Charlotte chefs are doing a chili cookoff this weekend. Here’s what you need to know.
A chili cookoff featuring chefs from Charlotte restaurants is going to literally stop traffic this weekend.
Saturday’s Frank’s Chili Fest is the first of what will be an annual open streets festival that includes a chili cookoff, with 20 local chefs (both amateur and pro) participating.
The main section of the event will be stationed at The Plaza and Commonwealth Avenue in Charlotte’s Commonwealth neighborhood, along the edge of Plaza Midwood.
Frank’s Chili Fest is named after Frank McLean, who was born in 2017 in Charlotte and passed away in 2019. Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) was labeled as Frank’s cause of death.
All of the chili-tasting proceeds and some of the merchant and beverage proceeds will benefit the SUDC Foundation and Kindermourn.
A concert stage will have live music from:
- Bianca Jade
- Captain Lunchbox
- DapYP
- Josh Daniel
- Kaska Sun
The chili cookoff by 20 chefs includes both amateur chefs and professional ones from the following restaurants:
- Calle Sol
Coaltrane’s Char Grill
- Dish
The Giddy Goat
The Grinning Mule
Legion Brewing
The Pizza Peel & Tap Room
Q’s Culinary Cart
- Sweet Lew’s
- Workman’s Friend
Zada Jane’s Corner Cafe
There will be a local merchant village and beverage stands with drinks from:
- Burial Beer
Legion Brewing
Pilot Brewing
- Southern Strain
The event is free, but you’ll want to purchase a wristband for $20 for all-you-can-taste chili. Visit www.FrankMcLeanForever.org to purchase the wristband.
When: Saturday, Oct. 23 from noon-7 p.m. Chili cook-off and tasting is from noon-4 p.m.
Location: Commonwealth and The Plaza. It will continue down Commonwealth to Gordon Street, as well as on Thomas Avenue.
Neighborhood: Commonwealth, near Plaza Midwood
COVID-19 vaccination and/or masks are encouraged.
The event will happen rain or shine.
