Soup, Stew, Chili & Brew Festival
Celebrate the spirit of fall at Madison's beloved Soup Stew Chili & Brew festival! This vibrant event offers a delightful fusion of delicious cuisines, engaging activities, live music, and inviting beer & wine gardens. It's a community celebration supporting local non-profits, promising an unforgettable day of food, fun, and festivity.
Other Halloween Near Madison
What to Expect
Southern Indiana's favorite fall festival with diverse food and brews.
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Tickets $1 each; food/drink prices vary by vendor – Get tickets
- Pets: No pets allowed
Local Insight & Ratings
Scare Factor
Family Friendly
Best For
Foodies, families, craft beverage enthusiasts
Vibe
Festive, community-oriented, autumnal
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Special Events & Promotions
- Fundraiser for numerous area non-profits
- Free Kids' Zone with unlimited play
- Judging in four categories: Soup, Stew, Chili, and Brew
Location
Event Details
Duration
6 hours
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Madison
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Madison Area Chamber of Commerce
Food & Drink
Soups, stews, chilis, craft beer, wine, and other food items available from vendors.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Purchase tickets online in advance via MadTix to avoid day-of lines and pick them up at the Chamber office during designated pre-sale hours.
- Start with approximately 20 tickets per adult, as most attendees find this sufficient for sampling various offerings, but additional tickets can be purchased.
- Bring cash or card to purchase tickets at any of the four ticket booths located throughout the festival grounds.
- Familiarize yourself with the festival map beforehand to locate ticket booths, food vendors, and the Kids' Zone.
- Consider arriving early to experience the full range of food and entertainment, as many vendors sell out before the 5:00 PM closing time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the festival hours and when does Main Street reopen?
The festival runs from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Main Street will close at 6:00 AM for setup and reopen at 6:30 PM after the event concludes.
How are purchases made at the festival?
All purchases inside the festival require tickets, which can be bought for $1 each at ticket booths. No cash or card transactions are permitted at individual vendor booths.
What is the pricing for food and drink tickets?
Food and drink tickets are $1 each. Soups, stews, and chilis are priced at 3 tickets for a small 4oz serving, 4 tickets for a medium 6oz serving, and 5 tickets for a large 8oz serving.
Are there activities for children?
Yes, the Kids' Zone offers unlimited play for children all day and is free to attend. All children must be supervised by an adult.
What should vendors bring to their booth?
Vendors need to bring all necessary cooking and serving equipment, including tents, tables, chairs, and heating units, in compliance with health department requirements. The festival provides serving containers, spoons, and napkins.
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.