Louisville’s Great Chili Cook‑Off
Since 1989, the city’s spiciest showdown for bragging rights. Bring your boldest flavors to battle, wow the judges, and leave with the golden ladle. Enter now for your chance to seize year‑long bragging rights.
Skip the stories—grab a spoon and live it!
On Sunday, October 12th, 2025 | 12 PM–6 PM, Market Street’s 800‑block in NuLu ignites for Louisville’s Great Chili Cook‑Off—the one day each year when bragging rights, secret recipes, and city‑wide glory are on the line. Secure your spot now or spend the next 12 months wishing you had: endless chili samples, live bands turning up the heat, kid‑friendly fun, and head‑to‑head battles that crown the next Chili Champion. Blink and you’ll miss it—this flavor frenzy won’t be back until 2026.
How to compete in Chili Cook-Off
Ready to Throw Down, turn up the heat, and etch your name in Louisville’s chili lore?
How to Compete
Follow these five quick steps and you could have bragging rights for the year. .
Ready to Throw Down?
- Pick Your Division
- Register Online
- Gather Your Gear
- Bring the Heat
- Win the Crowd
Reserve Your Spot
Every dollar raised helps support Norton Children’s Hospital.
Closer to Home
Every dollar raised at Louisville’s Great Chili Cook-Off stays right here in our community — directly supporting Norton Children’s Hospital and the life-saving care they provide to children across Louisville.
This annual event is more than a celebration of flavor — it’s a heartfelt effort to give back where it matters most. Whether we’re selling homes or stirring up chili, we’re proud to make a real difference — one child, one family, and one home at a time.
At Kentuckiana Connection at RE/MAX, we’re honored to support this mission — not only through local fundraising efforts, but also as part of a national network of agents who have raised millions for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Giving back is in our culture — and making miracles happen is what we do.
Join the Cook-Off and Make an Impact in the Community
Get Involved: Sponsor or Set Up as an Art Vendor
Whether you’re a local business looking to sponsor or an artist interested in showcasing your work, we’d love to have you involved in this year’s Chili Cook-Off. With limited spots available, now’s the time to join the fun and support a great cause.
Become a Sponsor
Want to align your brand with one of Louisville’s most talked-about community events? Sponsors get premium visibility, vendor space, and a chance to make a real impact by supporting Norton Children’s Hospital.
Whether you’re a local business or a national brand — we’d love to have you on board.
Be an Art Vendor at the Chili Cook-Off
We’re accepting 60 local artists, crafters, and makers to showcase and sell their work during the event. From handmade goods to original artwork, if it’s creative — we want you there!
Vendor booths will be set up along NULU Market Street, drawing foot traffic from thousands of attendees.
Don’t just hear about it—experience the sizzle.
Be Part of the Flavor Frenzy
- Endless Chili
- Live Bands
- Family Fun
Craving bragging rights for best fall festival plans? Join thousands of fellow chili lovers on Sunday, October 12, 2025 | 12 PM–6 PM in NuLu’s 800 block of Market Street and dive headfirst into Louisville’s hottest outdoor party. With every spoonful you sample, you’ll discover secret recipes, bold flavors, and enough heat to make your taste buds dance.
Feel the thrill as you:
- Sample endless bowls of award‑winning chili you won’t find anywhere else
- Rock out with live local bands
- Play family‑friendly games and get your face painted
- Vote for your favorite team and crown the People’s Choice champion
- Capture envy‑worthy photos for your feed
- Discover secret ingredient demos from top chefs
Meet Our Heatmakers & Supporters
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendar and bring your appetite—it’s the hottest day in Louisville.
Louisville’s Great Chili Cook-Off returns to the 800 block of Market Street in NuLu for a full day of flavor, fun, and friendly competition. From bold chili tastings to live music and family-friendly entertainment, there’s something for everyone.
10/12/25
Louisville Great Chili Cook-Off
Join us Sunday, October 12th from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM in the heart of NuLu as teams face off for chili glory. Whether you’re tasting, competing, or just soaking in the energy, this is one fall tradition you don’t want to miss.
Best of the Best
Great Chili Cook-off presenting sponsor
Kentuckiana Connection is the leading real‑estate group in Kentucky and Indiana, dedicated to matching clients with the homes of their dreams. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply curious about the market, their expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.
We’re proud to partner with Kentuckiana Connection as our Presenting Sponsor for the 2025 Great Chili Cook‑Off—bringing you the very best in flavor and community support.