SCHEDULE / PROGRAMMING
The Main Stage
One of the highlights of the Downbeach Seafood Festival is the Chowder Cook-Off. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample and determine what restaurant's chowder deserves the title of the 2026 Seafood Festival Chowder Cook-Off Champion.
In honor of September being National Hunger Action Month, The Atlantic City Seafood Festival will once again partner with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey by donating the proceeds to this important organization. Hunger Action Month, a nationwide Feeding America campaign, challenges the public to take action by promoting ways for individuals everywhere to get involved with the movement to help solve the issue of hunger in America! In 2025, through the Chowder Cook-Off, the Festival and restaurant's goal is to raise $5,000 which is the equivalent of $100,000 in food distributed throughout the Garden State! This year, we plan on increasing that donation with the support of our participating restaurants and festival attendees, one cup of chowder at a time!
To participate, attendees can purchase their Chowder Cook-Off tickets at the chowder tent for $10. Participants will be given tickets to try each chowder presented and they will also get 2 votes to cast for their favorite chowder.
Chowder Cook off times: Saturday, September 19th from 12pm to 4pm, and Sunday, September 20th, 12pm - 4pm.
The Oyster Tour of the Shore!
We’re taking you on a trip through NJ with an Oyster Tour of the Shore! Get a taste of some Jersey’s most exquisite oysters at the Downbeach Seafood Festival!
Great Brews of NJ
Tasting Tent
Over the years, the Great Brews of NJ tent has grown to become a mini Beer Festival within the Seafood Festival. This area will include 12 of NJ's favorite breweries for your sipping pleasure! Tasting tickets are 10 for $10! Tasting Tent opens at Noon. Must be 21 to enter.
Crab Cake Eating Contest
Presented by Jay's Crab Shack
The return of our ever-popular Crab Cake Eating Contest is happening again this year on September 19th & 20th! Sponsored by our friends at Jay's Crab Shack
Sign-ups are at the Jays Crab Shack tent prior to the scheduled time of the contest each day, and it's FREE to enter!
(This is NOT a professional eating competition, anyone is welcome to sign up but space is VERY limited!)
South Pacific Island Dancers
Be sure to check out the live performances from the South Pacific Island Dancers. As the Tri-State Area's largest and longest running Polynesian Entertainment Group, the South Pacific Island Dancers have been the leaders in Live Luau Entertainment and Polynesian Dance education for over 25 consecutive years!
The South Pacific Island Dancers will be performing throughout the day all over the festival grounds, Saturday & Sunday, September 19th & 20th. You don't want to miss out on this unique entertainment!
GULLS GONE WILD!
The gulls aren’t the only ones making noise on Ski Beach! The Downbeach Seafood Festival proudly presents the "GULLS GONE WILD", a squawk-for-squawk contest where five brave contestants battle it out to see who can best imitate the Shore’s most legendary bird.
From ear-piercing screeches to snack-snatching squawks, it’s equal parts comedy, chaos, and coastal pride. The crowd will judge who truly captures the spirit of the Jersey Shore seagull, and one contestant will soar away as the Ultimate Gull Champion!
Think you’ve got the call? Or just want to watch the madness? Either way, this is a don’t-miss moment at the Downbeach Seafood Festival.
Sand Creations
Matt Deibert
Matt Deibert, otherwise known as “The Sandman,” has been a staple of the Downbeach Seafood Festival for over a dozen years, bringing his incredible live sand sculpting to the shores of Ventnor. Over the years, Matt’s creations have become a signature element of the festival, helping shape its artistic identity.
In 2025, The Sandman continues the tradition, delivering beachside artistry that complements the seafood and entertainment. His annual sand sculpture is a fan favorite, and the perfect selfie spot for festivalgoers.
The Butterfly Encounter
Immerse yourself in a walk-through butterfly pavilion where hundreds of vibrant butterflies flutter freely around you.
Guests of all ages can hand-feed butterflies, learn about their life cycle from expert guides, and enjoy stunning photo ops in this interactive, nature-filled experience. It’s a peaceful, magical escape right in the heart of Ventnor!
Cooking Demos
Join these fabulous chefs as they cook up their favorite seafood dishes live under the eat-in tent! Learn their secret tips and tricks for creating mouth-watering dishes and sample them too!
All About Oysters!
When you want an oyster – but don't have the know-how – getting into it can seem... intimidating. But River K. Ryan, (aka @sea.cups) is here to open up the oyster to anyone that wants in.
Shucking? You CAN do it. They've taught over 1000 people how, with hands-on instruction.
Shopping? Find out where to go, and how to know who to trust.
Safety? We'll break down the sights, smells, and suspicions you might encounter.
Secrets? Not here! Take a deep-dive into all the science and lore and get your questions answered, from 400 year old rumors to modern farming methods; seafood sales through shell recycling programs.
Oysters are for everyone – including you!
Exploring That Flavor w/ Chef Leslie!
Join Chef Leslie of Kuro at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, named Best Hotel Restaurant two years in a row, for a fresh take on a seaside classic. Watch as Chef Leslie prepares whole fried red snapper with crisp, fresh-fried potato chips finished with furikake and a bright lemongrass aioli. A little coastal comfort, a little Kuro creativity, and a whole lot of flavor.
Alibi Gin: A Taste of Jersey w/ Brian Ireland
Join Brian Ireland, co-founder of ALIBI Gin and longtime Atlantic City bartender, for a taste of the spirit he helped bring to life alongside fellow South Jersey bartender John Finger. Discover the story behind their Virginia-distilled gin and sample two creative cocktails: the Red Snapper Oyster Shooter, their savory take on a Bloody Mary, and the Jersey Fresh, featuring Hammonton blueberries. A true taste of Jersey roots, bartending ingenuity, and fresh local flavor.