2026 Malibu Chili Cook-Off Returns for Labor Day Weekend

MALIBU, Calif. — One of Malibu’s longest-running Labor Day traditions returns this September as the 43rd Annual Malibu Chili Cook-Off® Presented by Aviator Nation takes over Malibu for four days of food, music, carnival rides, skateboarding and community events.

The 2026 Malibu Chili Cook-Off will run from Sept. 4-7 at 23575 Civic Center Way, bringing together local residents and visitors for a weekend that has become a staple of the Malibu community. This year, Aviator Nation joins the event as presenting partner.

While chili remains at the center of the weekend, the event extends well beyond the competition. Guests will find carnival rides, local vendors and artists, along with live performances on the new Aviator Nation Dreamland Music Stage.

One of the weekend’s biggest sporting attractions comes Saturday with the 6th Annual Johnny Strange Legacy Skate Contest, returning to the Malibu Chili Cook-Off mini ramp on Sept. 5.

The competition honors Malibu native Johnny Strange and his adventurous legacy while bringing together the local skateboarding community. The contest will feature women’s and men’s intermediate and advanced divisions in a jam format, with more than $5,000 in prize money available.

On-site registration begins at 1 p.m. Saturday and closes at 2:45 p.m., with competition scheduled from 3-6 p.m.Awards will follow the conclusion of the contest. Registration to compete is free, although skaters must have admission to the Malibu Chili Cook-Off.

Outside of Saturday’s competition, the mini ramp will also be available for free skating throughout the weekend, giving the skateboarding community another opportunity to become part of the event.

The Chili Cook-Off itself will feature both traditional meat and vegan competition entries, with attendees able to sample different recipes and participate in People’s Choice voting. Winners are scheduled to be announced Sunday evening.

Beyond the entertainment, the weekend continues to serve a larger purpose for Malibu. 100% of net proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, supporting youth programs, mental health and wellness services, and long-term disaster recovery efforts in the community.

With four days of competition, food, music and community activities, the 2026 Malibu Chili Cook-Off will once again bring together several pieces of Malibu culture during Labor Day weekend.

For the local skateboarding community, Saturday’s Johnny Strange Legacy Skate Contest will provide one of the weekend’s highlights as competitors return to the mini ramp to celebrate competition, community and the legacy of one of Malibu’s own.