Boston Hosts Annual Chowderfest

Restaurants vying for the title of Boston's Best Chowder are ladling up 2,000 gallons of New England's signature dish at the 31st annual Chowderfest on the Plaza at City Hall in Boston July 1.

Former champions defending their titles for best clam chowder recipes include Anthem and Scholars American Bistro who is returning with a chef that has won the Chowderfest twice. Other chowder contenders include Nix's Mate, Waterline, Ipswich Clambake Company, Barracuda Tavern, and Hyatt Harborside Grill. Festival-goers can sample each restaurant's chowder and vote for their favorites.

Chowderfest is one of more than 300 events taking place during the weeklong annual Boston Harborfest, which culminates with fireworks on July 4 at the Esplanade. The afternoon includes chowder samplings from The Chart House, which has been inducted in the contest's Hall of Fame and cannot receive votes, and live entertainment. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children under 12.

Lauren Mack is the Travel Editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @lmack.