The 18th Annual Great Petaluma Chili Cookoff, Salsa & Beer Tasting will take place at Behrens Park, Herzog Hall, Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds in Petaluma on Saturday, May 9th from 1pm to 5pm. Those of you choosing to strictly taste the chili and salsa will pay $25 for admission. Kids under the age of 12 get in for $10 and anyone under the age of 5 gets in for free.

Craft beer fans can pay $40 for chili, salsa and beer tasting. Unlike many other beer related festivals, the Great Petaluma Chili Cookoff includes all the food you can eat; salsa and chili to be specific of course. The official website has 20+ breweries listed as participants.

Not to worry if spicy isn’t your ‘thing’. “Most of our competitors go for flavor over spice, so it’s a great event even if you are heat intolerant,” said organizer Houston Porter.

You may purchase tickets for the event online until 8:30am the day of the event by clicking HERE, or at the gate. If chili, salsa and beer weren’t enough to entice you, keep in mind that this event benefits the Cinnabar Theater children’s programs.

-Peter Lopez Jr.