Warm bowls of chili and plenty of arts, games, music at annual event in Ocean Beach

June 20, 2019 10:10 AM PT

One of the biggest draws to the annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off is, of course, the chili. Cooks have been practicing and perfecting their chili with just the right consistency, color, aroma and texture to compete for the titles of Hottest Chili, Judges’ Award, and the grand prize of People’s Choice. The cook-off starts at 1`1 a.m. in the grassy area between Newport Avenue and Abbott Street, and when you’ve had your fill, check out the rest of the fun with four stages of live music all day, local and regional artists and crafters with goods to sell, a beachside beer garden, a community mural, a fun zone with games for the whole family, and Rock & Roll San Diego offering their experiential music booth where people can learn to play a song in 15 minutes.

Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. Along Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach. (619) 224-4906. oceanbeachsandiego.com

Lisa Deaderick

Lisa Deaderick writes about social justice issues in her Sunday column for The San Diego Union-Tribune, as well as influential San Diegans for the One-on-One series that runs on Saturdays. Each week, she’s speaking with community activists, academics, volunteers, or other knowledgeable individuals about everything from the benefits of music in education and the creative work of notable artists, to understanding the importance of representation and inclusiveness. A Chula Vista native, Lisa graduated from Bethune-Cookman University in Florida and Columbia University in New York, and has worked at the Union-Tribune since 2008.