Now in its 16th year, the festival has grown far beyond its beginnings as a neighborhood potluck hosted by the San Diego Ceramic Connection. Today, more than 25,000 people flood the intersection of Thorn and 32nd Streets to celebrate local food, craft beer, live music, holiday shopping, and a shared commitment to supporting McKinley Elementary School. To date, the festival has raised nearly $900,000 for the school’s vital programs in Spanish, art, STEM, dance, and library services - programs no longer funded by the district.
This year’s festival will once again center on its signature Chili Cook-Off, where over 30 of San Diego’s top chefs and restaurants compete for the coveted title of best chili in the city. The competition has become known for its creativity, with past entries ranging from pho-inspired chili to smoked brisket variations, Thai green curry chili, and vegan and vegetarian options designed to appeal to every palate.
Restaurants participating this year include Ales Tales Taproom, Tacotarian, The Wise Ox, Del’s Hideout, Dunedin New Zealand Eats, Cori Pastificio Trattoria, Shank and Bone, Tribute Pizza, Finca, Pop Pie Co., Kensington Café, Falafel Heights, Empanada Kitchen, North Park Creamery, and many more. Guests can purchase handmade ceramic bowls or commemorative festival mugs for $35, each including five chili tastings, or opt for a paper bowl and tastings for $25.
The festival’s beer garden will once again highlight North Park’s status as one of the country’s premier craft beer neighborhoods. More than 20 local breweries will pour $10 pints, including favorites such as Harland, Kairoa, North Park Beer Co., Fall Brewing, Coronado Brewing, and Original 40. Cider and spirits will also be available, with Bivouac Ciderworks and Fierce N’ Kind Spirits offering alternatives for non-beer drinkers. Buona Forchetta will return to fire up pizzas inside the Booze Garden for those looking to pair their drinks with something other than chili.
Holiday shopping is another cornerstone of SoNo Fest, and this year’s market will feature more than 30 local artisans selling everything from jewelry and home décor to clothing, macrame, stationery, and vinyl. Vendors include Urban Octopus, Jess Makes Macrame, The Art of MVP, Heart and Soul Printing, and Fuzz Coffee & Records, making the festival an ideal destination for early holiday gift-givers looking for unique, handmade items.
Live music will fill the streets throughout the day, with two stages featuring performances from San Diego favorites including The Creepy Creeps, The Night Carrots, TK & the Deadlist, and more. The Main Bancroft Stage, supported again by The Casbah and Grand Ole BBQ y Asado, will anchor the musical lineup, while family-friendly activities on 32nd Street will keep young festivalgoers entertained. The Kids Zone will feature free activities from local youth organizations including North Park Jiu Jitsu, JAX Gymnastics, and AYSO, along with face painting, a bounce house, and a craft table run by McKinley’s fifth graders to support their end-of-year projects.
While SoNo Fest has become a major culinary and cultural event, its purpose remains unchanged: raising essential funds for McKinley Elementary School. With the school district no longer covering many creative and enrichment programs, the festival’s contribution is critical to preserving the school’s International Baccalaureate-aligned instruction in Spanish, as well as its art, STEM, library, and dance programs. The all-volunteer production team of parents, teachers, neighbors, and local businesses has transformed the event into one of San Diego’s most successful grassroots fundraisers, and organizers hope this year’s expanded offerings will bring in record support.
The 16th Annual SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off takes place Sunday, December 7 from 11am to 5pm at 32nd and Thorn Streets in North Park. Chili tasting bowls, drinks, and additional details are available at sonofestchilicookoff.com.
Originally published on November 29, 2025.
