PUEBLO, 8 September 2022- The Greater Pueblo Chamber and Visit Pueblo would officially like to announce that the "hottest" celebration of the year will be happening in full force. The Chile and Frijole Festival was established 28 years ago to promote the purchasing of local & fresh produce, to not only individuals with in our community, but within our state and region. Here, we encourage our festival goers to not only support our farm stands, but the hundreds of other local small businesses that take part in the festival.

This year, The Chili and Frijole Festival stays in rhythm by offering live entertainment, over 180 street vendors, including both food & drink vendors, as well as contests and of course our famous roasted CHILIES! Taking residency along the entirety of Union Avenue in Downtown Pueblo, the Chili Festival has become a staple for Pueblo, CO, reaching individuals from every direction of our beautiful state. Admission costs are as follows; six-dollars per adult. Military with a valid ID and children under 12 years are free.

Festivities will kick off Thursday, September 22nd at 9:00am with the start of our non-commercial Chili & Salsa Showdown at the Pueblo Convention Center. A commercial Chili and Salsa showdown will follow at 1:15pm in the same location. A copy of a sales tax license for proof of ownership is required for all participants in the commercial category. A $25 entry fee for commercial entries and a $5 entry fee for non-commercial entries will be required to participate. Winners will be announced at the Credit Union of Colorado Chile Academy Stage (Union & D Street) on Friday September 23rd at 6pm, as well as on our social media platforms. Winners for commercial entries will receive a $500 cash price for their designated entry of red chili, green chili and salsa. Non-commercial winnings will range from $100-$25 based on placing.

A new tradition kicks off the night of Friday September 23rd as we welcome our first ever Balloon Glow. This event will feature the Giant Chile Ristra balloon. The Balloon Glow will take place along the Pueblo Riverwalk, at the corner of Alan Hamel & Main Street, wind permitting.

In addition, there will be a Balloon Fest, featuring 13 hot air balloons that will fill the Pueblo sky. Lift off and inflation will begin Saturday and Sunday morning at 6:45am. The designated loading and take off zone will be at 24th & High Street (Langoni Fields).

We also return the infamous Chihuahua and Friends Parade that will take place Sunday, September 25 at 11am. Chihuahuas and other furry friends will make their way through downtown Pueblo. Registration starts at 10:30 am. Line up is at the corner of B Street and Union. Location for parade is the 300 block of Union Avenue. Costumes are encouraged. Price is $7 pre-registration or $10 at the event.

Can you stand the heat? The annual Jalapeño Eating Contest and registration will take place Sunday September 25th at 11am in the SRDA parking lot (Friday Health Plans Stage). Each contestant over the age of 18 will begin with a bowl of 10 fresh jalapenos. Contestants must finish eating contents of the first bowl before receiving additional bowls. Contestant must compete for the entire 10 minute round to be eligible for prizes. During the water break, contestant may drop out of the competition but will be ineligible for prizes. An entry fee of $1 will be required of all contestants. Prizes will range from $200- $100 based on placing. Jalapeños will be provided by our very own local Chile growers.

Multiple parking options will be available for the festival. There are free parking garages locates at S. Main Street and Grand, as well as City Center Dr. The Chile & Frijoles Festival is also offering daily shuttle pickup and drop-off located in Midtown parking lot. The drop off & Pick up zone will be in the PBR lot.

The Chile and Frijole Festival will begin Friday September 23rd at 3pm and end Sunday September 25th at 6pm. Hours of operation are as follows:

Friday 3:00pm - 12:00am
Saturday 10:00am - 12:00am
Sunday 10:00am - 6:00pm

Tickets are available for a presale price of $5. A link for ticketing can be found at pueblochilefestival.com or visitpueblo.org. Tickets will be $6 at the gate.

Please send any questions or concerns to Donielle Kitzman-Vice President of Visit Pueblo Conventions & Visitor's Bureau: Donielle@pueblochamber.net | 719.542.1704