Chili Challenge

chili challenge logo with chili pot in backgroundBoy handing chiliChili Team standing by bannerWoman serving chiliTwo men by a chili bannerFireworks

Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, 6 to 10 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Old Town Lenexa, Santa Fe Trail Drive & Pflumm Road, Lenexa, KS 66215

  • Free admission
  • Free samples on Saturday, while supplies last

This free foodie festival heats up Friday night with live music and a fireworks show. On Saturday, grab your spoon at the gate to feast on your fill of chili, hot wings and salsa samples. Face painters, balloon artists and live music will be present both days. Little chefs can take part in the Kids Kornbread Contest Saturday morning.

About 200 teams compete in our chili, hot wings and salsa contests in hopes of taking home the Grand Champion prize. Teams host private parties on Friday night and give out samples to everyone on Saturday. 

Activities include musical entertainment and JDRF Fundraising both days, fireworks on Friday night, and the Kids Kornbread Contest on Saturday.

Food Vendor Opportunities

Volunteer and Judging Opportunities

Event Sponsors

Major Sponsors:

EverFast Fiber Networks logo       

Sponsorship opportunities

For sponsorship information, contact Marisa Shartzer, [email protected].  


Contact Information and Cancellations

Sarah Hirst, 913.477.7139, [email protected]

To stay notified of event cancellations, call our notification line at 913.477.7170.