Waterville Valley Chowderfest in Town Square

Waterville Valley Chowderfest adds a competitive culinary edge to the White Mountains every Memorial Day weekend. You head to Waterville Valley Town Square in New Hampshire for open air tasting from local restaurants, then vote for the recipe you want to see take the title. For a $5 entry fee, you receive a tasting spoon and a ballot, so you can move quickly from station to station.

You can expect a social, casual crowd that works for families, couples, and hikers coming off nearby trails. Area chefs serve small portions while competing in categories that often include classic clam chowder alongside more inventive seafood blends. The tasting runs for a focused two hour window, so timing matters and popular pots can run low.

Plan to arrive at noon, bring small bills to keep lines moving, and carry a reusable water bottle to reset your palate between rich samples. Pack a light jacket and comfortable shoes since mountain weather shifts and you may want to walk to Corcoran Pond or continue onto the trails after you vote. If it is busy, use the public lots at the entrance of the valley and take the shuttle into the Town Square. This event runs in all weather, and in heavy rain tastings typically shift under the covered walkways by the shops.

For the simplest logistics, stay within the Waterville Valley Resort area so you can walk to and from the square. You can also base yourself in Campton or Thornton along the Mad River for additional lodging options, or book a condo or lakefront rental through Lake.com if you want more space. After the winners are announced shortly after tasting ends, you can stay in the square for a full meal since the permanent restaurants remain open, and dogs are generally welcome outdoors on leash if you keep clear of the serving lines.