Traverse city chili cook off 2023

Update: The Chili Cookoff has been postponed until 2023. We apologize for this late notice.

Free Entry & Parking

Food & Beverage Tickets sold at the event

Free Chili Cooker entry (must sign up in advance)

Food & non-alcoholic tickets cost:

  • 1 for $1
  • 6 for $5
  • 14 for $10
  • 30 for $20

Taste of Chili = 1 ticket
Hot Dog = 5  tickets
Soda = 2  tickets
Water = 2  tickets

Alcohol tickets cost $6 and are used for beer and wine.  Photo ID Required

Why do we use tickets? Better control of cash, ID checking and faster service at the booths.

This event is staffed by volunteers, so please be kind!

Traverse city chili cook off 2023

Traverse city chili cook off 2023

Embracing winter is what we are all about in Traverse City. The diversity of the season’s events (both indoors and outdoors) is a testament to our commitment to staying active and enjoying everything about the season -- including the snow!

December in Downtown Traverse City has all of the makings of a delightful holiday shopping experience. The tree-lined streets are decked out in twinkling lights, the shops are cozy inside and holiday spirit is in the air during Men’s and Ladies’ Shopping Nights and the CherryT Ball Drop New Year’s Eve celebration.

Bring in the new year with new events and special discounts on lodging! January’s calendar includes Amical's Cookbook Dinner Series, the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail Winter Flight Pass, The Dennos Concert Series and Snowshoes, Vines & Wines at Black Star Farms. 

February is the month to escape from your winter routine. The snowy landscape creates an exciting course for the well-known Northern American VASA Festival of Races.

If food and libations are your preference, mark your calendar for Traverse City Restaurant Week at the end of February. You can’t beat three-course meals! Top it off with a local beverage and you will find yourself in a pretty great place this winter in Traverse City.  

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  • Chili Vendors Wanted
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  • Home
  • Tickets
  • 2022 Recap
  • Sponsors – ’22
  • Venue – 2022
  • Chili Vendors Wanted
  • Volunteers
  • Donations
  • Contact

  • Home
  • Tickets
  • 2022 Recap
  • Sponsors – ’22
  • Venue – 2022
  • Chili Vendors Wanted
  • Volunteers
  • Donations
  • Contact

Homes1nn3r2022-05-26T15:20:21-05:00

The 2023 Cook-Off begins in

Traverse city chili cook off 2023

Click on the logo above to go to the Chili Cook-Off Online Store. Cool stuff with the latest Cook-Off images.

A Typical Day at the Cook-Off

10:00 – 11:30 am: Setup for registered participants in the Chili Cook-Off. Chili vendors must be ready to serve by 11:30.
11:30 – 12:00: Participants taste each other’s Chili. 
12:00 – 4:00: Tasting and voting are open to the public. Chili is served until gone.
1:00 – 3:30: Professional chili judging takes place near the main stage.
3:30: Public voting ends.
4:00: Professional and popular winners are announced.
4:00: 50/50 winners and door prize winners are announced.
5:00: Silent Auction Part 1 ends.

Ongoing Through the Day

Raffles (over 50 in 2022) will be held throughout the day with winning tickets announced and posted. 
Entertainment on the Main Stage (a minimum of 5 groups will perform).

2023 Chili Cook-Off Scheduled

In 2023 the Chili Cook-Off will again be held at Puerto Mágico. For 2023 we will have a variety of sponsorships available (remember the Chili Cook-Off is the main fundraising tool for the Jay Sadler Project). Title, Presenting, Main Stage, “Official” Status, Beer Glass Sponsor, Chili Pavilion, and VIP Reception Sponsorships will be available. Each of these Sponsorships is limited to one very special company with complete category exclusivity within these 7 higher categories.

We also will have 5 Amigo Sponsorships available. In addition, Program Advertising, and T-Shirt Sponsorships, as well as specially located vendor space, will be available. 

The Cause

The Jay Sadler Project (JSP) is a Jalisco based non-profit doing good works in the less-fortunate communities of the greater Bay of Banderas area. They provide necessary resources to improve various institutions in the Banderas Bay area and Puerto Vallarta. These include Day Care Centers, Senior Citizens Homes, and Schools for the Disabled, Public Schools in rural areas and other private charitable institutions. They also provide building maintenance, repairs and install playgrounds in the community. JSP works with government social agency’s (DIF) to identify those in need as well as with DIF and Navy League of Vallarta on Community Relations Projects.

In order to continue their work, funds are needed (see the “donations” section of this web site). The Chili Cook-Off (as well as other smaller events such as the Puerto Vallarta Poker Tour) help provide the necessary funds to continue their work.

Our Sponsors

Our Chili Sponsors