasting passes sold separately
Tickets

The event is family-friendly and takes place rain or shine. General admission and the Taster’s Hungry Pass are open to all ages. Tasting passes are limited; free admission remains available throughout the event. Presented by Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District, Into The Streets and the Port of San Francisco.

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ABOUT FISHERMAN’S WHARFFisherman’s Wharf is one of San Francisco’s most iconic and beloved destinations, known for its historic fishing fleet, seafood restaurants, waterfront views, PIER 39 sea lions, family attractions, maritime heritage and enduring role as a gathering place for locals and visitors from around the world.
For more information, visit FishermansWharf.org

ABOUT INTO THE STREETS
Founded by San Francisco event veteran Katy Birnbaum in 2023, Into The Streets is a woman of color– and LGBTQ-owned, San Francisco-based small business dedicated to empowering female, Indigenous, brown, Black and queer communities, realizing economic liberation and making the city a more just, joyous and environmentally regenerative place.

For more information, visit IntoTheStreetsSF.com.

ABOUT THE PORT OF SAN FRANCISCO

The Port of San Francisco oversees 7.5 miles of waterfront encompassing maritime facilities, visitor attractions, historic districts and small businesses. Its work supports maritime commerce, recreation and economic development while promoting environmental stewardship and financial sustainability for San Francisco, the Bay Area and California. 

For more information, visit SFPort.com. 

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