City of Sausalito: 47th Annual Chili Cook-Off 2026

The Basics:

• Saturday, September 19, 2026
• 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Dunphy Park
• Live music by TBD
• Unlimited Tasting wristbands $25 pre-sale, $30 week of event.
  • Wristbands can be picked up day-of at our wristband booth at 11:30am.
  • Wristbands will be for sale at the event.
  • PURCHASE YOUR WRISTBANDS HERE (Tickets go on sale July 14th)
•  Hot Pepper Eating Contest
  • Starts at 1pm
  • Contestants will eat peppers of gradually increasing spiciness, according to the Scoville Scale. Those who successfully swallow the entire pepper move on to the next round, those who fail are eliminated. The final contestants will compete to eat the spiciest pepper in the shortest time.
  • Register here to participate.
  • Maximum of 10 participants.
  • Winner will earn a prize!
• Rec’ers will be selling beer, wine, and margaritas
• Parks and Recreation will be selling drinks and sodas
• Other food will not be sold on site this year.
• Water bottle filling station will be available
• Tasting starts at 12:00 p.m. sharp (you can buy or pick up your wristband starting at 11:30am)
• Dogs are encouraged to stay home. If you must bring them, on leash only!
• Theme: Hollywood

Registration to compete as a chef is completely free, and you’ll have the chance to battle it out in three exciting contest categories: Judge’s Choice, People’s Choice, and Best Booth. All cooking must be done on-site, and chefs should be ready to whip up at least 20 gallons of chili. Don’t worry, advanced cooking skills are not required, just bring your passion for chili! Register to be a CHEF! 

 

Thank you to our 14 Chili Chefs! Congrats to our 2025 winners!

Judges Choice:

1^st Chili Kai

2^nd Awesome SAUS

3^rd Miami Spice

People’s Choice:

1^st Unsinkable Chili by the Cruising Club

2^nd Chili Kai

3^rd Kaleidoscope

Best Booth: Unsinkable Chili by the Cruising Club

Hot Pepper Eating Contest Winner: Bianca Beatty