Chowderfest benefits Channel Islands Martime Museum

OXNARD, Calif. (KEYT) The 7th annual Chowderfest included live music and lots of chowder tasting.

The band Kelly's Lot helped kicked off the festival that serves as a fundraiser for the Channel Islands Maritime Museum.

More than a dozen restaurants and a yacht club gave out samples of all kinds of chowder in hopes of winning the People's Choice award.

The festival also had its first Sea Lion Imitation Contest.

"What is a sea lions favorite subject at school and the answer is art, art, art," said Capt. Dave Colker, " Captain Dave's in a jolly good mood.

The Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club restaurant served up Manhatten Clam Chower and let guests know about the Youth Foundation that helps children learn to sail.

"It is all about making sure that every child that lives in Oxnard has an opportunity to be on the water so we just remind everybody today why we are serving our delicious manhattan clam chowder there is a lot more to pcyc than just great clam chowder," said Donna Gaddis.

The museum offered free admission all day.

About 600 people attended the 2026 Chowderfest this year.