Downtown Kalamazoo Chili Cook-Off

Get Ready to Spice Up Your Winter! 

Calling all chili fans, families, and foodies: the 20th Annual Downtown Kalamazoo Chili Cook-Off presented by Honor Credit Union is back, and it’s hotter than ever! This beloved winter tradition invites you and your crew to warm up together in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo. From cozy, mild flavors to bold, spicy creations, there’s chili for everyone to savor – even the kids! 

Start Your Adventure Right! Your first stop? Chili Headquarters at the Kalamazoo Valley Center for New Media, 100 E. Michigan Ave. Here’s where you’ll get your must-have 2025 commemorative chili spoon on a lanyard, the perfect way to reduce trash and keep the event going for years to come. Let’s face it, plastic spoons get gnarly fast when you’re eating hot chili. Don’t be that guy! Once you have your spoon, get ready to navigate this day of deliciousness!

No Stress Parking & Easy Access

Enjoy 90 minutes of free parking at the Kalamazoo Mall ramp or Epic Center ramp, with plenty of on-street parking nearby. The Chili Shuttle will be available again from our partners at Vineyard Assisted Living so you and your family can hop around downtown with ease!

Groove While You Taste

At Chili HQ, get in the spirit with music from DJ JQHL (pronounced Jakewell)! Then, set off on your way. Each stop is a new flavor waiting to be discovered, with chili options for every palate—vegan, mild, and fiery!

Family Fun & Flavors for All Ages

Fire up your taste buds as you explore downtown enjoying a variety of flavorful recipes prepared by our outstanding competitors. There will be chili for everyone, so if you prefer vegan, mild, or spicy, we’ve got you covered! This is a family-friendly event, so bring your crew and take your time between sampling to enjoy a hot beverage, a cocktail, or to do a little shopping.

Vote, Win, and Play!

This is a friendly…but fierce competition. Each business will be vying for your vote! Trophies will be awarded for Best Retail, Best Restaurant, Overall People’s Choice, and Judges’ Choice. Stay tuned to learn who our celebrity judges are this season. And new this year, digital maps! Now, earn points at each chili stop. Earn enough points and you could win up to $500 in Downtown Dollars.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

A big shoutout to Southwest Michigan First Chamber, Honor Credit Union, Kalamazoo Valley Community College Center for New Media, Vineyard Assisted Living, Discover Kalamazoo, College Hunks, Bee Joyful Shop, and Barrow & Co. Creative for making this incredible event possible!

So mark your calendars and come hungry—January 25th is all about chili, community, and winter fun! Follow us for updates on the lineup of competitors and make sure you don’t miss this spicy celebration!

 

When

Location

Downtown Kalamazoo