Eleven downtown Wheaton restaurants will compete at the 18th Annual Downtown Wheaton Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, Oct. 3. The night before, families can start the Oct. 2–3 lineup early with a Halloween party at the DuPage County Historical Museum.

The cook-off, organized by the Downtown Wheaton Association, runs from 1 to 5 p.m. General admission is $20 and includes unlimited tastings from all 11 competitors. Attendees vote for their favorite.

The lineup includes Altiro Latin Fusion, Bien Trucha, Front Street Kitchen, Gia Mia, Grange House, Hale Street Cantina, Ivy Restaurant, Luong Loi Restaurant, Moveable Feast + Co., QCurrys Indian Kitchen and The Burger Social. Front Street Kitchen is a first-time competitor. The restaurant rebranded from Dough and the Backyard in August, shifting from pizza to modern American fare.

Friends of Downtown Wheaton members pay $15. A Chili 4-Pack, which bundles four general admission tickets, costs $60. Tickets are available at visitdowntownwheaton.org.

Kevin Janus and the Wheaton Dad Band provide live music throughout the afternoon, according to Patch.

Night at the Museum

The DuPage County Historical Museum hosts its annual Night at the Museum Halloween Party at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at 102 E. Wesley St. in downtown Wheaton.

The evening features a screening of the movie "Cars," a flashlight scavenger hunt and other activities. Guests are invited to wear Halloween costumes, according to the museum's events page.

The museum, operated by the Wheaton Park District and owned by DuPage County, normally offers free admission with a suggested donation of $5 for adults and $2 for children and seniors. Whether Night at the Museum carries a separate event fee has not been confirmed. The museum's website notes that program and event fees vary.