THE ABC’s of OB: Art, Beer and Chili at The 39th Annual OB Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off Festival

By: Chloe Janda

From Artists Alley to Zip Lines and Zorb Balls, the 39th Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off Festival is fun for all ages. The all-day event typically attracts between 60,000 and 70,000 visitors by offering a variety of attractions like a beachside beer garden, kids zone and four music stages. “The street fair offers San Diegans and visitors alike the chance to be immersed in the Ocean Beach community and experience what it has to offer,” said Denny Knox, executive director of the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association. “We love showing off the uniqueness of OB and look forward to the festival every year.”

Courtesy Photo

The Chili Cook-Off competition features over 20 tastings in both amateur and restaurant divisions, of which different chili chefs vie for prizes like Best Restaurant Chili, Best Amateur Chili, Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice. The Beachside Beer Garden pairs well with the chili and will be rockin’ all day for guests 21+ looking to enjoy an ice-cold brew with an ocean view. Featured breweries include 10 Barrel Brewing, Elysian Brewing Company, Stella Artois, Shock Top, Bud Light and more.

The Community Mural Project is a street fair tradition where attendees purchase and paint a square section of a mural that will be installed in the Ocean Beach community after the street fair. This year there are three different murals to paint, but the squares sell out fast so get there early.

Courtesy Photo

The Artists Alley is a special part of the OB Street Fair where attendees can peruse handmade items from local and regional artists and crafters. Enjoy shopping for handcrafted and unique items along with entertaining art demonstrations all day long. Feeling philanthropic? Each burger eaten by the winner of the Hodad’s Burger-Eating Competition translates to $100 donated to the San Diego Food Bank by Hodad’s. It’s free to enter.

Courtesy of Troy Orem Photography

There are also four music stages that feature local bands throughout the day, with different genres like rock, blues, alternative, and Americana. Check out the full lineup on online. Plus, Rock & Roll San Diego will return to reprise their experiential music booth where visitors can channel their inner rock star and learn how to play a song in just 15 minutes. Kid and family-friendly attractions include the Kids Fun Zone, Zip Line, Zorb balls, Hop ‘n Rock, laser tag, games, rides and more. “The street fair is a celebration of the Ocean Beach community by the Ocean Beach community where everyone is welcome,” said Knox. “There’s an endless supply of things to do and you get to enjoy it all along the beautiful San Diego coastline.”

Courtesy of Troy Orem Photography

The 39th Annual Ocean Beach 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. Chili tastings start at 11 a.m. and are usually done by 2 p.m. 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.