Bethlehem, PA (August 26, 2025) — Celebrating nearly three decades of flavor and community, Bethlehem’s annual ChiliFest returns on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in the city’s SouthSide Arts District.
ChiliFest invites chili lovers from across the Lehigh Valley to spend an afternoon sampling bold, creative recipes crafted by SouthSide restaurants, bars, and businesses. Admission is $35 and includes a trail pass for tastings at all participating locations plus a 2025 Commemorative ChiliFest Spoon—designed to be used along the trail.
Passholders are encouraged to taste every chili and cast their vote for the People’s Choice Chili Award by scanning the QR code on their event pass. A panel of special guest judges will also crown the Judge’s Choice Chili Award winner.
The chili trail opens at 12:00 PM with tastings running until 4:00 PM. Winners will be announced at 4:30 PM outside Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub (4 East 4th Street, Bethlehem). The day will also feature live music and a local makers trail. The full list of participating locations will be announced soon.
Passes are available online at: southsideartsdistrict.com/chilifest
Passes must be picked up in person at the SouthSide Arts District Office. Guests who bring a nonperishable food donation when picking up their passes will receive a full day of free parking in the New Street Garage, courtesy of the Bethlehem Parking Authority. All food drive donations will benefit the Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley Food Pantry.
ChiliFest is proudly sponsored by Lehigh University and the Bethlehem Parking Authority.
About the SouthSide Arts District
The SouthSide Arts District is a 501(c)(3) non profit program of the Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation (BEDCO) with the mission to build upon the community’s entrepreneurial, cultural, and artistic heritage to support economic development for the businesses of South Bethlehem and to promote the SouthSide’s unique identity as a destination for arts, dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Information provided to TVL by:
Katy Knibbs
