Montauk’s 38th Annual Fall Family Festival To Feature Beloved Chowder Contest, Cash Catch, Oktoberfest Fare, Seasonal Activities, And More

One of the most anticipated events of the autumn season, Montauk’s 38th Annual Fall Family Festival and Chowder Contest, will take place on the Village Green, across from the Chamber of Commerce building in the center of town, over Columbus Day Weekend.

Sponsored by the Montauk Chamber of Commerce, the beloved affair will return on Saturday, October 12 and Sunday, October 13. Each year, the Festival attracts hundreds of visitors and East Enders to downtown “The End” where Festival-goers enjoy a myriad of exciting activities.

“Our autumn festival marks another pleasing season to experience Montauk’s natural treasures, restaurants, hotels and shops,” Laraine Creegan, the chamber’s executive director, explained.

The 2019 iteration will include a very special appearance by Field of Dreams actor Dwier Brown, who plays Kevin Costner’s father in the film. At the Festival, on both days, Brown will sign autographs for fans, pose for photographs, and even have a catch with attendees.

Day one of the event will bring the one-day only Clam Chowder Contest, which commences on Saturday at 11 a.m. Mugs can be purchased on Friday, October 11 at the Chamber or onsite. Fair-goers will have their choice of sampling the Manhattan or New England variety, which will be donated by Montauk restaurants. The winning Chowders, selected by local food personalities, will be announced on the Chamber’s Facebook page on Saturday around 3 p.m. While the Contest is solely on Saturday, there will still be chowder for sale on Sunday at the food tent.

Day two will feature the Chinese Auction Drawing, which will be held after 3:30 p.m. and the Chamber’s annual Cash Catch drawing – for up to $20,000 – will take place at 4:30 p.m.

Both days will bring a plethora of children’s activities, including a complimentary 30-horse carousel, inflatable rides, rock climbing wall, face painting, pumpkin decorating, street painting, crab races, and more. All ages can revel in the season with Oktoberfest style fare, and for the adults, there will be Long Island wines and beer.

Local bounty and bites can be found at The Farmers Market, which will be highlighted on both days. A Sports Auction will be on display on Saturday and Sunday, while the Chinese Auction will be held exclusively on Sunday.

Additionally, tunes from Gene Casey and the Lone Sharks will entertain the crowd on Saturday and the 3B’s will provide the live music on Sunday.

For those that reside outside of Montauk, the Hampton Jitney will be offering free rides from the Jitney Southampton, Bridgehampton, East Hampton and Amagansett stops to the Montauk stop. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 631-283-4600.

Proceeds from the Fall Festival, which has been the Chamber’s major annual fundraiser since 1981, will be donated, in part, to local not-for-profits such as the Montauk Food Pantry, the July 4th and Fall Fireworks Fund, the Frank Cappozola Scholarship Fund and others.

For more information, visit www.montaukchamber.com.