Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off

Winter doesn’t stand a chance. The Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off returns to the Commons for a one-day tasting experience filled with bold chili, lively crowds, and friendly competition. Sample a wide range of chili styles, explore Downtown Ithaca shops and restaurants, and vote for your favorites as the district comes alive.

This annual event is also a fundraiser. Proceeds go toward making events free in Downtown Ithaca all year, helping support accessible, community-driven programming that brings people downtown in every season.

Local participants compete for top honors including Best Meat Chili, Best Vegetarian or Vegan Chili, Best Chili-Inspired Item, and the fan-favorite People’s Choice Award.

Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible: ESPN Ithaca, Finger Lakes Wealth Management, The Ithaca Voice, The Vecino Group, and Cinemapolis.

Learn more here: https://www.downtownithaca.com/chili-cook-off-2026/

You may also like the following events from Downtown Ithaca:

• This Saturday, 24th January, 12:00 am, 2026 Comfort Food Trail in Ithaca

Also check out other Nonprofit events in Ithaca, Contests in Ithaca.