The streets of downtown Jackson were filled with last year's Fall Fest and Chili Classic

McKibbin Media Group (MMG) (Jackson) has announced its 5th annual Fall Fest & Chili Classic will take place on Saturday, September 27, 2025 from Noon until 7 p.m. in downtown Jackson, presented by County National Bank, The Brokerage House, and Michelob Ultra.

MMG is seeking teams to participate in the Chili Classic. Teams will each prepare 10 gallons of chili from scratch at their booth on Michigan Ave. in downtown Jackson the morning of the festival. After the festival opens, the public will be able to purchase chili tasting wristbands for $5 each. Prizes will be awarded to the best chili in a variety of categories, based on both people’s choice votes and blind judging. For chili application and full details, teams can visit www.k1053.com/fallfest. There is also an optional salsa competition.

New this year, MMG has partnered with Polly’s Country Market to provide the first 35 chili teams who sign up with a $100 gift certificate to help with the cost of ingredients and supplies. Once registered, teams may pick up their gift card at the main MMG studios during business hours (1700 Glenshire Drive, Jackson; open Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm) or have it mailed.

“The Fall Fest and Chili Classic is MMG’s signature event of the year,” said MMG president and owner Katina McKibbin. “We always appreciate the attendance at this annual event in downtown Jackson
featuring many chili competitors and vendors. Add in great live music and kids activities and it is a fun family event for all ages. The event would not be possible without all our sponsors, who have
stepped up every year to make Fall Fest a must-be-at event to kick off the Fall season.”

When MMG moved the event from the fairgrounds to the streets of downtown in 2021, the longtime annual K105.3 Chili Cook-off was given a breath of new life and has expanded into the Fall Fest
Jackson has now enjoyed for five years. The event is made complete with a free Kids’ Kingdom presented by Jackson First United Methodist Church, vendors, live musical performances on two
stages, and more.