The aroma of award winning chili will return to Laishley Park in Punta Gorda on January 25, 2020. That's when the 9th annual Charlotte Harbor Chili Challenge Blues and Beer Festival is coming to town.

Up to 20 chili teams will set up their chili cooking booths in Laishley Park in an effort to persuade the judges and the general public that their chili is the best. The teams may consist of friends, family, service organizations, clubs, non-profits, businesses, or just about anyone who has the desire to make good, if not great chili.

What goes better with Chili than an ice cold beer? At the festival, thirsty attendees will have an opportunity to sample different beers from small breweries not always readily available in our area. The Beer Tasting Tent will feature over 50 different craft beers from Micro-Breweries around the country to satisfy your thirst. Specialty beers will be available by samples or by the bottle

In addition to the Chili cooking, there will be a full slate of activities during the festival. Merchandise vendors will be on hand as well as other food vendors when you’re ready to take a break from the chili. Live music will be performed all day on the Main Stage starting at noon with Chili-Fest favorites Deb & the Dynamics. returning again this year is soulful duo -The Nouveau Honkies! and we are excited to announce our headliner this year is 5 time Grammy nominated, Grammy and Emmy Award winning band- direct from New Orleans, Buckwheat Zydeco Jr and the Ils Sont Partis Band. Their blend of delta blues and zydeco music is not to be misses

There will be a Kid’s Fun Zone to keep the young ones occupied.