BETHLEHEM, PA., September 8, 2026 — If you’ve ever wanted to dress up as a pepper, this is your chance! Bethlehem is celebrating 30 years of its annual chili competition this fall with the return of ChiliFest on Saturday, October 17, from 12–5 PM.
Begun in 1996, the original chili cook-off was part of SouthSide Bethlehem’s bygone “Spring on 3rd, What’s on 4th?” celebration. Over the years, the cook-off evolved into ChiliFest, now held each October in the SouthSide Arts District. Local eateries and businesses throughout the district compete for special awards, with winners determined by festivalgoers and a panel of local celebrity judges.
“Going feels like a warm hug on a chilly day—if you’ll pardon the pun,” says Erin Zebertavage, Downtown Manager for the SouthSide Arts District. “But you have to come hungry. There’s a reason we call it ‘the ultimate chili challenge!’”…