Local chefs and caterers will face off in a friendly culinary showdown when ArtsQuest hosts the 16th annual Souper Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 1, at the Musikfest Café (101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA 18015). The event begins at 1 p.m. and invites the community to sample and vote on a wide range of soups prepared by restaurants from across the Lehigh Valley.

Competitors will vie for top honors in several categories, including cream-based, meat-based, seafood-based, vegan, most unique, judges’ favorite and people’s choice. The annual event has become a winter tradition, blending comfort food with local pride and creativity.

“We are SOUPer excited to be hosting the Souper Bowl XVI this year,” said Alexis Kuczek, programming coordinator at ArtsQuest. “We have some first-time competitors, in addition to several who have been competing for years. I’m always impressed by the creativity and effort all the restaurants put into their soup entries, and I think we’ll have a great showing again this year.”

Participating restaurants and organizations include Cathy’s Creative Catering and Café, Hanoverville Roadhouse, La Kang Chicken & Rice, Lehigh Catering, Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub, Northampton Community College Culinary Arts, Palette & Pour, Panchitas Kitchen, Roasted, Taichi Bubble Tea, The View at Morgan Hill, Winsor Deli and The Bake-A-Re, which will offer baked goods and desserts for purchase.

Tickets are available at a discounted rate through Jan. 24, with prices increasing the week of the event. VIP tickets include early entry one hour before the general public, first access to the soups and a complimentary drink ticket valid for Yuengling beer, Franklin Hills wine or a soft drink.

A limited number of tickets are available for children ages 12 and under. Children 2 and under may attend without a ticket. Restaurants or caterers interested in participating in future Souper Bowl events are encouraged to apply through ArtsQuest.