SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off
SoNo Fest and Chili Cook-Off celebrates its 10th anniversary at the intersection of 32nd and Thorn Street, where forty restaurants face-off in the battle to crown the best pot of chili in the city. This festival draws top restaurants and breweries from bordering South Park and North Park and San Diego's urban neighborhoods. Past participants include Waypoint Public, Kindred, and Uptown Tavern. Blocks of bubbling chili vats are complemented by an expansive beer and wine garden featuring local breweries such as Modern Times Beer, North Park Beer Co., and Societe Brewing Company. A holiday market featuring 30 local handmade craft vendors, live music on three stages, a food truck court, and kids play zone round-out the all-ages affair. Presented by the McKinley Elementary School Foundation and San Diego Ceramic Connection, this neighborhood festival raises funds for local McKinley Elementary School's Spanish, art, and music program. Drawing a crowd of 20,000 each year to taste, sip, and shop at one of the city’s most celebrated events, SoNo Chili Fest has raised over $400,000 for the elementary since its inception in 2010.