Jackson, Mich. – McKibbin Media Group (MMG) is pleased to announce the 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.
Polly’s Country Market has seven locations in three counties. Four are located in Jackson and one each in Brooklyn, Adrian and Chelsea.
The Chili Application can be found by clicking this link.
“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.
This beloved Jackson festival would not be possible without the support of sponsors:
County National Bank, The Brokerage House, Michelob Ultra, Kings Equipment, Harvest Solar, Cook Foundation & Flatwork, Polly’s Country Market, Brooklyn Plumbing, Heating & A/C, Jack V Butterfield Investment Co., Art Moehn Chevrolet, Tom Coffey’s Soft Water, Superior Industrial Sales & Service, Emmons Service, Allskate Fun Center, and Jackson Popcorn Depot.
Stay tuned to McKibbin Media Group’s stations for more exciting details as they become available, or visit www.k1053.com/fallfest.