27th Annual Saratoga Chowderfest

About this event

Get ready to celebrate the 27th Annual Chowderfest on Saturday, February 7, 2026!

What to Know About Chowderfest

Over 80 Saratoga County restaurants will be serving up 4 oz. samples of chowder for just $2 each. Enjoy live music throughout downtown, fun activities for kids, and exclusive Chowderfest merchandise, including collectible shirts and hats.

Parking Information

To ensure safety and enhance the event experience, Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs will be closed to vehicular traffic from Lake Avenue to Washington Avenue between 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Discover Saratoga has also increased accessibility with four free shuttles running from the Saratoga Casino Hotel between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

If you are driving, the Saratoga Springs City Center parking garage offers space for over 600 vehicles.

Official Merchandise

Commemorate your day with official Chowderfest gear, available at the Saratoga Hilton Lobby and the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center. Long sleeve t-shirts are available for $20 ($22 for XXL), knit beanies for $15, and official Chowderfest spoons for $5.

Please note that credit card transactions are subject to additional fees.

How to Vote

Vote for your favorite participating location on the Discover Saratoga mobile app during the event to be entered to win $1,000 worth of gift cards to local businesses and restaurants.

1. Download the free Discover Saratoga app (App Store or Google Play).

2. Create an account with a valid email address.

3. Open the app, click Chowderfest, and select Chowderfest 2026.

4. Pick your favorite and hit Vote! Limit one vote per person.

Chowderfest Happenings

Experience the festivities across several downtown locations:

• Saratoga Hilton Lobby: Purchase merchandise (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.), see the Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway model train, and enjoy face painting and balloon art from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Heritage Area Visitor Center: Merchandise sales (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and info tables for the Mostly Modern Festival and NYS Troopers. Early merch sales available Feb 3–6.

• Downtown Highlights:

  • Public Library: Browse the Chowderfest History Exhibit in the Saratoga Room.

  • Live Performances: Catch Sinopoli Dance at Saratoga Arts (12 p.m.) or pop-up salsa and swing by Dance Fire Studios along Broadway and Phila Street.

  • Special Deals: Get $5 off admission at the National Museum of Racing (pick up coupons at the Visitor Center).

  • And more!

• Photo Ops: Take photos with Chester the Chowda-Bear at Saratoga Candy Co. (12 p.m. – 2 p.m.) or Flavor the Cow outside Stewart’s on Broadway.

Join the thousands of others who have made this exciting event an annual winter tradition year after year!