One of San Diego’s finest annual traditions, the Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off returns on Saturday, June 27. Now in its 46th edition, the event runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., along Newport Avenue and adjoining streets.At the ultimate block party, there is no shortage of activities available. There will be two stages featuring music from 13 performers, as well as art, food and fun for the thousands who will take part in the festivities on the day. Among the highlights for this edition of the Street Fair are children’s fun zones, a curated artists alley, the event’s namesake Chili Cook-Off, a beachside beer garden, a community mural and Hodad’s burger eating contest.
Photo courtesy of Ocean Beach Mainstreet AssociationThis year’s theme is “Enjoy OB,” an apt title for what is essentially a free day of fun in the sun.“I truly believe the Street Fair is the official takeoff to summer in Ocean Beach,” said Kristen Keltner, the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association’s events and program manager. “It just has that feel to it. It’s timeless. In my 20s, I came down and spent the day. In my 30s, I’d return with my kids for a few hours. I truly believe there’s something for everybody.”With one notable exception, the basic footprint for the 2026 Street Fair is the same as last year. The Seaside Fun Zone has now been split up into the parking lots of Target (4864 Newport Ave.), Wings Army (4992 Newport Ave.), and for toddlers, the Ocean Beach Tire Center and Auto Repair (4893 Newport Ave.).“When we came out of COVID, we could no longer put the kids zone up where it had historically been, which was at the top of Newport,” Keltner said. “People had really become accustomed to that location for 40 years at that point. So, we moved it over to Saratoga Park. It was fine. But it just felt a little distant. This change brings the Fun Zones back into the heart of the Street Fair.”The newly designated areas will include amenities for parents to relax while their young ones take on inflatable obstacle courses, a chance to meet up with hockey mascot Gulliver from the San Diego Gulls and various carnival games.New this year, kids have a chance to have a free passport stamped at five locations, including the Fun Zones and Artist Alley. Completed passports can be taken to the OB Street Fair info booth on Newport Avenue to collect a prize, including a small stuffed parrot, while supplies last.Additionally, there will be a 92107 raffle, featuring prizes from local businesses, with winners announced throughout the day on social media. “Stop by the info booth and get your raffle ticket, no purchase necessary. Winners will be announced throughout the day on social media,” Keltner said
Live Music
Among the festival’s many attractions, music is the biggest draw.“It’s something I look forward to each year,” said Ted Wigler, who books the main stage and promotes the beer garden, while also booking Winston’s. It’s a position he’s held with the Street Fair for the past 25 years.“It’s a wonderful event,” Wigler said. “I have a real love for Ocean Beach. There is so much community spirit, and everyone seems to come together on the day. It really is special.”What’s kept Wigler involved for so long? “I get to stay young through it,” he said. “Plus, I get to keep up with the pulse of current and local music.”This year’s musical offerings include acoustic duo, The Mike & Delci Band (3 p.m. 92107 Stage), blues combo Zavala Sol (4:30 p.m. 92107 Stage) and reggae favorites The Resinators (6 p.m. Main Stage).In addition to the Street Fair’s two stages, this year there is also an indoor component. Attendees are also advised to check out the music venues around Newport Avenue, including The Harp, Winston’s, and The Holding Company, all of which will be offering free admission as part of the Street Fair into the night.“We like the logic of free music on that day,” Wigler said. “That way, people can experience the venues OB has to offer if they haven’t before, or just check out even more great artists on our club stages.”Notables include Quel Bordel (The Holding Company, 7:45 p.m.) and Brian Jones Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival (Winston’s, TBD)
Food
While music draws the largest crowds at the Street Fair, there are plenty of great food options, with enough variety to make even the most discerning foodie’s head spin.In addition to dozens of specialty vendors, fairgoers are encouraged to visit the many excellent restaurants along Newport Avenue and the surrounding area.Eaters who like a bit of a challenge will want to take part in the food-related fun on hand.First up is the day’s signature event, the Chili Cook-Off (11 a.m.), taking place at Veterans Plaza. Tasters will decide the winners from amongst two dozen competitors, with extra competition to decide which entrant has the best OB Spirit.Trophy presentations will be held on the main stage at 2:30 p.m. While the Chili Cook-Off is a good-natured competition, with a cash prize of $450, there are two other contests, celebrating beloved local businesses, held just for fun on the main stage.First up, the sixth annual Dirty Birds Wing Eating Contest (1 p.m.) will have contestants moving in a blur of motion as they try to outdo each other vying to claim the title this year.
Photo courtesy of Ocean Beach Mainstreet AssociationThen, a little later in the afternoon, ten lucky attendees will compete in the Hodad’s Burger Eating Contest (3 p.m.). These fast-paced contests always draw a large crowd to cheer on their favorites, adding a touch of humor between the main stage’s music acts
Community Mural
Photo courtesy of Ocean Beach Mainstreet AssociationMeanwhile, budding artists of all ages and talent levels are encouraged to take part in one of the OB Street Fair’s most popular activities, the painting of two community murals.Participants purchase a square for $30, with paint and help provided. The finished art will be sealed and placed in the community when completed.Notably, funds raised at the Street Fair’s various activities, including the Chili Cook-Off, go to the OB Clean and Safe program, helping to pay for community improvements to the area.
Parking
Traffic is always a consideration at the OB Street Fair, with parking at a premium. Fortunately, several options may help to ease the situation. For bicyclists, beginning at 10 a.m., the OBMA will provide a free bike valet area on Bacon Street at Newport Avenue. Alternately, those with cars can drop off their vehicles and grab a free ride to the fair, courtesy of the Old Town Trolley, from either the Sunrunner Lot at the corner of Pacific Highway and Sea World Drive or the lot near Robb Field at 2244 Bacon St. The trolley will run continuously from 9:30 a.m. until 9 p.m., dropping passengers off in the Artist’s Alley section.Additionally, there will be two small ADA parking lots available, on Santa Monica, between Bacon and Abbot, and at Ocean Beach Elementary School, at Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and Newport Avenue.
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