Chili is somewhat of a classic Texas dish, therefore there are plenty of chili cook-offs held in the state. The largest chili cook-off occurs in the town of Terlingua, and winners of smaller cook-offs in the state qualify for a spot in the championship cook-off in this west Texas town. Chili is ranked on smell, color, consistency, and of course taste and aftertaste.
Now there are a number of small chili cook-offs that occur in Texas, from some that happen at local churches or even fire stations. However, the ones below draw serious competitors and seriously good chili. The events are so big that it’s not all just about chili; there are other contests along with live music and kid-friendly activities. Have some fun and try some of the best chili you’ve ever had at these seven chili cook-offs and festivals in Texas.
Original Terlingua International Championship Chili Cookoff - Terlingua
Terlingua is truly the home of the best chili cook-offs in the Lone Star State. Yes, there are actually two incredible chili cook-offs that occur in this tiny west Texas town, and they even occur during the same days. The Original Terlingua International Championship Chili Cookoff (OTICCC) is also referred to as the “Behind the Store” cook-off since it takes place behind Arturo White’s Old Terlingua store. This joyful and funky cook-off is known to get wild, however, don’t dismiss how serious contestants are about the chili. All judges taste the chili from unmarked cups and must use a new spoon when tasting a different chili. This four-day festival also hosts live music, a margarita-making contest, and a barbecue.
CASI Terlingua International Chili Championship (TICC) - Terlingua
CASI Terlingua International Chili Championship is the other cook-off in Terlingua. The two cook-offs were once one until a rivalry divided the factions. A mix of pride and rules caused the divide. Since they occur on the same days and are only two miles apart, it’s worth visiting both if you’re heading to Terlingua. CASI Terlingua International Chili Championship is a four-day celebration where amateur and professional cooks hope to win the title of best chili. However, there are other food contests occurring at this chili cook-off, such as salsa contests, a hot wing contest, and a bean contest. The CASI cook-off is larger than the Behind the Store cook-off, but it’s hard to say which is better. Enjoy live music and some great chili here. The cooks here have qualified from over 500 different CASI events throughout the year to make it to this event.
Chilifest Music Festival - Somerville
Fifteen acres of farmland are transformed into this popular chili cook-off and music festival every spring in Snook, Texas, outside of College Station. This two-day event draws large crowds due to some of the most popular country music, rock, and Texas music artists that take the stage. Chilifest Music Festival event donates all proceeds to the community. Since its inception in the 90s, Chilifest has donated over three million dollars to charities in Brazos Valley. Grab a great bowl of chili and enjoy some incredible live music. Past acts have included Reckless Kelly and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Pflugerville Pfall Chili Pfest - Pflugerville
This chili cook-off occurs in downtown Pflugerville. Pflugerville Pfall Chili Pfest is a great way to kick off the fall season every October. Now the public can even vote for the best chili. Try chili from all the contestants and then vote for your favorite. Although chili is the reason for this Central Texas festival, there are many other fun attractions to enjoy at Pflugerville Pfall Chili Pfest. Kids will love the free kid’s area that is complete with inflatable bounce houses, face painting, and a balloon artist. Browse the shop vendors, view the classic car show, or even watch the jalapeno pepper eating contest where contestants eat as many peppers as they can in three minutes.
Czhilispiel - Flatonia
You may not be able to pronounce this chili cook-off’s name but it still is a top cook-off in the state of Texas. Czhilispiel, located in Flatonia, was named such because of the town’s Czech and German heritage. The “z” was added to add some Czech flare while “spiel” derives from the German language. This chili festival started in 1973 but has grown into one of the biggest events in Flatonia. Enjoy live music, a biergarten, art and craft vendors, a 5K run, and a carnival. The cook-off occurs on the fourth weekend of October. You’ll find some of the best chili cooks come out to Czhilispiel; over 200 chili cooks are usually in attendance. However also enjoy the barbecue cook-off, the margarita contest and the beard contest that also occurs at Czhilispiel.
Yaga's Chili Quest & Beer Fest - Galveston
Head to Galveston every January for the Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest to enjoy not only great chili but also over 100 craft and imported beers. This festival has something for everyone. With a jalapeno eating contest, 5K run, margarita contest, washer tournament, a variety of vendors, and of course live music, Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest seems to have it all. This family-friendly event on the Texas coast hosts over 60 chili cook teams and the public can purchase samples to these award-winning bowls of red.
Chili, BBQ & Dutch Oven Cook-Off at the State Fair of Texas - Dallas
The State Fair of Texas is already a must-visit event that occurs every fall in Dallas. With a carnival, live music, the Texas-OU football game, and plenty of food to eat, this event draws thousands of festival-goers each year. Therefore it comes as no surprise that the State Fair of Texas holds one of the best chili cook-offs in the Lone Star State. Winners of the cook-offs not only receive points to attend the larger cook-off in Terlingua but also a cash prize and a trophy. The chili cook-off at the fair is broken into two contests, official qualifiers for the CASI Terlingua cook-off and a fun contest where no rules apply.
