Chowder lovers, rejoice! If you’ve been anticipating Discover Saratoga’s annual Chowderfest, and you’re craving a variety of creative and delicious chowders, the wait is over. We are excited to announce that this year’s Chowderfest will take place on Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This is one of the area’s most highly anticipated events. Coordinated by Discover Saratoga and presented by Saranac and White Claw, the day will feature live entertainment and family-friendly activities throughout downtown Saratoga Springs and beyond, from Exit 10 to Exit 15 of the Northway (see Chowderfest webpage for an up-to-date listing of participants). Event attendees can try $2 (4 oz.) samples of chowder and vote for their favorite.

Additionally, this year we are bringing back the FREE shuttle. It will run from the Saratoga Casino Hotel (Crescent Avenue entrance) to Congress Park from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Three buses will shuttle people to and from downtown at NO CHARGE.

Four adults and one child posing and holding chowders

Official Saratoga Chowder Guides, which include a list of participating chowder vendors and activities, can be picked up at participating locations on the day of the event, including the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center and the Saratoga Springs City Center. Voting will take place online at www.discoversaratoga.org/chowderfest/vote. Only one vote per device will be accepted and voting closes at 5pm. Winners will be announced at the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center at 6:30 p.m.

Discover Saratoga will be selling t-shirts and hats at the Saratoga Springs City Center (522 Broadway) and at the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center (297 Broadway). Long sleeve shirts are $10 ($12 for 2XL), and hats are $10. Shirts will be available at the Visitor Center beginning on Friday, February 3. For more information, call (518) 584-1531.

Four kitchen employees wearing CF shirts posing in front of the chowder

Chowder being served at Nashville with musicians in the background

Highlights from last year’s event include 74 participating vendors including 12 first-time Chowderfest contestants, with 83,931 bowls of chowder served. Over 30,000 people attended the event.

So grab your friends and family, bundle up, and come enjoy a day sampling chowders made by the area’s best restaurants and caterers!

For more information, including a list of participating chowder vendors and discounted hotel rates, please visit Saratoga Chowderfest (discoversaratoga.org) or call (518) 584-1531.

Two blue paper bowls filled with chowder and topped with cilantro