The Malibu Chili Cook-Off Returns for Its 43rd Year Over Labor Day Weekend
Carnival, chili competition, live music and a skate contest by the ocean, September 4 to 7. Note: it's now a paid, advance-ticket event.
One of Malibu's signature end-of-summer traditions is back: the 43rd Annual Malibu Chili Cook-Off runs September 4 to 7, 2026, over Labor Day weekend at 23575 Civic Center Way. The four-day event pairs an award-winning chili competition with a full carnival, food, local artists, live music on the Aviator Nation Dreamland stage and a Johnny Strange Legacy skate contest.
There's an important change for longtime attendees: the event is no longer free. Admission now starts at $25, is tiered so the price rises as tiers sell out, and must be purchased online in advance, with nothing sold at the gate (children five and under are free). Parking runs $30 to $60 and is cash only, so organizers encourage rideshare or Metro. The cause behind it has evolved too: 100 percent of net proceeds now benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, funding youth programs, mental health support and long-term wildfire recovery.
Need to know
- Where
- 23575 Civic Center Way, Malibu, CA 90265
- Hours
- Sept 4–7, 2026 · Fri 4–10 PM · Sat–Sun 1–10 PM · Mon 1–8 PM · Verified 2026-07-22 · source
- Price
- From $25 (tiered, online advance only; kids 5 and under free) · parking $30–$60 cash only
Source: Malibu Chili Cook-Off