The Ultimate Seafood Showdown: Your Guide to the 2026 OBX Chowder Cook-Off
There is something undeniably magical about the Outer Banks in March. The air is crisp, the crowds are manageable, and the local community comes alive with a vibrancy that summer visitors often miss. If you are planning a spring getaway or looking for the perfect excuse to gather the family for a weekend at the beach, your timing couldn’t be better.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 14, 2026. The Outer Banks Brewing Station in Kill Devil Hills is hosting one of the most anticipated culinary events of the season: the OBX Chowder Cook-Off.
For foodies, families, and anyone who appreciates a hearty bowl of comfort food, this isn’t just a lunch—it’s a showdown. Whether you are a long-time lover of Outer Banks cuisine or a first-time visitor looking to taste the local flavor, this event offers a unique opportunity to sample the best creations from the area’s top chefs.
Here is everything you need to know to make the most of this savory celebration.
A Battle for the Best Bowl
The OBX Chowder Cook-Off is more than a casual tasting; it is a high-stakes culinary competition. Local restaurants and chefs are stepping away from their own kitchens and heading to the Brewing Station backyard to go head-to-head.
The goal? To claim the coveted title of Best Seafood Chowder.
The stakes are high, with a share of $1,750 in cash prizes on the line. This level of competition means you aren’t just getting standard menu items. You are tasting the A-game of every participating chef. They bring their secret ingredients, their most refined techniques, and their passion for local seafood to every pot.
For you, the attendee, this translates to an incredible variety of flavors. You might find traditional Hatteras-style clam chowders with their clear, briny broth, rich and creamy New England-style varieties, or innovative twists that incorporate local spices and unexpected ingredients.
You Be the Judge
One of the most engaging aspects of the Chowder Cook-Off is that your opinion truly matters. This event features People’s Choice Voting, which means you aren’t just a spectator—you are a judge.
Upon entry, you will receive a ballot. As you move from station to station, sampling unlimited ladles of rich, steaming chowder, you will need to take mental (or physical) notes. Which broth had the best texture? Who had the freshest clams? Which chef nailed the seasoning?
Casting your vote adds a layer of fun and engagement to the afternoon. It sparks debates among friends and family members about who deserves the crown, making the experience interactive and memorable.
What Your Ticket Includes
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Outer Banks Brewing Station, Kill Devil Hills
Ticket Price: $40.00
For your $40 ticket, you receive:
- Unlimited Chowder Samples: There is no cap on how many different chowders you can try. Go back for seconds of your favorites or make it your mission to try every single entry.
- Two Drink Tickets: Hydration—or libation—is key. Your entry includes two beverage tickets redeemable for beer, wine, soda, or water. It’s the perfect way to wash down those savory samples.
- Live Entertainment: It wouldn’t be a backyard party without music. Enjoy live entertainment that sets a festive, upbeat tone for the afternoon.
A Family-Friendly Affair
At Shoreline OBX, we understand that the best vacations are the ones where every family member is happy. Finding events that cater to adults and children alike can sometimes be a challenge, but the Chowder Cook-Off hits the sweet spot.
The event is explicitly designed to be family-friendly. The atmosphere at the Outer Banks Brewing Station’s backyard is relaxed and open, giving energetic kids room to breathe rather than being confined to a formal dining table.
The best part? Kids 10 and under get in for FREE with a paid adult.
While the free child entry does not include drink tickets, it does include unlimited chowder samples. This is a fantastic way to introduce your little ones to local seafood and new flavors without the risk of ordering a full restaurant meal they might not finish. It turns lunch into an adventure where they can taste-test right alongside you.
The Venue: Outer Banks Brewing Station
If you haven’t visited the Outer Banks Brewing Station, you are in for a treat. Located at 600 South Croatan Highway in Kill Devil Hills, this venue is a local landmark. It is famous for being the first wind-powered brewery in the United States, blending sustainability with excellent craft beer and food.
The event takes place in their spacious backyard area. This outdoor setting allows you to soak up the fresh March air and enjoy the coastal sunshine. It’s a casual, “dress for the season” environment. We recommend bringing a light jacket or layers, as coastal weather in March can be beautifully brisk.
The Brewing Station’s backyard often features yard games and plenty of space to mingle, making it feel less like a formal food festival and more like a community block party where everyone is invited.
Important: Tickets Will Sell Out
We cannot stress this enough: Space is limited.
To keep the event enjoyable and ensure there is plenty of chowder for everyone, the organizers have capped the event at only 300 tickets.
This is one of the signature events of the Taste of the Beach weekend, and it sells out every single year. No tickets will be sold at the door. If you wait until you arrive in town to decide, you will likely miss out.
If you are planning to be in town or are looking for a reason to book a last-minute getaway, we strongly recommend purchasing your tickets immediately. It secures your spot at the table and guarantees your lunch plans for Saturday are settled.
Making the Most of Your Spring Getaway
Attending the OBX Chowder Cook-Off is the perfect anchor for a spring weekend trip. March offers a slower pace than the peak summer months, allowing you to truly relax and reconnect with your loved ones.
Imagine waking up in one of our spacious Shoreline OBX vacation rentals. You enjoy a slow morning with coffee on a private deck, watching the ocean or the sound. You head over to the Brewing Station for a few hours of incredible food and fun. Afterward, you return to your rental home—perhaps one with a gourmet kitchen where you can store your own snacks, or a heated pool and hot tub to unwind as the evening cools down.
Our homes are designed to accommodate large families and groups, giving everyone the privacy they need while providing beautiful communal spaces to come together. Whether you need a pet-friendly property so the dog doesn’t miss the trip, or a home with an elevator for easy accessibility, we have options that ensure your stay is effortless.
Plan Your Taste of the Beach Experience
The Chowder Cook-Off is a highlight, but it is just one part of the culinary culture here. When you book a stay during this time, you are immersing yourself in a community that takes food seriously.
Tips for a successful Cook-Off day:
- Arrive on time: The event starts at 11:00 AM. Arriving early ensures you get the first look at the stations and shorter lines for your first round of samples.
- Dress comfortably: You will be standing, walking, and eating outdoors. Comfortable shoes and layers are your best friends.
- Coordinate with your group: If you are traveling with a large party, buy your tickets together online to ensure no one is left out.
Don’t let this delicious opportunity pass you by. Secure your tickets, book your Shoreline OBX rental home, and get ready to cast your vote for the best chowder on the beach. We can’t wait to see you there!
Plan Your Stay
Browse our Outer Banks Vacation Rentals and start planning your unforgettable getaway today.
👉 Short-Term Stays – Can’t get away for a whole week? No worries! We offer partial week stays on select homes!
