Calling All Chili Cooks! Join the 2026 Downtown Chili Challenge at the Final Farmers Market

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Steamboat Springs knows how to close out a season—and nothing brings the community together quite like a good old‑fashioned chili showdown. Main Street Steamboat is excited to invite local restaurants, businesses, organizations, and home cooks to fire up their best recipes for the 2026 Downtown Chili Challenge, happening Saturday, September 26 from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM during the final Farmers Market of the year.

This annual event is more than a friendly competition. It’s a celebration of local flavor, creativity, and community spirit—and a fundraiser that helps Main Street Steamboat offset Restaurant Week advertising costs. Your participation directly supports the vibrancy of downtown.

Why You Should Cook With Us

Whether you’re a seasoned chef, a restaurant team looking to show off your signature dish, or a home cook with a legendary recipe, the Chili Challenge is your moment to shine. Hundreds of locals and visitors come out to taste, vote, and cheer on their favorite teams. It’s a chance to connect with the community, promote your business, and have a whole lot of fun.

And yes—we absolutely encourage shameless self‑promotion. Bring your fans. Rally your coworkers. Tell your neighbors. The People’s Choice Award is waiting.

Competition Categories

We’re awarding top honors in:

• Best Red Chili
• Best Green Chili
• Best Salsa
• Best Cornbread
• People’s Choice – Red Chili
• People’s Choice – Green Chili

Judges may also give special recognition for Best Booth Presentation and Team Spirit—so feel free to decorate, theme, and celebrate your booth.

Judging criteria include flavor, texture, presentation, and originality.

What You’ll Need

To participate, cooks must:

• Prepare at least 10 gallons of chili
• Arrive with chili HOT and ready to serve
• Bring a 10x10 tent, tables, and any décor
• Use Sterno or similar—there is no electricity at the venue
• Bring a 1 oz ladle (trust us, anything bigger gets messy)

Main Street Steamboat provides serving cups, spoons, and People’s Choice voting tickets. If you’re short‑staffed, we can help find volunteers; just let us know early.

Event Schedule

• Blind Judging: 10:45 AM
• Public Tasting: 11:00 AM–1:30 PM
• Awards Ceremony: 2:00 PM

The event takes place on 7th Street from the alley to Yampa and in the 7th Street parking lot. Volunteers will guide you to your booth.

Ready to Cook? Sign Up by September 12

To join the fun, go to the Main Street Steamboat Chili Challenge page and complete the online form, or download and complete the Downtown Chili Challenge Flyer/Registration Form, then email it to info@mainstreetsteamboat.com.

Let’s make this year’s Chili Challenge the hottest one yet. We can’t wait to taste what you bring to the table.

Originally posted by Main Street Steamboat Springs via Locable