Santa Cruz Chili Cook-Off Returns with Record 55 Teams on Oct. 25

UPDATE: The highly anticipated annual Chili Cook-Off at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is set to return on Saturday, October 25, featuring a record-breaking 55 teams competing for cash prizes, plaques, and coveted bragging rights. This year’s event promises a feast of meaty and vegetarian chili that will tantalize the taste buds of chili enthusiasts.

Attendees can purchase tasting kits for $15, which include eight sample cups, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Haven of Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting current and former foster youth since 1998. This community-focused initiative adds an emotional layer to the culinary excitement, making every chili bite count for a good cause.

The tasting kits will go on sale at 10 a.m. on the day of the event, and each kit comes with a People’s Choice ballot allowing attendees to vote for their favorite chili. The public tasting kicks off at 1 p.m., and awards will be announced at 4 p.m. at the Pirate Ship Stage.

This year, defending champions include the Ric’s Righteous team from San Jose, which dominated the Professional Vegetarian and Professional Meat categories; the Smokin Hot Chili team from Campbell, winners of the Amateur Meat category; and the Veggin’ Out team from Sunnyvale, which claimed victory in the Amateur Vegetarian category.

Awards will be given for categories such as Best Amateur Red, Best Amateur Vegetarian Red, Best Professional Red, and Best Professional Vegetarian Red, alongside the People’s Choice, Most Tasted, and Best Booth Theme.

With the excitement building, this event is not just a cook-off; it’s a celebration of community spirit, culinary artistry, and support for those in need. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in a wide array of flavors while contributing to a meaningful cause.

Details: Admission to the Boardwalk is free. For more information, visit https://beachboardwalk.com/. Get ready for a day filled with flavor, community, and fun!