Like any small town, we can be measured by our Parades and Festivals. As Pismo Beach has long been the self-proclaimed “clam capitol of the world” it seems only fitting that our Fall Festival have the theme of all things Clam. Over the years it has grown from a small parade and clam digging contest to a three-day event with food, wine and music – and of course the clam chowder contest.
Friday evening’s event hosted by the Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce features a “Wine Walk.” For $20 you pick up a wine glass and a passport at Los Amigos Restaurant downtown and follow the passport to participating businesses who have been paired with local wineries. Sip and enjoy appetizers at each stop. Have each business stamp your passport and then finish at the Inn at the Pier with desserts and coffee where you will enter your stamped passport for a raffle that includes a fully-stocked wine fridge!
On Saturday, find your perfect viewing spot for the small but mighty Parade at 10 a.m. that will travel South on Price, West on Pomeroy and end just short of the Pier Parking lot. At the same time Pismo will welcome the Esteem Surf Co.’s 80s Surf Showdown from 8 to 4. But the real highlight of the day will be the Pierfest VIP Celebration! Come celebrate the Grand Reopening of the Pismo Beach Pier that concludes an 18 month rehabilitation project. There will be a ribbon cutting at 11:30, and then a celebration of the reopening of Giuseppe’s with their signature wood-fired pizza from their mobile pizza oven, salad, dessert, beer and wine for purchase at the “Pier Garden.” This day will highlight several local bands and include a super-sized kid zone sponsored by Splash Café as well as many other local food vendors and restaurants lining the Pier Parking Lot. The VIP celebration tickets are $40.
And finally, on Sunday the “Best Local Clam Chowder Contest” will begin at 12 p.m. with local restaurants competing in a blind tasting competition for the title of People’s Choice and Festival Judge’s Choice. You can be a judge for People’s choice and sample dozens of Chowders for just $15!
This is the Festival for Pismo Beach and this year will be a historic one with the opening of the Pier – you can’t miss it!
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