Chili Cook-Off Road Trip 2025: Ultimate US Tour
Ten sanctioned chili cook-offs between October 2025 and late 2026, in the order you would drive them, starting in Indianapolis.
Last updated: September 2, 2026 · Originally published October 4, 2025
The route runs about 10,000 miles in total, and every stop below is sanctioned by the International Chili Society, so the rules and categories are consistent throughout.
Chili is hearty food with meat, spice, and flavor that lasts.
Dates, locations, what each event is actually like, and where to camp or park an RV nearby.
It runs from Indiana out to the Gulf, up the Atlantic coast, across the Rockies to California and back through Wyoming.
Ten events in order, with the driving legs between them and notes on cooking at each stop.
Worth doing in full if you have the time, or in sections if you do not.
1. 58th World’s Championship Chili Cook-Off – Heartland Showdown in the Hoosier State
Date: October 16-17, 2025 | Location: Blue Ribbon Pavilion, Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, IN | Event Details
Starting from north-west Wyoming, head east on I-80 to I-74: about 1,500 miles.
Arrive in Indy for the World’s Championship. 300 teams compete in Red, Homestyle, Verde, and Veggie for $25,000 prizes.
It’s a big event with tents, 10,000 tasters, beer, and bands.
ICS names the world champs here—no beans allowed.
If you cook over fire yourself, this is the one to watch closely; the meat handling at championship level is a step above anything you will see at a local event.
Camp at fairgrounds RV spots or state parks. Bake cornbread in ash for the winners.
It is the biggest stop on the route by some distance.
2. Suwanee Chili Cook Off – Georgia Music and Spice Festival
Date: November 15, 2025 | Location: Suwanee Town Center Park, Suwanee, GA | Event Details
From Indy, drive east on I-70 to I-77—about 600 miles through the Appalachians.
Suwanee CERTIFIED Chili Cook Off combines chili with a music festival. Teams compete in Traditional Red, Homestyle, Verde, and Veggie categories.
Expect live bands, vendors, and sampling for attendees. It’s ICS certified with a festive vibe.
Camp nearby at Lake Lanier or park RV at the venue if available.
This adds music and Southern heat to your chili cook-off road trip.
3. Atlanta Chili Cook Off – Southern Spice Stop on the Chili Cook-Off Road Trip
Date: November 22, 2025 | Location: Brook Run Park, Dunwoody, GA (Atlanta suburb) | Event Details
From Suwanee, short drive north on I-85—30 miles to the city.
Stop for a quick fry-up. The Atlanta event draws 5,000 for sampling, music, and kid activities in the park.
Teams compete in open categories. Judges look for balance in heat and taste—no beans.
Southern style with sweet tea, brews, and peach-infused chilis. Tickets $20-30; VIP at noon.
RV at Stone Mountain Park.
This stop adds Southern flavor to your chili cook-off road trip.
4. Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest – Gulf Coast Stop for the Chili Cook-Off Road Trip
Date: January 16-17, 2026 | Location: Historic Strand District, Galveston, TX | Event Details
From Atlanta, drive I-85 to I-10—700 miles along the Gulf.
Stop in Louisiana for shrimp chili. Yaga’s has 50 teams in Red and Verde, plus 100 beers and a 5K run.
10,000 attendees; $25 tickets for tasting, bands, and sea air.
Texas style with margaritas and oyster chilis. ICS with a coastal twist.
Camp at East Beach; get a permit for fires. Pair with a beer.
This warms up the winter leg of your chili cook-off road trip.
5. Bo’s Roast & Chili Cook-Off – Lowcountry Heat in South Carolina
Date: January 24, 2026 | Location: James Island County Park, Charleston, SC | Event Details
From Galveston, take I-10 to I-95—1,000 miles through marshes.
Stop for boils. Bo’s raises funds for cancer with 100 teams in Red, Verde, and more.
5,000 attendees; $20 tasting with music and kids’ areas. Gullah spices stand out.
Park has RV spots; starts at noon.
Camp on-site under oaks.
This event supports a good cause on your chili cook-off road trip.
6. Snowdown Chili Cook-Off & Bloody Mary Contest – Mountain Mary in Colorado
Date: January 31, 2026 | Location: La Plata County Fairgrounds, Durango, CO | Event Details
From Charleston, drive 1,800 miles via I-20 to I-25—or fly.
Snowdown has 50 chili teams and 20 Bloody Mary mixes. $15 tasting noon to 2 PM; 2,000 fans.
Music and prizes for heat and strength. Venison chilis fit the mountains.
RV at fairgrounds or Animas Valley. Build a windbreak for the fire.
This high-country event toughens you for the chili cook-off road trip.
7. Dixie Deer Classic Venison Chili Cook-Off – Hunter’s Harvest Stop on the Chili Cook-Off Road Trip
Date: February 27 – March 1, 2026 | Location: NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, NC | Event Details
From Durango, 1,400 miles on I-70 to I-40. Detour for BBQ.
Dixie Deer expo has 20 venison chili teams in ICS categories. 30,000 hunters; $10 tasting.
Three days with talks, calls, and game chilis—no beans.
RV at fairgrounds. Share with other hunters.
This hunter-focused stop fits the meat side of your chili cook-off road trip.
8. Some Like It Hot Chili Cook-Off – Blacksmith Blaze in California
Date: March 14, 2026 | Location: Templeton Historical Museum, Templeton, CA | Event Details
West 2,200 miles via I-40 to I-5, through deserts to the coast.
Some Like It Hot combines blacksmithing with 30 chili teams in Red and Verde.
$20 entry 11 AM-3 PM; 1,000 attendees for demos and sampling. Funds history.
Camp at Lopez Lake under oaks.
This unique combo adds craft to your chili cook-off road trip.
9. Tustin Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off – Orange County Fiesta
Date: June 7, 2026 | Location: Old Town Tustin, CA | Event Details
Short 50-mile drive north on CA-57 through groves.
Tustin’s fair has 50 chili teams and 300 vendors. Music, rides, $5 cups for 50,000 people 11 AM-6 PM.
ICS in Red, Verde, Salsa with beer and kids’ areas.
RV at Irvine parks; grill under stars.
This big fair brings energy to your chili cook-off road trip.
10. Chugwater Chili Cookoff – Homeward Heat in Wyoming
Date: June 20, 2026 | Location: Staats Park, Chugwater, WY | Event Details
Final 1,000 miles east on I-80 through Rockies.
Chugwater’s state championship has 100 teams in Red and Salsa. Rodeo, music, rides for 5,000; $15 passes from 9 AM.
Winners go to worlds.
Camp local by the Platte.
This Wyoming finish wraps your chili cook-off road trip.
Can’t wait? Check out this recipe- Outdoor Chili Recipe: Cook Now for Cozy Nights
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BBQ Temperature Charts & Guides
Four quick-reference tools every cook bookmarks — target temps, pull temps, and how long leftovers keep, plus the full BBQ glossary.
| Cut | Pull | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Brisket | 203°F | 12–16h |
| Spare ribs | 195–203°F | ~6h |
| Pork butt | 203°F | 12–14h |
Target temps & times for 17 cuts, sortable by meat, weight and doneness.
View full chart →| Doneness | Target |
|---|---|
| Rare | 125–130°F |
| Medium-rare | 130–135°F |
| Well-done | 160°F+ |
Rare to well-done, burger safety (160°F) and resting times.
View full chart →| Food | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Brisket, ribs | 3–4 days | 2–3 mo |
| Smoked sausage | 1 week | 1–2 mo |
| Potato salad | 3–4 days | no freeze |
How long smoked meats & sides keep — fridge and freezer, USDA-based.
View full chart →Every pit term decoded — cooking methods, gear, cuts, wood, and technique, A to Z.
Open the glossary →
