Cabbagetown Chomp & Stomp

Chomp & Stomp returns to Cabbagetown on Saturday, November 7, for another year of chili, bluegrass, and neighborhood fundraising. It's one of Atlanta's best-known autumn festivals, held in the historic Cabbagetown neighborhood. The day centers on a chili cook-off, with bluegrass and roots music playing throughout, an artist market to browse, and community fundraising running alongside. The whole thing is run by the Cabbagetown Initiative, a 501(c)3 that puts its proceeds back into the area: building playgrounds, pavilions, and picnic areas; maintaining the Cabbagetown Community Center, Esther Peachy Park, and the community garden; and keeping up the Wylie Street mural walk, Forward, Warrior!!.

The morning starts with the Romp & Stomp 5K, one of the city's most popular races. The course winds through the historic neighborhood, and every finisher gets a T-shirt and a free chili tasting spoon to use at the festival later that day. If you're looking to train up for it, the Cabbagetown Run Club meets every Thursday evening in front of Milltown Tavern.

Packet pick-up for the race is Thursday and Friday, November 5-6, from 6:30 to 9:00 PM at the Cabbagetown Community Center. The 5K itself kicks off at 8:00 AM on Saturday, with the rest of the festival following throughout the day. The hub for the weekend is Milltown Tavern, 180 Carroll St, Atlanta, GA 30312, in the heart of Cabbagetown.

Registration for the Romp & Stomp 5K is $35 for early bird entry before September 15, $40 from September 15 to October 20, and $45 after October 20.