Mark your calendars and get ready for one of San Diego’s favorite summer kick-offs. The 46th Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off is taking over on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
Over 50,000 people will pack the blocks of Newport Avenue for a 6-block beachfront block party. Whether you’re there to try out the neighborhood’s best chili, listen to local bands, or just enjoy the ocean breeze with a cold drink, here’s everything you need to know.
The Ocean Beach Chili Cook-Off
First things first: the entry to the street fair itself is completely free. However, the chili tasting is where things get competitive. Held in the grassy area between Newport Avenue and the Pacific Ocean, the cook-off features both amateur and restaurant teams, battling it out for the People’s Choice Award.
Tasting kicks off at 11 AM and wraps up at 1:30 PM. Make sure you get there early, before the best batches run out!
- Casual sampler: 2 tastings for $5
- Master ticket: A $30 Master Ticket lets you sample every single entry and gives you voting power to help choose the ultimate winner.
Beyond the bowls
If chili isn’t your thing (unlikely – but maybe you just need a walk in between samples), the fair runs from 10 AM to 8 PM and is packed with other things to do:
- The beer garden (21+): Located next to the main stage, the beer garden features ice-cold craft brews, mixed drinks, seltzers, and a Skybar with ocean views. Between 11:30 AM – 1 PM, drinks are 2-for-1.
- Live music: Non-stop acoustic, rock, blues, and Americana play throughout the day.
- Local vendors: Browse handmade crafts and unique items from local and regional artists, complete with live art demonstrations.
- Eating contests: Watch the brave ones test their limits with the Hodad’s Burger Eating Contest and the OB Dirty Birds Wing Eating Contest.
- Community mural: For $30, you get a palette of paint and your own square to help create a community masterpiece.
Getting there – green & free
Parking near the beach in the summer is notoriously tough, so…don’t.
The Ocean Beach chili cook-off offers a free trolley service running continuously from 9:30 AM to 9 PM. Park for free at the Sun Runner parking lot on Sea World Drive and ride in. If you prefer to cycle, there’s also a free bike valet set up at the intersection of Bacon Street and Newport Avenue.
