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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21st, 2026
BUCHANAN, Mich. — The Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) invites residents and visitors to celebrate the arrival of fall at the Buchanan Harvest Fest & Chili Walk on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in Downtown Buchanan.
The free, family-friendly event will feature a full day of activities, live entertainment, shopping, food, and community fun—including the highly anticipated return of the Chili Walk, a longtime Buchanan tradition that is coming back after many years.
“Harvest Fest is an opportunity to celebrate everything we love about Buchanan—our downtown, our businesses, and most importantly, our community. Bringing back the Chili Walk gives us a chance to revive a Buchanan favorite while creating new traditions for years to come,” said Libby Hein, BACC Secretary.
THE CHILI WALK RETURNS
From 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., Chili Walk participants can purchase a $5 tasting spoon and sample chili entries from local restaurants, businesses, organizations, and community members throughout downtown.
Chili tents will line the center of Front Street, as well as inside participating restaurants, creating a walkable tasting experience throughout the heart of Downtown Buchanan. Attendees will be able to sample each participating chili and vote for their favorite.
With recipes ranging from mild and smoky to spicy and sweet, organizers expect the Chili Walk to offer something for every chili lover.
Chili Walk registration is open through September 25th*. Restaurants, businesses, organizations, and community members interested in entering can register below.
A FULL DAY OF FALL FUN
The Chili Walk is just one part of a full day of activities planned throughout Downtown Buchanan.
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Buchanan Farmers Market
Start the day by shopping for fresh, local products at the Buchanan Farmers Market.
10:00 a.m. | Art on Days—Buchanan District Library Mural Unveiling
Join us as we dedicate the latest “Art on Days” installation! Six large-scale works created by local artist Charlie Hasbrouck comprise “A Buchanan Sketchbook,” featuring scenes from around our community.
10:00 a.m. | Downtown Business Specials & Sidewalk Sales
Local businesses will welcome visitors with special promotions, shopping opportunities, and sidewalk sales.
12:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Kids Zone at Pears Mill Alley
Families can enjoy a variety of free activities, including:
- Pumpkin Decorating
- Face Painting
- Balloon Twist Magic
- Magician John Dudley
- Goats Petting Zoo
- And more!
12:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Live Music by One Adam 12
Enjoy live music throughout the afternoon as One Adam 12 takes the stage in Downtown Buchanan.
2:30 p.m. | Chili Walk Spoon Sales Begin
Purchase your commemorative tasting spoon and get ready to sample the Chili Walk entries.
3:00 p.m. | Kid's Pedal Tractor Pull
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Buchanan Chili Walk
Sample chili throughout downtown and vote for your favorite!
6:00 – 6:30 p.m. | Chili Walk Awards
The day concludes with recognition of the Chili Walk participants and announcement of the winners.
DOWNTOWN STREET CLOSURES
To accommodate the event and create a pedestrian-friendly environment, the following streets will be closed on October 3:
- Front Street from Red Bud Trail to Oak Street
- Main Street from Front Street to Dewey Street
Visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly and allow additional time for parking and navigating downtown.
FREE ADMISSION
Admission to Buchanan Harvest Fest & Chili Walk is free. The Chili Walk is just $5 per commemorative tasting spoon, which includes samples from all participating chili entries and the opportunity to vote for your favorite.
The Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce encourages residents and visitors from throughout Southwest Michigan and Michiana to make a day of it — shop local, enjoy the activities, listen to live music, bring the kids and experience the return of one of Buchanan's favorite traditions.
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