Featured Events

Tustin Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off. This is the city’s signature fall festival. The event transforms historic Old Town Tustin. It is a beloved community tradition. This guide details every attraction, tasting tip, and activity. Discover why this is a must-visit event in Orange County.

Heart of the Festival | The Chili Competition

The cook-off is the spicy soul of the event. Local restaurants and amateur chefs compete for glory.

Award-Winning Chili

Sample award-winning chili by purchasing your tasting tickets at the event entrance. Each ticket provides you with a dedicated tasting cup and a spoon to begin your culinary tour. You can visit numerous competing booths lined up along the street to discover unique flavors and secret ingredients. These recipes range from mild and savory blends to fiercely hot concoctions for those who crave a spicy challenge.

Purchase tasting tickets to gain access to the various chili booths.
Collect your cup and spoon at the designated ticket stations.
Explore competing booths located along the main festival street.
Sample diverse styles including traditional red, green chili, and creative meatless options.
Discover heat levels that range from family-friendly to intensely spicy.

Favorite “People’s Choice” Chili

Vote for your favorite “People’s Choice” chili to help determine the most popular recipe of the festival. This highly coveted award recognizes the chef who best captures the crowd’s palate with their unique culinary style. Because your vote directly decides the winner, every ballot cast plays a crucial role in the final competition results. You can choose your top pick based on exceptional flavor, the perfect heat level, or impressive creative ingredients.

Cast your official vote for the best chili at the designated polling station.
Support your favorite chef in their quest for the prestigious People’s Choice award.
Evaluate each sample based on its balance of spices, texture, and overall creativity.
Submit your ballot early to ensure your voice counts before the final tally.
Join the excitement as the crowd-favorite winner is announced live on the main stage.

Judging Excitement

Watch the judging excitement as professional culinary experts evaluate each entry for official prizes. The announcement of the winners creates a festive and high-energy moment for the entire crowd. Cheers erupt throughout the street as the judges name the new champions and hand out the trophies. You can witness the tension and joy firsthand as local chefs receive recognition for their hard work and secret recipes.

Observe the professional judging as experts taste and score the competing entries.
Join the festive celebration when the announcers take the stage for the awards.
Cheer for the champions as they accept their prestigious chili cook-off trophies.
Experience the live tension before the final results are revealed to the public.
Congratulate the winning teams as they celebrate their culinary victories.

Massive Street Fair

El Camino Real closes to traffic. Hundreds of vendor booths fill the street from curb to curb.

Unique Craft and Artisan Vendors

Shop from unique craft and artisan vendors lining the festival streets. You will find an excellent and varied selection of handmade jewelry, pottery, and original art. Discover beautiful home decor, stylish clothing, and delicious specialty foods as you browse the stalls. Many talented creators offer one-of-a-kind items that make perfect gifts or personal treasures.

Browse handmade jewelry and pottery crafted by local California artists.
Discover original art to add a unique touch to your home collection.
Shop for specialty foods and artisanal treats you won’t find in stores.
Find one-of-a-kind gifts that showcase high-quality craftsmanship.
Support local creators by purchasing directly from the artisans.

Commercial and Community Booths

Browse commercial and community booths to learn about the local businesses and services that make Tustin unique. Many non-profit organizations share their missions and offer ways for you to get involved in local volunteer work. The fair effectively supports the entire community by showcasing the diverse resources available to residents. You will find that these informational displays highlight the town’s strong spirit of collaboration and local pride.

Discover local businesses and explore the various services they provide to the community.
Connect with non-profits to learn about their charitable missions and upcoming projects.
Support the Tustin community by engaging with organizations that give back to residents.
Gather helpful information from a wide range of civic and commercial exhibitors.
Find volunteer opportunities by speaking directly with representatives from local groups.

Live Entertainment on Multiple Stages

Continuous performances happen all day. Music fills the historic district.

Variety of Local Bands

Listen to a variety of local bands across multiple stages located throughout the fair. These venues feature talented musicians who bring the streets to life with high-energy performances. You can enjoy a wide range of genres, from classic rock and country to soulful blues and folk. The entire entertainment lineup remains family-friendly, ensuring a fun and upbeat atmosphere for music lovers of all ages.

Enjoy live performances at the Peppertree Park main stage and the Tustin Auto Center stage.
Dance to diverse genres including Latin music, 90s hits, and top 40 favorites.
Support local artists as they showcase their musical talents to the community.
Find a spot near the stages to experience the high-quality sound and festive energy.
Check the daily schedule for specific set times and stage locations.

Community Dance and Performance Groups

Watch community dance and performance groups as they bring local talent to the stage throughout the day. You can see energetic routines from nearby studios and cultural acts representing the diverse spirit of Tustin. These performances provide a professional platform for young dancers and musicians to showcase their hard work to a large, supportive audience. Each act adds to the lively atmosphere of the fair, celebrating the creativity found right here in our neighborhood.

Watch local dance studios like Tustin Dance Center and HBP Dance Extreme perform high-energy routines.
See cultural performances including traditional Folklorico dancers and rhythmic arts groups.
Support the “Voices of Tustin” and other local musical acts as they take the community stage.
Check the stage schedules to catch specific groups like Dhwani Dance Academy or Little Dancin’ Shoes.
Cheer for young performers who represent the next generation of Tustin’s artistic talent.

Classic Car Show

Automotive enthusiasts love this part of the fair. Shiny vintage vehicles line the streets.

Beautifully Restored Automobiles

Admire beautifully restored automobiles as you stroll through the dedicated car show area. You will see an impressive collection of classic hot rods, powerful muscle cars, and pristine antique trucks. Owners proudly display their vehicles and often stand nearby to share stories about their restoration journeys. The level of craftsmanship on display highlights decades of automotive history and meticulous attention to detail.

View classic hot rods and vintage vehicles from various eras.
Inspect the detail of high-performance muscle cars and antique trucks.
Meet the owners to learn the history behind each restoration project.
Photograph the polished chrome and custom paint jobs lining the street.
Vote for your favorite vehicle if the show includes a spectator award.

Car Owners and Enthusiasts

Talk to car owners and enthusiasts to hear the fascinating stories behind each restoration project. Many owners love sharing technical details and history with curious visitors of all ages. This interactive exhibit offers a unique chance to learn about automotive history directly from the experts. You can ask questions about rare parts or custom paint jobs while enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Engage with local collectors who dedicate years to maintaining these classic machines.
Ask about the restoration process to learn how owners source rare, vintage parts.
Hear the unique history of each vehicle, from its first mile to its current condition.
Encourage young fans to participate in this educational and interactive outdoor exhibit.
Discover hidden details that only the owners can point out on their prized automobiles.

Family-Friendly Activities and Kid Zones

The event warmly welcomes families. There are dedicated areas for children.

Kids Interactive Zones

Let kids play in interactive zones designed specifically for young festival-goers. These designated areas offer a variety of engaging games, creative crafts, and hands-on activities. Professional face painters and talented balloon artists provide constant entertainment throughout the afternoon. These zones give children their own safe space to burn off energy and enjoy the fair at their own pace.

Visit the face painting stations to transform into a favorite character or animal.
Watch balloon artists create colorful sculptures and shapes right before your eyes.
Participate in hands-on crafts at the dedicated activity tables.
Play interactive games designed to challenge and entertain children of all ages.
Enjoy the Kid’s Zone located near the main food areas for family convenience.

Fun Contests and Games

Participate in fun contests and games that bring a lighthearted, competitive spirit to the festival grounds. These unique events offer hilarious entertainment for both participants and the cheering crowds gathered near the community stages. From eating competitions to physical challenges, the fair provides a variety of silly ways to get involved in the tradition. Many of these contests are free to enter and award bragging rights or fun prizes to the top performers.

Enter the watermelon eating contest for a refreshing and messy challenge.
Test your spice tolerance in the famous jalapeno eating competition.
Join the beer stein holding contest to see how long you can maintain your grip.
Sign up for the chili dog eating race sponsored by local favorites.
Check the community stage schedule for sign-up times and event locations.

Classic Fair Food and Drinks

Beyond chili, the event offers all your festival favorites.

Classic Fair Fare

Indulge in classic fair fare while exploring the vibrant food stalls scattered throughout Old Town Tustin. You can enjoy traditional favorites like hand-dipped corn dogs, powdered sugar-covered funnel cakes, and warm, giant pretzels. Savor the irresistible aroma of freshly popped kettle corn and sweet roasted nuts as you stroll between booths. These diverse options satisfy every craving, offering a delicious balance to the spicy chili samples found along the main street.

Feast on fair staples like tri-tip sandwiches, juicy hot dogs, and crispy churros.
Cool down with sweet treats including Italian ices, frozen bananas, and custard-filled pastries.
Enjoy savory snacks such as roasted corn on the cob and seasoned tater tots.
Explore cultural flavors by visiting local restaurant booths offering tacos and BBQ skewers.
Support local non-profits by purchasing food from organizations that use the proceeds for charity.

Drinks

Quench your thirst by visiting one of the many beverage stations located throughout the festival grounds. You will find a wide variety of refreshing options, including ice-cold lemonade, sodas, and chilled water. Many local vendors also provide specialty drinks to help you stay hydrated while you sample spicy chili. Adults can relax in designated beer and wine gardens that feature craft brews and regional favorites in a comfortable setting.

Grab a fresh-squeezed lemonade to cool down during the warm afternoon.
Visit the beverage booths for a quick soda or bottled water.
Relax in the beer gardens and enjoy a craft brew from a local Tustin brewery.
Sample regional wines at the adult-only tasting areas near the main stages.
Stay hydrated by carrying a reusable water bottle between your chili tastings.

“A Day of Flavor, Fun & Community”

Authentic Community Spirit

The Tustin Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off serves as much more than a typical city event; it acts as a grand community reunion. Residents and visitors come together to celebrate the vibrant local flavor and impressive talent that define the area. You can truly feel the small-town heart of Tustin as you walk through the historic streets. This annual tradition strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories for families and neighbors alike.

Celebrate local flavor by tasting the best recipes Tustin has to offer.
Experience the small-town heart of the city in a festive, historic setting.
Reunite with neighbors and friends during this highly anticipated annual gathering.
Support local talent by cheering for musicians, dancers, and artists.
Join the tradition that brings the entire community together every June.

Visiting Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off

Check the official date and time to ensure you don’t miss this highly anticipated summer event. The 42nd Annual Tustin Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off takes place on Sunday, June 7, 2026, typically running from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You should arrive early to secure a parking spot in the public lots or surrounding side streets before the crowds arrive. Buying your tasting tickets immediately upon arrival guarantees you the chance to sample the chili before it inevitably runs out in the early afternoon.

Mark your calendar for Sunday, June 7, 2026, for this iconic Old Town Tustin tradition.
Arrive by 11:00 AM to find better parking and beat the longest tasting lines.
Purchase tasting tickets early at the designated booths to ensure you can sample and vote.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and apply plenty of sunscreen for a day on the asphalt.
Bring plenty of cash for food vendors, as many local non-profits cannot accept credit cards.
Use the free shuttle service from the Columbus Tustin Recreation Center to avoid parking stress.
Bring a stroller or wagon to keep small children safe and comfortable in the large crowds.

Taste incredible chili. Shop for unique crafts. Enjoy live music under the autumn sun. Discover why this festival is a cherished tradition.

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Website: www.tustinca.org
Address: Old Town Tustin, California
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