Spicing Up Father’s Day: The Venice Beach Chili Cook-Off & Paddle Chug Challenge

CAMPBELL WELLMAN FATHERS DAY CHILI COOK OFF VENICE BEACH

If your Father’s Day blueprint usually involves a quiet backyard barbecue, the Venice Pier is offering a massive upgrade this year.

This Sunday, June 21st, starting at 10:00 AM, the Venice Pier Association and local beachfront favorite Nalu Vida are teaming up to present the ultimate beachside showdown: the Venice Beach Chili Cook-Off and Paddle & Chug Challenge. It is an all-day festival blending heat on the plate with high-stakes athletic competition on the sand.

Whether you are down to compete for cash prizes, taste-test secret family recipes, or just drink a cold beverage in the beachside beer garden while cheering from the sidelines, it is the perfect formula for an unforgettable, distinctly local Father's Day out.

The Main Event: The Paddle & Chug Challenge

For the boldest fathers and competitors on the Westside, the event’s crown jewel is the Paddle & Chug Challenge. It is a high-octane multi-sport sprint that captures the raw, gritty athletic spirit of the Southern California coast:

  • The Paddle: Competitors launch straight into the surf, navigating their boards around the iconic structural pilings of the Venice Pier.

  • The Run: After fighting the current back to shore, racers hit the sand for a grueling half-mile beachfront soft-sand sprint.

  • The Chug: The race culminates in a final, 21-and-over beverage chug challenge at the finish line. The fastest combined time across all three segments takes home the trophy!

  • Divisions for Everyone: The challenge features youth, adult, masters, and team relay divisions, ensuring a great mix of local athletes hit the water.

Spice and Sounds: The Beachside Festival

If navigating ocean breaks before downing a cold drink isn't your speed, the festival grounds around Washington Blvd and the pier offer plenty of laid-back entertainment:

 

  • The Chili Cook-Off: Local businesses—including legendary spots like Hinano Cafe, The Whaler, and Fat Sal's—are putting their best culinary footprints forward. You can sample your way through a massive variety of recipes and cast your official vote to crown the best chili on the Westside.

  • The Atmosphere: The entire block will be alive with live music sets from local bands like The Slurkeys, live DJs, a sprawling mechanical bull for the brave, and plenty of local artisan vendors to explore. 

  • GET CONTESTANT INFO HERE: venicepierdistrict@gmail.com