Chili Cook Off in Old Town Tustin

Ahhhh the Chili Cook off. Gotta love it. Lots of chili, lots of beer, and lots of sun. Makes for a great combo! This is one of my favorite summer things to do in Old Town. They say about 30,000 people descend on our Old Town for this cook off and that it is one of the largest chili cook offs in California (at least that’s what my memory is telling me – I may be wrong and if I am I apologize in advance). Regardless, it’s definitely worth a look.

They close down El Camino Real between First and Sixth Streets and a few of the side streets so the heart of downtown Old Town becomes a pedestrian thoroughfare. Then they line up all of the chili cook off participants up and down the right and left hand sides of the street and the competitors cook their chili on the spot. Mmmmm, the sights, sounds and smells of the cook off.

You buy tickets for the tastings and then you can stroll over to any of the participating chili cookers and try a sampling of their chili. Some of the competitors come back every year and make some great chili that sticks to the inside of your ribs. You can watch as they add their secret and not so secret ingredients and even chat with them about the chili making process if they’re so inclined. Every year I tell myself that next year I will participate and make the most smoking hot chili anyone has ever tasted but I get busy, life goes on, and the chili cook off becomes but a fond memory.

There is also music, I think last year there were two bandstands. And, of course, who can have chili without the beer. And lots of it. There are also shows that are put on by local dance troups, crafts for sale, and tons of people. For some of us who enjoy people watching it can be quite entertaining.

Not sure how many hours it lasts, long enough, though I wouldn’t mind seeing it go into the evening some day. I love it because I always see people I know and I always finish off the day of hot chili eating with a dip in the pool. Can’t beat that!

If you’re interested in Old Town Tustin and have ever considered moving into the neighborhood or checking it out, Chili Cook Off is the perfect opportunity. It’s this Sunday, June 6th in Old Town Tustin. And if you’re interested in checking out any of the homes for sale in the neighborhood, don’t forget to call us at 714-299-3400 – we’re locals and can give you all the information you’ll need.