Nothing warms your soul quite like a hearty bowl of chili or a craft beer on a cold day. In years past, local homebrewing club Baltibrew has brought the two together for its annual Chilibrew competition at Zion Lutheran Church.

“Obviously chili is a great fall favorite,” says Jacob Wolf, a longtime Baltibrew member. “And there’s nothing better than spicy chili with a cold beer. When you pair the two together, they make a great team.”

Aside from the seasonal appeal, Wolf adds that the pairing also makes sense conceptually. He says that, much like beer, chili is versatile and allows home cooks to really get creative with their recipes.

“There are all different types of beers and people like to seek out their own unique styles,” he says. “Chili has that same draw. A home cook can take a favorite chili recipe and make it their own in that same spirit of making home-brewed beer.”

In honor the official start of chili season, we rounded up some of the best recipes in town. Here’s where to get your fix:

Abbey Burger Bistro: Head to this beloved burger spot, which has locations on both sides of the harbor and a new addition in Mt. Washington, to sample “Big Al’s” chili made Southern style with a signature blend of spices. Order a bowl as a starter, or go all out with the cavatappi chili mac and cheese. Multiple locations including 1041 Marshall St. 443-453-9698.

Baltimore Soup Company: The daily rotation at this Towson soup spot includes a Texas beef chili that stews angus beef with green peppers, kidney beans, green chiles, onions, garlic, and Southwestern seasonings. The eatery offers specialty soup orders by the gallon if you’re hoping to stock up for the cold season. 3 W. Chesapeake Ave., Towson, 443-275-2325

Duda’s Tavern: Regulars at this decades-old staple in Fells Point rave about its crab cakes and burger specials. But another must-try on the menu is the house chili bake, which is a safe bet if you need to warm up on a cold day. The dish tops mild chili with onions, housemade croutons, and a generous helping of cheddar cheese and warms it all together in the oven. 1600 Thames St. 410-276-9719

Five and Dime Ale House: If you need a spot to retreat from the cold while strolling along the Avenue in Hampden, head inside this corner pub to choose from a lengthy list of local beers, sandwiches, flatbreads, tacos, and other snacks. You can’t go wrong starting things off with a cup of sweet-and-spicy alehouse chili garnished with sour cream and shreds of cheddar. 901 W. 36th St. 443-835-2179

The Flying Avocado Cafe: Vegans frequently flock to this health-conscious cafe in Owings Mills for colorful salads and dairy-free dishes. The bright eatery also makes a killer vegan chili with black, pinto, and kidney beans, as well as crushed tomatoes and a blend of chili spices. 10210 S. Dolfield Rd., Owings Mills. 443-471-2600

G&A Restaurant: Since 1927, this Highlandtown favorite has been slinging its signature Coney Island hot dogs topped with onions, ketchup, mustard, cheese, and, of course, an age-old chili sauce. The recipe, which was featured on an episode of Food Network’s Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives, blends ground beef with paprika, celery salt, and chili powder. 3802 Eastern Ave. 410-276-9422

Max’s Taphouse: It only makes sense that this Fells Point corner bar—which features thousands of bottles, five casks, and more than 100 taps—would incorporate beer into its chili recipe. The hearty helping is topped with the classic cheese and onions and served in a bread bowl with tortilla chips. 737 S. Broadway. 410-675-6297

Mother’s Grille: Snag a seat at this Federal Hill hangout to catch a game while digging into traditional tailgate fare. Aside from the stellar Buffalo wings, soft pretzels, and nachos, Mother’s also highlights a black bean chili made with seasoned ground beef. Customize your bowl with toppings like bacon, cheese, and sour cream. 1113 S. Charles St. 410-244-8686

Pickles Pub: This pregame spot across from Camden Yards has all of the essential sports snacks. (Don’t miss the namesake beer-battered pickles.) The soup menu lists Guinness stew, a classic Maryland crab, and the fan-favorite “Gameday Chili” made with ground beef and topped with fresh jalapeño, onions, cheddar, and sour cream. 520 Washington Blvd. 410-752-1784

Spirits Tavern: At this cozy watering hole in Upper Fells Point, the “Hot Rod Chili” served with house tortilla chips is a staple. On Mondays, order a bowl of the Natty Boh-infused soup either simple style or topped with “the works” (onions, sour cream, and cheese). 1901 Bank St. 410-563-1612

Five things to eat, drink, see, hear, and do with your Charm City weekend.

EAT

Oct. 14: The Great Baltimore Oyster Festival

West Shore Park, 401 Light St., 1-5 p.m., Free-$12 

Shucking season is officially in session. As we continue making our way through the months ending in “r,” Charm City is fulling embracing its fondness for local oysters. This weekend, venture to West Shore Park in the Inner Harbor for an all-out bash dedicated to the beloved bivalves. Slurp ’sters prepared every which way (raw, fried, or grilled) while also chowing down on scrumptious specialties from area restaurants. (We hear that Dooby’s will be on-site slinging burgers and donuts.) There will also be a shucking contest, food truck fare, live music, and family-friendly activities—all to benefit the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Waterfront Partnership’s Healthy Harbor initiative.

DRINK

Oct. 13: Chilibrew 11

Zion Lutheran Church, 400 E. Lexington St., 7-10 p.m., $25, 410-727-3939

Given this dreary weather, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate fall than with a pint of beer and hearty bowlful of chili. Both will take center stage at this weekend’s 11th annual Chilibrew competition, which benefits local grassroots organizations like Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition and Real Food Farm. One of the many kickoff events for Baltimore Beer Week, the contest pits more than 40 culinary contenders and homebrewers against one another to see whose beers and bowls reign supreme. Both attendees, as well as a panel of esteemed judges, will cast their votes for the best chili con carne, vegetarian chili, and home-brewed beers.  

 SEE

Oct. 15: Inside the Artists’ Studio

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave., 2-6 p.m., $45, 410-276-1651

Ever wondered what kind of creative environment some of the city’s most celebrated artists thrive in? In honor of Baltimore magazine’s Fall Arts feature in our October issue, we’ve teamed up with the Creative Alliance to co-host this studio tour highlighting six local artists-in-residence. Get an inside look at their personalized live-and-work spaces, while also indulging in light bites, wine, and craft beer from Monument City Brewing Company. Led by expert guides—including Creative Alliance exhibitions and programs manager Jeremy Stern and former Baltimore Museum of Art director Doreen Bolger—the tour features the diverse spaces inhabited by photographer Adam Davies, sculptor Alice Gadzinski, painters Alfonso Fernandez and Christopher Batten, printmaker Jerry Allen Gilmore, and interdisciplinary artist Samantha Sethi. 

 HEAR

Oct. 14: 16th Annual Pigtown Festival 

Historic Pigtown, 700-900 Blocks of Washington Blvd., 12-7 p.m., Free, 443-908-7038

Sure, we love watching speedy thoroughbreds charge around Pimlico at The Preakness Stakes in the spring, but, this time of year, it’s all about the high-pitched squeals of “Squeakness”—Pigtown Main Street’s annual iteration that sends prompt piglets racing around a ring set up on Washington Boulevard. Snag a front row seat to the spectacle at the 16th annual Pigtown Festival this weekend, which offers craft beer, local eats, a family-fun zone, and a soundtrack provided by three regional bands that will be sure to get you on your feet. Throughout the day, jam to the sounds of hip-hop and R&B-influenced Footwerk, as well as local ska and reggae rockers The Players Band. Then, as the sun sets over the historic ‘hood, dance the night away with the Empresarios—a blend of salsa, reggae, cumbia, dub, and house music led by Puerto Rico natives Javier Miranda, Frankie Rosado, and Felix Perez. 

 DO

Oct. 15: Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

McHenry Row, 1700 Whetstone Way, 7:30 a.m., $15-45, 410-938-8990

Lace up your (preferably pink) running shoes for this annual 5K organized by the Maryland affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, which has helped to raise more than $900 million in global breast cancer research throughout the years. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, the event has moved from its longtime location in Hunt Valley to Locust Point. Hordes of runners decked out in their most festive pink athleisure (tutus are encouraged) will step off from McHenry Row, proceed down Fort Avenue, and loop around Fort McHenry before heading back for post-run festivities at race village. If you can’t make it to the race this Sunday, there are tons of local outlets (think pink cocktails at Iron Rooster, pink bagels at THB Bagels & Deli, pink tailgates from Bmore Around Town, and more) that are doing their part to support the cause all month long.