41st Annual Essex ClamFest and Arts & Crafts Festival 2026

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!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.

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:

TBD

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