Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival, Balloon Festival Guide

(PUEBLO, Colo.) — The Pueblo Chile and Frijoles Festival officially kicked off Thursday morning, Sept. 19 in Downtown Pueblo. Enjoy street vendors, cooking competitions, and the star of the festival: chilies!

The annual festival promotes Pueblo’s rich agriculture and encourages the community to buy fresh products from farm stands and specialty shops available at the festival and year-round.

Thursday, Sept. 19

Celebrations begin Thursday morning with the Chili and Salsa Showdown. The judges will determine the best green chili, red chili, and salsa in a non-commercial round and a commercial round. The judging will be based on five categories; including flavor, appeal, balance, ingredients, and texture.

The commercial round begins at 9:15 a.m., while non-commercial will take place at 1:15 p.m. An awards ceremony will take place on Friday, Sept. 19 at the festival. A new Pueblo Salsa will also be unveiled, and members of the crowd will have the opportunity to test taste.

• The 2024 Kick-Off Party will feature performances from The Homeboyz and Bits and Pieces. Tickets can be purchased online. The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 320 Central Main St.

Friday, Sept. 20

The 4th annual Pueblo Balloon Fest will kick off the festival Friday morning. Thirty balloons will begin inflating at 6:45 a.m. each morning until Sunday, and cover the sky when they take off. Every afternoon, they will also host a Balloon Glow on the Riverwalk at 7:30 p.m.

Pueblo Chile Balloon Festival to celebrate 4th anniversary

That same day at 3 p.m., doors for the 30th Pueblo Chile and Frijole Festival will open. You can find all the activities to enjoy in the below slideshow:

Saturday, Sept. 21

• Bike the Bessemer opens the festival at 8 a.m. Attendees will be able to pedal along Palmer Land Conservancy, enjoy farm tours, and end with a special screening of MIRASOL. A special farm-to-table lunch will be provided.

• Farmer’s Market: Vendors and growers will be onsite offering a huge range of dried chile and other chile-centric products in addition to produce.

• Kid’s Corner has a few performances:

  • Mix Playlist: 11 a.m.

  • Grup Folklorico Dance Group: 12 p.m.

  • Motown Playlist: 1 p.m.

  • Jeannie’s School of Dance: 2 p.m.

  • Valma Segura Mariachi Singer: 3 p.m.

• Disgo’s Wild West Magic Show will have performances at noon, 2 p.m. 4 p.m., and 6 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 22

• Chihuahua and Friends Parade starts at 11 a.m. Costumes are encouraged and pets are welcome.

• The Jalapeno Eating Contest will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the Xfinity Entertainment Center. There is a $3 entry fee.

• Farmer’s Market: Vendors and growers will be onsite offering a huge range of dried chile and other chile-centric products in addition to produce.

• Kid’s Corner:

  • Bear Cross Country Rock Blues: 11 a.m.

  • Valma Segura Mariachi Singer: 12 p.m.

  • Bear Cross Country Rock Blues: 1 p.m.

  • Valma Segura Mariachi Singer: 2 p.m.

  • Selena Playlist: 3 p.m.

• Disgo’s Wild West Magic Show will have performances at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The Festival will be open Friday from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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