Counting the Days to the Malibu Chili Cook-Off Labor Day Weekend
Editor in Chief Cece Woods considers herself the “accidental activist”.…
The annual summer festival returns for its 42nd year and brings food, music, carnival rides, artisans, and a thrilling chili and skate competition to the community, all in support of the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu
Malibu, Calif. (July 30, 2024) – The 42nd annual Malibu Chili Cook-Off is back to offer the community a Labor Day weekend filled with fiery flavors and fun. This year, from August 30 to September 2, the beloved event will transform Malibu into a culinary and entertainment hotspot, drawing chili enthusiasts, local businesses, and thrill-seeking lovers from all over. All proceeds from the event benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu (BGCM) and its year-round youth and community services, including the BGCM Wellness Center.
The event proudly presents the return of the prestigious Chili Cook-Off competition. Participants will vie for top honors in the meat and vegan categories and compete for the People’s Choice Award. Winners of the chili competition will be announced this year on Sunday, September 1. Event attendees can vote for their “fan favorite” Friday, August 30, through Sunday, September 1, until 3 p.m. (on-site only).
While the chili competition is a highlight, the Malibu Chili Cook-Off offers much more. It’s a community celebration featuring various delicious food options and entertainment, such as a skate competition, carnival rides, live DJ sets, a showcase of local artisans, and other 21+ and family-friendly activities.
“We are thrilled for another year of the iconic Malibu Chili Cook-Off festival, which ultimately is a charity event in support of the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu and its impactful year-long programs that benefit youth and their families,” said Kasey Earnest, chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu. “The Club extends its gratitude to the local businesses and supporters of the Cook-Off, including our long-standing vendors and sponsors helping make this event possible for its 42nd year.”
This year’s highly anticipated Malibu Chili Cook-Off will feature an exclusive Town & Country Lounge with featured DJ sets from DJ Short Shorts and DJ Corey Biggs, a 21+ experience with craft beers, local wines, and refreshing non-alcoholic options. Two-step and line-dancing lessons will also be offered once every hour on Sunday, August 31 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Activities curated for kids will be available, including a junior carnival area featuring rides for ages 2-10. The event also includes the return of signature Chili Cook-Off swag by Aviator Nation. With something for everyone, this year’s Chili Cook-Off ensures an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Thrill-seekers who attend will also have the opportunity to witness or enter the 5th Annual Johnny Strange Legacy mini-ramp skate competition on Saturday, August 31. This will include jam-session-style competitions for intermediate and advanced competitors of all genders, with cash prizes awarded to the winners. The Bones Love Milk Skateboard Mini Ramp will be available throughout the weekend, offering public skate and practice session opportunities for those eager to refine their skateboarding skills. Please visit malibuchilicookoff.org/skate to learn more.
Chili vendors such as Ceviche Stop, Chili Preppers, Duke’s Malibu, Irv’s Burgers, Mestico, My Lai Kitchen, Pickles & Peas, Stoner House Farms, Uncle Paulie’s Deli, and My Lai Vietnamese. Additional food vendors include Basqueria, Chulita, Creamy Boys, Flour Shop, Prince St Pizza, Stop By Café, Sure Good Soft Serve, SriMu and more! Partners of the event are Aviator Nation, Banc of California, Bones Love Milk, Bubble Fairy, Calabasas Pickleball Club, Clover Sonoma, Flying Embers, French Bloom, Happier Camper, Icon Golf Carts, IPS, JuneShine, Kidd’s Jewelry Heist, Kona Brewing Co., La Croix, LA County Public Works, LA Rams, Lixir, Malibu Times, Malibu Brewing Co., Open Water, Optimist Drinks, Outerknown, Rad Soda, Rams, Rancho West Beer, Rocket Launch Marketing & PR, Rivian Automotive, Inc., Summer Somewhere Wines, Sycamore School, The Hidden Sea Wines, Town & Country, West Basin Water District, World Centric, Ysidro Wine and more.
For information about participating as a vendor or sponsor, please contact malibuchilicookoff@gmail.com. For info about volunteer opportunities, please email mcco.volunteer@gmail.com. For security and private handling, please call in advance at 424-234-6248.
Please note that event admission tickets are required for entry and will not be sold on-site. The event advises attendees to secure their tickets in advance, as prices will progressively rise leading up to the event. Ensure seamless entry and take advantage of the best ticket prices by purchasing tickets now! All children under five will receive free admission. Purchase presale event admission tickets at malibuchilicookoff.org. Please note that carnival ride passes and event tickets are sold separately.
Be sure to follow Malibu Chili Cook-Off on social media, where the Cook-Off winner will be announced on Sunday, September 1. Donations can be added to your cart when purchasing admission tickets.
The safety and well-being of all guests are of utmost importance to this event. We aim to provide a safe, fun, family-friendly environment and, thus, have decided to enact a Chaperone Policy. All guests under the age of 18 will require a chaperone. Please visit the event website for the full Chaperone Policy details and the Prohibited Items list.
Visit malibuchilicookoff.org for more information and frequently asked questions.
While the focus is all the main attractions, food, and fun at the event every year, your safety is too. For the third year in a row, IPS Global will be providing armed security services along with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
“As dedicated partners committed to servicing the Malibu community, IPS Global has been sponsoring and providing armed Security Services alongside the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department at the Malibu Chili Cook-Off for the last three years. We look forward to interacting with the community and keeping you and your family safe at the iconic event.” – Aaron Jones, IPS Global CEO
Malibu Chili Cook-Off Event Hours of Operation:
• Friday, August 30, 4:00pm-10:00pm
• Saturday, August 31, 1:00pm -10:00pm (Skate Contest from 3 – 5 pm)
• Sunday, September 1, 1:00pm 10:00pm (Chili Awards at 6 pm)
• Monday, September 2, 1:00pm-8:00pm (Family Day)
About Boys & Girls Club of Malibu
For 24 years, the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu (BGCM) has enabled young people to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. With four sites, including a Wellness Center and three Clubhouses on the campuses of Malibu High, Malibu Elementary and Webster Elementary Schools, and counseling sites at each location, BGCM serves over 1400 K-12 students annually. The Wellness Center, a first of its kind in the area, provides free mental health, wellness, and social support services to all Malibu Public Schools and the community. BGCM provides a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs daily during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, healthy lifestyles, and social and emotional wellness. Learn more about the Club at www.bgcmalibu.org.
Follow the Malibu Chili Cook-Off on Social Media:
Facebook: @malibuchilicookoff
Instagram: @malibuchilicookoff
Twitter: @malibucco
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Editor in Chief Cece Woods considers herself the “accidental activist”. Having spent most her childhood on sands of Zuma Beach, Cece left Southern California in her early 20’s, but it was only a matter of time before she returned to the idyllic place that held so many wonderful memories from her youth. In 2006, she made the journey back to Malibu permanently, the passion to preserve it was ignited. In 2012, Cece became involved in local environmental and political activism at the urging of former husband Steve Woods, a resident for more than 4o years. Together, they were involved in many high-profile environmental battles including the Malibu Lagoon Restoration Project, Measure R, Measure W, and more. Cece founded influential print and online media publications, 90265 Magazine in 2013 highlighting the authentic Malibu lifestyle, and The Local Malibu, an online news media site with a strategic focus on environmental and political activism. In the summer of 2018, Cece broke multiple global stories including the law enforcement cover-up in the Malibu Creek State Park Shootings, and is considered by major news media as a trusted authority on Malibu.