Looking for one of Wichita's signature fall events? The Wagonmasters Downtown Chili Cookoff returns to downtown Wichita this fall on Sept. 26 with more than 50 chili teams, $5 tasting kits, live music and family-friendly fun along the 500 block of East Douglas Avenue next to Naftzger Park.
There's something about the smell of chili simmering down the middle of Douglas Avenue that tells you fall has officially arrived.
For more than 30 years, the Wagonmasters Downtown Chili Cookoff has brought together friendly competition, creative teams and thousands of hungry visitors for one of Wichita's most flavorful traditions. Since returning downtown in 2005, the event has grown into one of the city's biggest annual street parties, drawing crowds of more than 10,000 people regardless of the forecast. Hot, mild or chilly? Around here, it's all chili weather.
What is the Wagonmasters Downtown Chili Cookoff?
Part food festival, part friendly competition and part downtown celebration, the Wagonmasters Downtown Chili Cookoff invites visitors to sample dozens of chili recipes while cheering on teams from Kansas and surrounding states.
More than 50 teams are expected to compete for over $5,000 in cash and prizes across categories including:
- Red Chili
- Chili Verde
- No Beans About It
- Anything Goes
- Chili for Charity
- Chili for Restaurants
- Salsa
While judges crown category winners, attendees help decide the People's Choice winner one delicious sample at a time.
How much does it cost?
One of the best deals in Wichita is also one of the tastiest.
For just $5, a tasting kit lets you sample chili from participating teams throughout the event. Tasting kit sales begin at 11 a.m. and public tasting starts at noon.
Even better, every tasting kit purchased helps fund the Wichita Wagonmasters' Good Life Grants, which support local charities and nonprofit organizations throughout the community.
What else can you do at the Chili Cookoff?
Sampling chili is just the beginning.
Spend the day listening to live music from Jet City, browsing creatively decorated team booths, entering the 50/50 raffle or simply soaking up one of downtown Wichita's liveliest annual events.
If you're feeling especially brave, don't miss the legendary Pepper Eating Contest. Contestants take on everything from jalapeños to Carolina Reapers for cash prizes, bragging rights and a trophy that's almost as memorable as the challenge itself.
What else should you do in downtown Wichita?
Once you've found your favorite bowl of chili, keep exploring downtown Wichita.
Raise a glass at nearby local breweries including:
Enjoy more local flavors with breweries in the area:
- Nortons Brewing Co.
- Central Standard Brewing
- Flatlanders Brewing
- Hopping Gnome
- Sweet Allie B's Limestone Beer Co.
- The Depot
- The Leprechaun’s Lab
- River City Brewing Co.
- Tor Brewing
- White Crow Cider Company
- Wichita Brewing Co. Delano
Check out attractions such as:
- Wichita Toy Train Club & Museum
- Museum of World Treasures
- Great Plains Transportation Museum
- CityArts
Browse local shops in the area including:
- Dead Center Vintage
- 2 Beatz Boutique
- GROW Plant Bar
- Cocoa Dolce Chocolates
- The Workroom
- Worn Again Vintage
You can even get a workout in at The Phoenix before indulging in chili. Or turn your visit into a weekend getaway by booking a downtown hotel and discovering even more things to do in Wichita.
Download our visitors guide for more ideas and inspiration for your visit to Wichita.
