Chowderfest Is Back!
- Shoshanna Hnat
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Channel Islands Maritime Museum Announces the Return of this Celebrated Annual Event
Oxnard, CA – After a hiatus, the Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) is thrilled to announce the return of its highly anticipated 6th Annual Chowderfest, set to take place on September 14, 2025 from 2:00 - 6:00 PM at the museum's picturesque harbor-side location.
Chowderfest has long been a celebrated event in Ventura County, bringing together local restaurants, wineries and breweries in a friendly competition to crown the region's best chowder. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample a diverse array of chowders—from classic clam to innovative non-seafood options—while enjoying tastings from local wineries and craft beer from renowned breweries.
"Not a week goes by when someone doesn't approach me and say, 'When is Chowderfest coming back!'" said Doug Riffenburgh, CIMM Executive Director. "We're excited to bring this vibrant event back to the community and look forward to celebrating our local rich maritime heritage and the culinary flavors of our area."
The event promises a festive atmosphere with live music from local bands, creating the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of culinary delights and community camaraderie. Guests can also explore the museum's exhibits, as admission is included with the event ticket.
Tickets are priced at $40 in advance and $45 at the door. Given the event's popularity, advance purchase is highly recommended. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased online on the museums website.
In anticipation of the event, several local restaurant favorites have already committed to participating, including:
With space limited to just 15 restaurants, CIMM encourages other local establishments to seize this opportunity to showcase their culinary talents and compete for prizes & local bragging rights. Interested restaurants should contact the museum at 805-984-6260 or office@cimmvc.org to secure their spot. Restaurants who commit early will receive the best promotion prior to the event.
Ventura County Harbor Department Director Michael Tripp said he’s excited and thankful the Maritime Museum is bringing back a beloved community event, “We are all thrilled to see the return of the Maritime Museum's annual Chowderfest, a fun event that brings our community together to celebrate great food, culture and maritime heritage. This year’s event is even more special as it coincides with the Channel Islands Harbor’s 60th anniversary celebrations—a milestone where we plan to honor our past while moving forward into the future. We are proud to be part of this community event and look forward to making lasting memories at Chowderfest!"
Proceeds from Chowderfest support the Channel Islands Maritime Museum's mission to preserve and share the wonders of maritime history, offering educational programs and exhibitions that enrich the community. CIMM is a 501c3 non-profit organization and all donations to the museum are tax deductible.
For more information about the event, ticket purchasing or participation inquiries, please visit https://www.cimmvc.org/event-details/chowderfest or email office@cimmvc.org.
About the Channel Islands Maritime Museum
The Channel Islands Maritime Museum is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Channel Islands Harbor, in Oxnard California. Boasting a world-class collection of maritime paintings, ship models, and artifacts, the museum collection rivals some of the most renowned maritime collections in the world.
Museum visitors can explore centuries of maritime history through its stunning maritime art. The artwork is a journey through time, from the dramatic seascapes of 17th-century Dutch masters, through the evocative works of 19th-century English Romantics, to contemporary American maritime artists.
The maritime museum also showcases interactive exhibits and the intricate craftsmanship of ship model experts, including Edward Marple’s celebrated tall ship models. In addition, the museum hosts the largest bone-model collection outside of the Naval Academy Museum in Annapolis, Maryland. These exquisite models tell a mind-blowing tale of maritime history, about French prisoners of war who created these works of art while held captive by the British during the Napoleonic Wars. And these can be seen right here in Oxnard!
The museum is open Thursday - Monday 12 - 4 PM (closed Tues & Weds). Come Explore!
