New Bedford Gears Up for 19th Annual Seaport Chowder Festival

Ladies and gentlemen, grab your plastic spoons and start your engines.

One SouthCoast Chamber says tickets for the 19th Annual Blount Fine Foods New Bedford Seaport Chowder Festival are now on sale. This beloved community event will take place on Saturday, October 12, at City Pier 3 in New Bedford, offering a day filled with delicious chowders, soups, live entertainment and activities for all ages.

This year's festival promises to be a feast for the senses, with an impressive lineup of local chefs and restaurants competing for your vote as the best chowder and soup in town. Attendees can indulge in various flavors while enjoying live music from Be Kind Rewind, a '90s alternative tribute band.

Beyond the culinary delights, the festival will feature family-friendly activities, opportunities to connect with local vendors and businesses, and plenty of chances to soak in New Bedford's rich maritime heritage.

For those looking to elevate their experience, VIP access on The Black Whale deck offers early entrance at 11 a.m., a complimentary beverage and exclusive tastings from The Black Whale's menu. VIP guests will also enjoy concierge service provided by GotChew, which allows them to order samples from participating vendors via the GotChew app, with deliveries made directly to the VIP deck.

Blount Fine Foods, a leader in premium soups, side dishes, and entrées, is returning as the title sponsor.

Adding to the excitement, the festival will introduce blind taste test judges: the Fun 107 Michael and Maddie morning show crew.

The festival runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with VIP hours from 11 to 2 and general admission starting at noon. Shuttle services will be available from The Whale’s Tooth Parking Lot, provided by SRTA, ensuring easy access to and from the event.

Ticket prices:

$15 – Adult Pre-sale
$20 – Day of the Event
$75 – VIP (Pre-sale only)
$5 – Children (ages 6–12)
Free – Children under 5

Voting and tastings will wrap at 3 p.m.

Participating restaurants include CareOne New Bedford, Mimi’s Kitchen, The Black Whale, Merrill’s on the Waterfront, Quahog Republic Whaler’s Tavern, The Tipsy Toboggan, Rustico, and more to come. Moby Dick Brewing Co. will also be on-site, serving up cold, home-brewed beer on tap.