39th Annual Malibu Chili Cook-Off And Carnival Returns Labor Day

MALIBU, CA — The Malibu Chili Cook-Off and Carnival will return Labor Day weekend with concerts, carnival rides, games and some of the heartiest and tastiest chili in Los Angeles County.

A divided Malibu Planning Commission this week approved permits for the 39th Annual Chili Cook-Off and Carnival to take place Friday, Sept. 3 through Monday, Sept. 6. The longstanding event is the community’s official summer send-off. Last year it was canceled due to the pandemic. So this year, organizers added an extra day to the celebration, which is sponsored by the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu.

“We’re excited to be able to resume this event ... It's an anticipated event this year for obvious reasons and we’re just excited to be able to host it,” Boys & Girls Club of Malibu Executive Director Kasey Earnest told The Malibu Times.

A sticking point for commissioners, who voted 3-2 to approve the permits was the carnival’s parking and noise impact on surrounding neighbors. Located at Stuart Ranch Road and Civic Center Way, the carnival draws crowds from around the city.

In approving the event’s permit, commissioners voted to provide residents within 1,000 feet of the event or parking telephone numbers for both the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department and City Code Enforcement, to deal with parking scofflaws. The permit will also require organizers to shut down the carnival no later than 10:30 p.m. and comply with Los Angeles County COVID-19 social distancing requirements.