Last Call to Enter the 30th Annual Irish Stew Cook Off

The community event is set for March 12 at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Valley Center, California.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The 30th annual Irish Stew Cook Off is taking place on Thursday, March 12 at St. Stephen Catholic Church's community hall in Valley Center, California. Cooks can enter their favorite stew, which will be judged by a panel. The public can attend and purchase tickets starting at 5 PM, with the event concluding at 7 PM. In addition to the stew competition, the event will feature Irish dancers, an Irish pub, a 50/50 drawing, and a chance to meet local political candidates.

Why it matters

The Irish Stew Cook Off is a long-standing community tradition in Valley Center, bringing residents together to celebrate Irish culture and cuisine. The event showcases local culinary talent while also serving as a fundraiser and platform for civic engagement.

The details

To enter a stew in the competition, cooks can go to VCIrishstew.com or call Kathleen McKewan at 760-497-7007 for more information. Cooks will arrive at 4 PM to set up, while the public can purchase $10 tickets at the door starting at 5 PM. The event will feature performances by the Rose Academy of Irish Dancers, an Irish pub, a 50/50 drawing run by the VC Pageant court, and an opportunity to purchase shamrocks for a Pot of Gold jackpot. Attendees will also be able to meet candidates for Honorary Mayor.

  • The 30th annual Irish Stew Cook Off is taking place on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
  • Cooks will arrive at 4 PM to set up.
  • The event is open to the public from 5 PM to 7 PM.

The players

St. Stephen Catholic Church

The host venue for the 30th annual Irish Stew Cook Off, located at 31020 Cole Grade Rd. in Valley Center, California, next to VC High School.

Kathleen McKewan

The contact person for those interested in entering the Irish Stew Cook Off competition.

Rose Academy of Irish Dancers

A performing group that will be featured at the Irish Stew Cook Off event.

VC Pageant court

The court will be running a 50/50 drawing at the event.

Honorary Mayor candidates

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the candidates for Honorary Mayor at the event.

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What’s next

The judges will select the winners of the Irish Stew Cook Off competition at the conclusion of the event on March 12.

The takeaway

The 30th annual Irish Stew Cook Off in Valley Center is a beloved community tradition that celebrates Irish culture, showcases local culinary talent, and provides opportunities for civic engagement. The event's longevity and continued popularity demonstrate the enduring appeal of community-driven events that bring residents together around shared interests and values.