Eat or Compete in the Lyons Garden Club Chili Cook-Off
Saturday, October 25, 2025 @ mainstage brewing
Put your chili-cooking skills to the test in the Lyons Garden Club Chili Cook-Off, or simply come grab a bowl (or samples) of chili before or after the Lyons Spooktacular Parade and Halloween activities! Past years have seen ~30 local chilis entered for the cook-off and available for purchase.
How to Participate
Compete
Enter your prized chili in one of three categories. Judges will choose a winner for each category to receive a $50 gift card to a Lyons establishment. Plus you'll retain local bragging rights for best chili in your category.
Schedule of Events
at MainStage Brewing
3:00p - 3:45p: Chili drop-off
4:00p: Judging begins
4:30p - 7:00p: Purchase chili
6:30p: Sally King art auction ends
Chili Cook-Off Categories
3 options to choose from
Red
A classic chili made with rich, hearty flavors featuring red chili peppers and a variety of savory spices. Most entrants include beef or other animal-based meats in their red chilis.
Green
A flavorful blend of green peppers and spices, bringing a fresh and tangy twist to traditional chili. Choose to include chicken or other meats as desired.
Vegetarian
Packed with bold flavors, this meatless chili celebrates an array of vibrant peppers and wholesome ingredients. Vegetarian chili can include chilis and sauces of any kind, including red, green, and white.
Compete in the Cook-Off
1
pre-register
Make your best chili recipe. And if you think you'll enter, pre-register using this form to help us get a chili head-count. Please do not bring unique toppings for your chili, as space is limited. Toppings provided by you or the Lyons Garden Club will be placed on a community share table.
2
create a card
Bring a ~6x4 ingredients card to display with your chili that includes your category (red, green, or vegetarian), a list of your ingredients (including the type of meat), a note on how hot (spicy) your chili is, and if your chili is gluten free, dairy free, or vegan.
3
drop off chili
Bring your labeled crockpot and a serving ladle (name and phone number) to MainStage Brewing between 3:00 and 3:45 pm. Please ensure the temperature of your chili is hot to start, as we'll keep all heat settings on low. Optional: consider bringing a labeled extension cord.
4
time to judge
Judging will begin at 4:00! Chili Cook-Off winners from each category will receive both bragging rights as well as a $50 gift card to a local Lyons establishment. Winners will be announced at the conclusion of judging (~4:30ish).
5
chili for all
Starting at 4:30, chili will be sold to the public by the taste or by the bowl, with all proceeds going to the Lyons Garden Club to beautify public spaces throughout Lyons. Buy samples from your competitors and judge for yourself!
6
pick up your pot
Pick up your labeled crockpot, ladle, or other supplies from MainStage Brewing between 7:00 and 7:30pm. (You have the option to take your items sooner if your chili sells out early.)
Prizes!
Each category winner will receive a $50 gift card to a local establishment. Past gift cards have included MainStage Brewing, Mojo Taqueria, Oskar Blues, Smokin' Daves, and more.
Plus, winners will hold local best chili bragging rights over the coming year.
Chow Down on Chili
Anyone partaking in the downtown Lyons festivities can purchase chili during the Chili Cook-Off!
Simply stop by MainStage Brewing from 4:30 - 7:00 pm. You'll be able to taste all of the recipes entered into the Chili Cook-Off. Tastes are available for $1.00 each, or you'll be able to purchase a bowl for $5.00. Past participants often purchase several tastes and then settle in on a bowl of their favorite. We recommend showing up early, as chilis will sell out throughout the event!
All chilis will be labeled with their ingredients, vegetarian/vegan status, whether or not they are gluten free, and other details.
Proceeds will go to the Lyons Garden Club to beautify public spaces throughout our beloved town.
Pre-Register Your Prized Chili for the Cook-Off
Entry is free!
Fill out this form to pre-register your chili for the cook-off. Although you are not required to pre-register (you are welcome to simply show up on the day of the event with your chili), pre-registration helps us anticipate the tables, space, and volunteers we need on the day of the event.
Plus, pre-registrants will receive a confirmation email with all the details they need to know leading up to the chili cook-off.
