The 39th annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off returns Saturday, June 23 with an array of food and merchandise vendors, the Community Mural Project with three new music-themed collaborative murals, and the Chili Cook-Off. The event also includes Hodad’s Burger-Eating Competition, an Artists Alley showcasing handmade goods and artwork from local artisans, a beachside beer garden in the main stage area and family-friendly attractions like the Kids Fun Zone, which will feature a Zip Line, Zorb balls, Hop ’n’ Rock, laser tag, games and more. There will be four music stages with bands playing Rock ’n’ Roll, Blues, Reggae, Americana and more throughout the day. Rock ’n’ Roll San Diego will also be returning this year with musical experiences for kids and adults.
The Community Mural Project is an OB Street Fair tradition where attendees paint a square section of a mural that is later installed in the Ocean Beach community after the street fair. The mural area is on Bacon Street just south of Newport. Squares are $20 each and go on sale at 10 a.m. They typically sell out very quickly, so come early to secure your space. All ages are welcome.
The Chili Cook-Off competition features more than 20 tastings in both amateur and restaurant divisions. Chili chefs compete to take home prizes like Best Restaurant Chili, Best Amateur Chili, Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice. Chili tastings will begin at 11 a.m. and end when contestants run out of samples. Tastings can be purchased for $2 per chili entry. If you want to try every recipe and vote for the best, you can buy a master ticket for $20. If you’re interested in competing in the Chili Cook-Off, applications are at oceanbeachsandiego.com.
The Hodad’s Burger-Eating Competition is free to enter and offers contestants a chance to be featured on Hodad’s Wall of Fame at the Ocean Beach location. New this year, Hodad’s will be donating $100 to the San Diego Food Bank for every burger that the winner eats. The competition starts at 3:50 p.m. with 10 contestants, 7 minutes on the clock and six burgers on the plate.
Artists Alley displays local and regional artists and crafters along with entertaining art demonstrations. A large space hosted by local Ocean Beach art school, The Artist Outpost, will offer a variety of art projects for kids to explore different mediums and techniques.
The Beachside Beer Garden will be rockin’ all day for guests looking to enjoy an ice cold brew with an ocean view and live music from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Featured breweries include 10 Barrel Brewing, Elysian Brewing Co., Stella Artois, Shock Top, Bud Light and more. Drinks are available for individual purchase; no tasters or wristbands will be sold. The OB Street Fair & Chili Cook-off Festival is Saturday, June 23 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the 4800 – 5000 blocks of Newport Avenue, along the waterfront and in the pier parking lot. Trolley services will run from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., one near Robb Field every 30 minutes and one on Sea World Drive at Pacific Coast Highway every hour. There is a free bike valet at the intersection of Bacon Street and Newport Avenue, courtesy of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition.
For more information, visit www.OceanBeachSanDiego.com.
