41st Annual Essex ClamFest and Arts & Crafts Festival 2026
Event Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
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Date and Time
Saturday Oct 24, 2026
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM EDT
11 AM-12 PM K-9 Demonstration by the Essex Police Department
11 AM-4 PM Local Artisans & Crafters
11 AM-4 PM Various Food Trucks
12 PM Beer Truck
12-1 PM Chowder Competition (While supplies last)
12-4 PM Face Painting, Reptiles & Kid's Activities by CAVPT
12-2 PM Live Music by Uncharted Watahs
2-4 PM Live Music by Brick House
3 PM Chowder Competition Winners Announced!
Location
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
New event format: The vendors, food, and entertainment will all be located in the paved parking areas. The Clam Chowder Competition will take pace on the tennis courts.
*Martin Street will be closed in one direction for increased on-street parking. Parking is also available at Essex Elementary School on Story Ave, with a free shuttle bus (sponsored by Beauport Ambulance) running every 10 minutes.
Fees/Admission
This event is Free to the Community
Chowder Tasting is $15 per person
Contact Information
Michelle Pepin 978-283-1601
Send Email
Event Sponsors
Community Sponsor
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Description
Join us at the Essex ClamFest, Arts & Crafts Festival from 11 am to 4 pm in Shepard Memorial Park in Essex. Come taste Cape Ann's finest chowders from Noon to 1 pm and vote for your favorite! (Tasting only while supplies last) Although the highlight of the day is the Chowder Tasting Competition, there is also a great variety of activities, including arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment and plenty of food vendors on-site!
Chowder Competition's Participating Restaurants:
Food Vendors to include:
| Essex Lions Club |
| The Lunch Lady Food Truck Woodman's on Wheels |
*Also Featuring local brews from: Rockport Brewing
* Musical entertainment by: Uncharted Watahs and Brick House
* Kids Activities include: Face Painting by Miss Wendy and Cape Ann Vernal Pond reptiles!
* Over 40 Crafters, businesses, and Non-profit tables!
NON-PROFITS:
TBD
VENDORS:
TBD
