articles

Malibu Chili Cook-off: Presented by the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu

Presale Tickets Now Available for 41st Annual Malibu Chili Cook-Off on Labor Day Weekend 2023

By Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas August 18, 2023

The temperature is rising in Malibu over Labor Day Weekend for the 41st annual Malibu Chili Cook-Off is a four-day event bringing together friends, families, local businesses and restaurants for a weekend of fun in the sun and to crown the ultimate Chili Cook-Off winner. The Malibu Chili Cook-Off runs Friday, September 1, 2023 through Monday, September 4, 2023. 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. Tickets on sale now!

The community-centric event brings music, carnival rides, artisans, families and, of course, chili to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu

Alongside the diverse array of activities and performances will be the 4th Annual Johnny Strange Legacy Skate Competition, which will take place on Sunday, September 3, 2023. 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 sessions opportunities for those eager to refine their skateboarding skills. Please visit webpage to learn more.




This year’s event proudly presents the return of the renowned Chili Cook-Off competition

Contestants will compete for the top chili in the meat and vegan categories and vie for the people’s choice award. The Chili Competition winners will be announced on Saturday, September 2, 2023. Guests to the event vote for their “fan favorite” on Friday, September 1, 2023: on-site only.

The highly anticipated Malibu Chili Cook-Off event includes food, drink, carnival rides and engaging amusement to ensure an unforgettable weekend for friends and families who attend. Local favorite restaurants, businesses and artisans, DJs, family-friendly activities and community support opportunities will be available throughout the weekend. The event also includes the return of signature Chili Cook-Off swag designed by Aviator Nation, along with custom merchandise by the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu.




With something for everyone, this year’s Chili Cook-Off ensures an unforgettable experience for all ages

There are plenty of activities curated explicitly for kids, including a 24-foot-high rock climbing wall presented by Alphapals and a new junior carnival area featuring rides for ages 2-10

Adults who attend are encouraged to unwind at the Barefoot Dreams Lounge, a cozy-chic oasis where delicious beer and local wine varieties are served.




Important things to know before you go

Malibu Chili Cook-Off Hours:

  • Friday, September 1: 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm
  • Saturday, September 2: 1:00 pm - 10:00 pm | Chili Awards:  5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
  • Sunday, September 3: 1:00 pm - 10:00 pm | Skate Contest: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
  • Monday, September 4: 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm | Family Day

Admission ticket / ride ticket:

Due to poor reception in Malibu, we strongly recommend you take a screenshot of your ticket’s QR code and save on your phone.


Attendees at this year’s event are encouraged to bring empty reusable water bottles and take advantage of the refillable water stations provided.

The Cook-Off is passionate about investing in future generations and the future of the environment. Through continued local partnerships, we champion environmentally-friendly practices and do our part to protect water resources and ensure water consumption is as responsible as possible.

Any donation over $100 made to BGCM through the Malibu Chili Cook-Off ticket page will be automatically entered into a raffle to win four single-day unlimited carnival ride wristbands. Be sure to follow Malibu Chili Cook-Off on social media, where the winner will be announced on Friday, September 1, 2023. Donations can be added to your cart when purchasing admission tickets.

Guests under the age of 18 will require a chaperone:

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. 

  • Chaperones must be 21 years of age and older and may chaperone up to five guests
  • ID checks will be enforced upon entry, a physical valid government-issued ID is required for guests 18 and older, if you are unable to provide proof of your age, you may be denied admission
  • Please visit the event website for the full Chaperone Policy

Allowed items:

  • Baby Strollers
  • Blankets / Towels
  • Camelbaks - empty
  • Cell Phones / Chargers
  • Camera - non-pro, no detachable lenses, no disposable or polaroid cameras
  • Ear Plugs
  • Eye Drops - subject to testing
  • Fanny Packs/Hip Bags
  • Parasols
  • Purses / Handbags - cannot be larger than 14×14
  • Skateboards
  • Sun Block - non-aerosol
  • Water Bottles - empty reusable
  • Certified service dogs

Prohibited Items list

  • NO Bags / Backpacks larger than 14×14
  • NO Cameras or video cameras - Only non-pro, no detachable lenses, no disposable or polaroid cameras
  • NO Chairs / NO Folding Chairs
    NO Coolers
  • NO Outside Food or Beverage
  • NO Pets / Animals - unless ADA approved

The Chili Cook-off is a smoke-free, vape-free and Paparazzi-free zone!

For complete details, event information and frequently asked questions visit malibuchilicookoff.org .




About Boys & Girls Club of Malibu
For 23 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. Use the link above to learn more about the Club.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed partners for their unwavering support, not only for this event but also for the impactful year-long programs benefiting the youth and community at the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu and the Club’s Wellness Center,” said Kasey Earnest, chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu. “The Club extends its appreciation to the local businesses and supporters of the Chili Cook-Off, including our cherished long-standing vendors and sponsors, Barefoot Dreams, Alphapals, Bright Event Rentals, Universal Music Group, Aviator Nation, Havaianas, Outerknown, Rancho West Beer, Summer Somewhere Wines, Flying Embers, Open Water, Optimist Drinks along with our newest partners California Naturals, Malibu Brewing Co, Known Supply, LaCroix, Bones Love Milk, State Farm/Efrain Cazares, and more to come.”


Follow the Malibu Chili Cook-Off on Social Media - #BGCMChiliCookOff


Additional Information:

  • Vendor / Sponsor info: malibuchilicookoff@gmail.com
  • Volunteer opportunities: mcco.volunteer@gmail.com 
  • Security and private handling: please call in advance at 424-234-6248