San Diego’s favorite neighborhood chili festival is back for its 14th year, and it’s turning 32nd and Thorn in North Park into one big, delicious block party.

SoNo Fest brings chili makers and neighbors together for a day of tasting, live music, and community that fills the stomach and the soul. And every bowl goes to a great cause.

20-Plus Restaurants Compete for the Crown

More than 20 San Diego restaurants cook up chili in the Chili Cook-Off, including Barons Market, Bica, Cafe Madeleine, Angela’s Kitchen, Coco Maya, Cori Pastificio Trattoria, Del’s Hideout, and Donna Jean Restaurant.

Each tasting pass gets you five chili tastings, so you can try as many bowls as you like. Awards include Judges’ Choice, People’s Choice, Best Vegetarian/Vegan, and Best Sweet.

Choose Your Bowl and Start Tasting

Entry to the festival is free, and a tasting pass comes with your choice of vessel. Grab a commemorative mug, a paper bowl, or a handmade ceramic bowl from San Diego Ceramic Connection.

Whichever you pick, you get five chili tastings, and every pass supports arts education at McKinley Elementary. Ceramic bowls are sold directly by San Diego Ceramic Connection, and their bowl sales help support McKinley Elementary too.

Live Bands and Local Brews

San Diego bands play on two stages from late morning until the last chord. Between sets, raise a glass in the 21-plus Booze Garden, which pours donated drinks from local breweries, cideries, and craft beverage makers.

Look for Bivouac Ciderworks, Bock Bar, Brewjeria Company, Fall Brewing Company, Kairoa Brewing Company, North Park Beer Co., Rationale Brewing, San Diego Brewing Company, and more.

Makers Market, Food Trucks, and a Kids Zone

Shop handmade goods from local makers, then grab a bite from food trucks and booths between chili tastings. Local schools, clubs, and youth programs fill the Kids Zone with crafts, games, sports, and science, with shaded seating nearby.

It’s an easy festival to bring the whole family to. Stroller parking is close to the Kids Zone, so little ones can come along too. Every Kids Zone activity supports arts, music, and STEM at McKinley Elementary, so the fun gives back.

Chili With a Cause

SoNo Fest benefits the McKinley Elementary Foundation, with 100 percent of proceeds supporting arts, music, and STEM programs.

Pick up a tee or a hoodie from this year’s merch collection, and that helps too. It’s a day of chili, music, and community with real impact.

See you there!

Bring your appetite, your friends, and a spot for a few good bowls. Every sip, every spoonful, and every sing-along helps North Park’s kids.

📆 Sunday, December 6, 2026 | 11 AM – 5 PM
📍 3216 Thorn St, San Diego
🎟️ Free event | Get your tasting pass here
ℹ️ Follow along on Instagram for updates

See you there, San Diego!