Everything to know about the Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off, held each June on Newport Avenue.
Checked October 4, 2026. Sources are listed at the bottom.
The first OB chili cook-off was held in 1984, started by local Mike Akey, who had grown up going to chili competitions with his father. The International Chili Society sanctioned the contest for its first three years before it switched to an amateur format. The cook-off began on Newport Avenue with hay bales for seating, moved briefly to the pier parking lot, and found its home on the grass at Veterans Plaza, where entries tripled. The fair has grown into OB's largest event of the year.
Parking is at a premium on Street Fair day, and Newport Avenue is closed to traffic. In 2026 organizers ran a free bike valet on Bacon Street at Newport Avenue, a free trolley-style shuttle from two outside lots, and two ADA parking lots. Biking, walking, rideshare or the bus beat driving. See our parking guide for regular lots.
The 2027 date has not been announced yet. The fair is held on a Saturday in late June; in 2026 it was Saturday, June 27, from 10 AM to 8 PM.
Yes, the street fair is free to attend. Food, drinks and beer garden purchases cost extra.
On Newport Avenue and nearby streets in Ocean Beach, with the chili cook-off at Veterans Plaza by the beach.
Parking is very limited. Bike, walk, use rideshare or the bus, or use the free shuttle and bike valet when organizers offer them.
The first OB chili cook-off was held in 1984.