It’s BACK!

The 97.5 WOKQ Chowder Festival Summer Kick-off, presented by Avery Insurance, returns to Prescott Park Arts Festival for its 38th year. Held on the first Saturday of June, this staple of summer in Portsmouth, NH kicks-off festivities for Prescott Park Arts Festival’s Summer 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.

ATTENTION PASSHOLDERS
A CHANGE for this year’s Chowder Festival!

Buy one ticket for just $20 and get one ticket FREE. In a departure from past years, tickets to this popular Arts Festival fundraiser will now be offered to passholders on a limited buy one, get one free (BOGO) basis.
DID YOU KNOW? Chowder Festival is one of the largest fundraisers of the year for the Arts Festival.

Thank you for your understanding and support!

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! PLUS you can pre-order delicious oysters from Virgin Oyster Company. 

Chowder not your thing or just want to hang out after? We have plenty of space for you to enjoy family friendly fun in the park. Best part – the Park is always free and open to all. We are planning lots of fun and exciting entertainment for the whole fam like a tie-dying station; giant lawn games like connect four, corn hole, and Jenga; face painting. We will also offer complimentary live music featuring local talent and a fun raffle with some incredible prizes. People can grab delicious favorites like ice cream, fresh squeezed lemonade, hush puppies, and more from The Prop, the onsite kitchen and concessions stand.

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Who will win the Golden Ladle this year?

 

🍲 Who’s Stirring the Pot This Year?

From fan favorites to exciting newcomers, this year’s lineup is packed with flavor:

• Buoy Shack – Fresh seafood and coastal charm

• Cheese Louise – Inventive, corn chowder twists

• Fisherman’s Catch Restaurant – Classic clam chowder from a Wells institution

• Old Ferry Landing – A Portsmouth staple with waterfront flair

• River House – Nine-time People’s Choice winner serving up seafood chowder

• Rye Harbor Lobster Pound – Straight from the harbor to your spoon with their iconic fluffy chowder, lobster bisque

• SALT Kitchen & Bar – Last year’s Judge’s Choice winner with a yummy clam chowder

• The Library Restaurant – Elegant clam chowder from a historic location

• The Prop – Festival comfort food favorites delivering a gluten free chowder

• The Wilder – Inventive gastropub flavors

• The York River Landing – Hearty, family-style clam chowder

• Two-Fifty Market – Locally sourced, bold and fresh clam chowder

• When Pigs Fly Sourdough Breads – New in 2025! Local bakery magic is the perfect pairing with all of the chowders of the day

• Virgin Oyster Company – Fresh-shucked oysters all day (pre-order yours!)

This years Judges!

Jay Krecklow of Ohana Kitchen, Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern and Lori McEachern, Tod O’Dowd of Avery Insurance, Ginny Brophey of 97.5 WOKQ, and Ben Wheeler of Piscataqua Savings Bank.

Plus NEW in 2025! We will have a Kids’ Choice Award for the best chowder!

Kid Judges: Sebastian Finnegan and Carson Curtis (the actors playing Fletcher in this year’s Signature Musical: Disney’s Freaky Friday!), Miles Frank (our Director of Development’s son), Ternan and Aurelia McEachern (Portsmouth Mayor’s daughters), and Rylin and Bradley Loomis (our Bookkeeper’s kids). It’s a family affair!

🎶 Live on the Wilcox Main Stage: FORESIDE FUNK!

Get ready to move! Kittery’s own Foreside Funk will bring the heat with a 10-piece horn-powered set filled with classic funk, soul, and original grooves. It’s the perfect soundtrack to an afternoon of sunshine and chowder.

THIS EVENT IS RAIN OR SHINE!