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Monona’s 43rd Chili Cook-Off: Monona East Side Business Alliance
Monona’s 43rd Chili Cook-Off: Monona East Side Business Alliance
Saturday, September 26, 2026: 11am – 2pm
Ahuska Park, Monona, WI
There’s something special about chili that inspires top secret ingredients, wild experimentation, and family traditions passed down many generations. That slow cooked, spice infused, hearty goodness warms your body and soul – it’s truly the ultimate comfort food.
Head to Ahuska Park on Saturday, September 26th, 2026, for Monona’s 43rd Chili Cook-Off – the longest running in Wisconsin – to see why Destination Madison includes us in “FALL FLAVORS THAT DEMAND A TRIP TO MADISON“.
Get your wristband for unlimited chili sampling. Choose your samples wisely – we’ll have up to 40 cook teams (that’s 40 – 1 oz samples of chili!) you’ll have available to choose from. Expect flavors all over the board. In previous years we’ve had traditional to extreme heat, green chili to creamy white, smoky to sweet and tropical.
The chili cooks begin setting up and cooking before sunrise, using gas powered stoves. Ingredients should be prepped, but cooking must happen on site. Many will serve themed chili in a decorated tent in full costumes to match the theme of their chili. Clearly there’s a lot of love that goes into this day!
Many of our chili tasting pros choose to bring muffin tins to help them hold many chili samples at a time and help keep track of which team was the cook. Teams will receive awards based on voting from both the crowd, and our panel of judges.
General admission wristbands, ages 10 and up – gives you access to unlimited chili sampling (until 1:30, or the chili runs out), live music, fun activities, the beverage tent and food trucks, and seating at picnic tables.
Think your chili has what it takes?
Whether your recipe is a closely guarded family tradition or a bold new creation, this is your chance to share it with hundreds of chili lovers while competing for cash prizes, bragging rights, and the coveted title of Best Chili.
Cook teams prepare their chili on-site beginning before sunrise, transforming Ahuska Park into a sea of simmering pots, decorated tents, themed costumes, and incredible aromas. With up to 40 teams competing, every booth offers a unique experience—from classic beef chili and smoky barbecue flavors to creamy white chili, tropical twists, and fiery creations that test even the bravest taste buds.
Many teams represent local businesses, organizations, or groups of friends, making the Chili Cook-Off a fun team-building experience and a great opportunity to showcase your brand. Sponsor banners are provided, and you’re welcome to decorate your space and hand out branded giveaways.
The event also features live music, lawn games, food vendors, beverages, and hundreds of attendees sampling and voting for their favorite chili.
Register Today!
