LBI’s epic Chowderfest Weekend kicks off on Saturday, Oct. 5, with a free merchant marketplace at the Taylor Avenue Ballfield in Beach Haven, at Ninth Street and the bay. Dozens of Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commercemembers will lay out end-of-season bargains (see the list of vendors that follows), local specialties and gourmet food from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“This is a plastic bag- and balloon-free event,” organizers announced. “Please bring a tote for shopping.”