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. Tickets will go on sale this spring.

The Summer Kick-Off side of the park is free and open to all. More details to come!

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!

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?

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Severe Weather Date: Sunday, June 8, 2025