It’s BACK!

The 97.5 WOKQ Chowder Festival Summer Kick-off, presented by Avery Insurance, returns to Prescott Park Arts Festival for its 37th year. Held on the first Saturday of June, this staple of summer in Portsmouth, NH offers even more this year as it kicks-off festivities for Prescott Park Arts Festival's 50th Anniversary Season!

Join in the fun of the Chowder Festival with some of your favorite local restaurants serving-up mouthwatering chowder in Prescott Park. Check out the complimentary live music, kid-friendly activities, and grab an ice cream from the Prop.

This community event is always a great time from 11:30 am until the chowder runs out. The Summer Kick-Off side of the park is free and open to all. 

Chowder Festival Tickets are $20 per person and FREE for season pass holders, but you must reserve tickets! Get your season passes now for a fun-filled summer with the Arts Festival.  Already a pass holder and want to reserve your tickets for Chowder Fest? Just email us for your unique code! [email protected]

NEW IN 2024! Pre-order a farm fresh oyster on the half-shell from Virgin Oyster Company who will be shucking delicious oysters in the park all day.

Stay tuned to find out the incredible restaurants joining in the 97.5 WOKQ Chowder Festival, presented by Avery Insurance!

This taste-testing affair has become a New England institution for chowder lovers in the tri-state region. An impeccable roster of amazing restaurants throughout the seacoast join us to introduce their delicious chowder recipes to compete for the Best Chowder title and to take home the Golden Ladle! Recipes in the past have included Smoked Scallop Chowder, Manhattan Chowder, Vegetarian Chowder, Corn Chowder and Spicy Seafood Chowder. We can't wait to see what they come up with this year!

Stay Tuned for Restaurants participating in Chowder Festival! 

Who will win the Golden Ladle this year?

Judges for Judges' Choice: 

Well-known NH Chef, Bobby "the butcher" Marcotte of Tuckaway Tavern and two-time Guy's Grocery Games Champion, plus more judges to be announced soon! 

Severe Weather Date: Sunday, June 2, 2024