Saratoga Springs Chowderfest Chowder Tour 2021 Information You Need to Know

Chowder and soup cooking in large pots

Saratoga Chowder Tour 2021 – a Different Way to Attend Chowderfest

Saratoga Springs’ annual Chowderfest may look and feel different this year, but it’s still on. Even though this year it will be called the Saratoga Chowder Tour 2021, the annual chowder-eating celebration has always been about supporting local restaurants since its inception in 1999.  Now in 2021, it is more important than ever to support local restaurants and we have all the information you need to have a great time and enjoy all the great chowder local Saratoga restaurants have to offer.

Saratoga Chowderfest 2021 Info

  • What: Saratoga Chowder Tour 2021
  • When: Saturday, January 30 through Saturday, February 6
  • Where: Over 30 participating restaurants (full list)
  • Cost: Varies, see restaurants for details
  • Voting: Online only – No paper ballots this year

Just like so many other public events, Chowderfest 2021 will look like no other Chowderfest. If you have attended in previous years you remember what it was like. If you have not attended a Chowderfest I will give you an idea of what went on. You walked down Broadway and interacted with eighty or so soup, chili and chowder makers from around the Saratoga Springs area. It is nearly always cold and the lines were long to buy all the different $1 chowder samples. However, like most Saratoga Springs events, hanging out with friends and family is what really makes Chowderfest an event.

The votes are tallied and the favorite vendor is revealed so they can brag for a whole year that they are the best in the area! There was all sorts or merch with the Chowderfest logo of that year, which many folks collected as they attended the different Chowderfests.

Of course, Chowderfest 2021 will look nothing like that. I must say that the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau is working hard to keep all the special Saratoga Springs events going in spite of the time of Covid forcing many events to be cancelled completely.

Scooping soup into a bowl

What Will Chowderfest Look Like for 2021 : Chowder Tour

Chowderfest is now Chowder Tour and runs a whole week, Saturday, January 30 – Saturday, February 6, 2021. This year instead of everyone going to downtown Saratoga and walking along Broadway, folks will visit each restaurant throughout the week to taste the entries. Most importantly, drive to each vendor in the safety of your own car.

The list of vendors this year is greatly reduced nonetheless, over 30 restaurants are participating. Also, there are no more $1 samples. Each restaurant will have their chowder available to accompany your lunch, dinner, or drinks. Additionally, they will even sell pints and quarts to-go. Be aware – things will get busy, it is highly recommended  you make reservations, because these restaurants still need to keep the distancing safe.

Merchandise is Still Available – Online

Get your 2021 Saratoga Chowder Tour gear from T-Shirt Graphics in Ballston Spa by going to this special site. You can purchase, long sleeve t-shirts, baseball caps, and knit hats/beanies all with the Chowder Tour 2021 logo. Be sure to wear your gear when you visit the different vendor – they will know why you’re there as soon as you walk through the door! Buy online to have shipped to your house or best of all pick up is available at T-Shirt Graphics at 12 Grove Street, Ballston Spa, NY, 12020. Click here for location information and current hours.

Sipping soup from bowl

Vote for Your Favorite Chowder 2021

Which restaurant gets to brag about being the best in the Saratoga Springs area? Of course, voting is the only way to determine the winner! Understandably, no paper ballots this year, it is all done online. The voting site will be available once Chowder Tour begins on January 30th so follow this link.

Chowder Tour 2021 Helpful Tips

2013 Flash Mob on Caroline St

Remember when flash mobs were a big thing? I found this and absolutely had to share it. It’s a beautiful tribute to both Caroline Street and the whole atmosphere Chowderfest creates in downtown Saratoga Springs. Although, I must admit, I was taken aback no one was wearing masks! Look at those smiles!

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  1. Pingback: Winners Announced for Saratoga Chowder Tour 2021 - Everyday Saratoga

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