The Wichita Wagonmaster 2026 Chili Cookoff is a very popular event in Wichita every year, and personally, one of my favorites. To me, it helps kick off the Fall Festival Festival season, and I love walking around downtown tasting chili from locals. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Downtown Wichita.
Teams of chili-makin’ Wichitans will gather under tents downtown to compete for the title of best chili in town. You can decide for yourself which chili is best during the public tasting.
Tasting kits can be purchased at the event for only $5. That’s right, you get all the flavors and chili tasting for only $5. Public tasting begins at noon.
The chili cookoff will not be held in front of Century II this year. Instead, you’ll find the cookoff at the intersection of Douglas Ave and St. Francis – or right in front of Naftzger Park.
Teams from around Kansas will compete for bragging rights and other prizes.
Wichita Chili Cook-Off 2026
- Over $5,000 in cash prizes. Chili Cook-Off Team Registration.
- Live Entertainment
- Purchase a tasting kit for $5—a great deal. For just $5, you can sample and eat all you want.
- Pepper Eating Contest
- Watch insanely crazy contestants eat as many peppers as humanly possible in 5 minutes. Whoever consumes the most without losing it takes home $500. The fun starts in front of the main stage beginning at 2:45 PM.
- 50/50 Raffle
Proceeds benefit local charities.
With teams from Kansas and surrounding states, the Wichita Wagonmasters’ Downtown Chili Cookoff has been a Wichita tradition for well over 30 years. The Wichita Wagonmasters took over the event and brought it back to Downtown in 2005. Since then, the event has exploded with renewed enthusiasm from contestants and attendees alike.
The Wichita Wagonmasters was formed in 1974 to promote the good life in Wichita. The Wichita Wagonmasters’ Downtown Chili Cookoff raises funds for our Good Life Grant program. Good Life Grants have been given to numerous non-profit organizations in and around Wichita who help abused and trafficked children; provide health care, food, and clothing; and address other vital community needs.
Downtown Chili Cookoff
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: Noon
Location: 200 block of W. Douglas
Cost: Tasting kits are $5 per person; admission is free
For more information, visit WagonmastersChili.com
