Chomp & Stomp: Atlanta's Fall Feast of Chili, Music, and Community Returns This Saturday
Chomp & Stomp: Atlanta's Beloved Fall Festival Returns
Atlanta’s favorite fall tradition, the Cabbagetown Chomp & Stomp, is set for a highly anticipated return this Saturday, November 8, 2025, transforming the historic neighborhood into a vibrant spectacle of music, art, and fiercely competitive chili. Since its humble, neighbor-led beginning in 2003, Chomp & Stomp has cemented its status as a can’t-miss event and, crucially, a vital fundraiser for the Cabbagetown Initiative nonprofit.
This year marks a significant expansion, kicking off with brand-new Friday programming tonight, November 7. From 8–10 p.m., Cabbagetown Park hosts an evening warm-up featuring live music and laughs courtesy of Dad’s Garage improv theater, complete with alcoholic and non-alcoholic options for sale.
The heart of the festival beats strongest on Saturday, starting bright and early with the “Romp” 5K run at 8 a.m., taking participants on an autumnal jog through the iconic Krog Tunnel.
The gates officially open at 11 a.m., but the main attraction—the chili cookoff—kicks off at 12:30 p.m. Prepare your palate for a deluge of flavor with a massive field of competitors: 70 entries in the amateur category and 20 local restaurants vying for professional glory. The heat is on, with reigning champion Grindhouse Killer Burgers returning alongside Atlanta favorites like Wylie & Rum and El Ponce. A panel of local heavy-hitters, including James Beard Award-nominated pastry chef Claudia Martinez and King of Pops Lead Pop Innovator Jessica Luna, will crown the champions.
Cabbagetown Initiative Executive Director John Dirga sums it up best: “This is an unbelievably special event in Atlanta, there’s nothing else like it... It’s truly an all-day affair that has become a can’t-miss event for so many families across the city.”
Beyond the chili, Chomp & Stomp delivers a feast for the ears with six outdoor stages hosting over 30 artists from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The programming leans heavily into the sounds of the Appalachian Piedmont, with acts traveling from as far as Oklahoma and New York to perform. Expect a long afternoon rich with traditional bluegrass, Americana, blues rock, and alt-country. The music culminates with Blair Crimmins closing out the main stage in Cabbagetown Park at 5 p.m.
Across four streets, nearly 50 local vendors will fill the Chomp & Stomp Artisan market, offering unique art and goods. Attendees can also grab bites from diverse food trucks, including Abuelita Oaxaqueña, Sokome, and Greek Tavern.
Crucially, every “Spoon” purchased—the official ticket to chili tasting—and every beverage sold supports the Cabbagetown Initiative. Funds raised directly benefit the neighborhood, with this year’s proceeds dedicated to a campaign to build an amphitheater near Cabbagetown Park.
Monday Night Brewing is the presenting sponsor, with their Atlanta 404 Lager serving as the unofficial beer of the festival.