Chili Cook-Off Road Trip 2025: Ultimate US Tour

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

From my Cody ranch, head east on I-80 to I-74—1,500 miles. Stop for jerky and burgers.

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.

For campfire cooks, study the meat techniques.

Camp at fairgrounds RV spots or state parks. Bake cornbread in ash for the winners.

This is the tour’s highlight—get ready for strong chili on your chili cook-off road trip.

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.