The Cabbagetown Chomp & Stomp, one of Atlanta’s most anticipated fall festivals, is returning this November with an expanded lineup of activities.
For the first time in its history, the yearly festival will be hosting a kick-off event on Friday, Nov. 7, at 8 p.m. with live music and improv comedy from Dad’s Garage taking place in Cabbagetown Park.
Following Friday’s festivities, the Cabbagetown Chomp & Stomp has a jam-packed Saturday planned, featuring its annual “Romp” 5K run in the early morning and signature chili cook-off contest in the afternoon, which will see 70 amateur cooks and 20 restaurants competing, including the reigning champion Grindhouse Killer Burgers.
More than 30 artists are tapped to perform across six outdoor stages on Saturday, with acts from the Atlanta area and beyond that span a wide range of genres, including bluegrass, Americana, blues rock, alt-country, and more. Blair Crimmins & The Hookers, Pythagoras, The Steppers, Seven Year Witch, Psychic Scream and Dr. Bacon are just some of the acts peforming.
Additionally, the festival will be hosting an artisan market (stretching across four streets) that features nearly 50 local vendors and a number of food trucks like Abuelita Oaxaqueña, Sokome and Greek Tavern, to name a few.
Founded back in 2003, Chomp & Stomp has become a staple of Atlanta’s festival season, with the proceeds from each event going towards the Cabbagetown Initiative, a nonprofit that focuses on maintaining and improving various aspects of the Cabbagetown neighborhood.
This year, the funds raised from the festival will help the organization with its current initiative of building an amphitheater near Cabbagetown Park.
“This is an unbelievably special event in Atlanta, there’s nothing else like it. Thousands of visitors descend upon Cabbagetown for local music, beers, art — and the chance to try dozens of chili. It’s truly an all-day affair that has become a can’t-miss event for so many families across the city,” said Cabbagetown Initiative Executive Director John Dirga. “Plus, supporting this event helps improve the very parks and spaces that make the neighborhood such a unique place to live and visit.”
In terms of getting ready for the festival, Dirga offered Atlantans a few pieces of advice.
“My number one tip for Chomp is preparation. You’ll be happier if you leave your car at home and take advantage of the bike valet, or getting off at King Memorial MARTA station with a stroll through Oakland Cemetery,” said Dirga. “And early bird gets the chili. We recommend arriving a few minutes before 11 a.m. as the chili is enjoyed by the masses very early on.”
In advance of the event, Atlantans can purchase Chomp & Stomp chili tasting spoons for $10 at Little’s Food Store and Sweet Cheats, as well as directly at the festival for $15.
