Monona’s 43rd
Chili Cook-Off
What is it about chili?
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“.
2026 Cook team registration now open!
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Thinking about entering the competition? Learn more about what to expect.
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Complete this form to let us know about your team & your chili.
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Team registration is $100. Many teams have their registration sponsored by their employer—simply share this payment link. Sponsor banners will be provided, and you’re welcome to bring branded giveaways.
The Chili
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 Cooks
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!
The Events
Enjoy chili samples, beverage tent, live music, lawn games, and food trucks.
What To Bring
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.
Or, splurge on access to the VIP tent.
- Enjoy the shade with comfy lounge seating,
- self-serve champagne cocktails & mocktails,
- priority beverage service and two drink vouchers
- swag bags with giveaways and discounts at local businesses
plus games, access to unlimited chili sampling, live music, fun activities, the beverage tent and food trucks.
Want free admission? Volunteer! Many hands make this event possible, and we are so grateful to have you.
Schedule of Events
6:30-8am: Cook teams arrive
11a: Gates open to the public
11:30a: Chili sampling begins
1:30p: Winners and awards announced
2p: That’s a wrap!
What To Expect
Parking: Free parking is available in the main Ahuska Park lot. If the lot is full, overflow parking will be marked with signs in the grassy area near the park’s Veterans Memorial.
Chili: Be sure to arrive before 1:30 if you’d like to get in on the chili sampling and voting! In addition to unlimited chili samples (while supplies last), there will be lots of other tasty food and beverages.
Payments: Credit card will be our main form of payment, with one station at the entrance available for cash payments.
Beverage Tent Menu:
The Glory!
Best Chili (voted by our judges) – First $500, Second $350, and Third $250
Best Chili – Crowd Favorite – $250
Best Team Theme – for costumes, tent decor, and name of chili – $250
Most Unique Chili – $250
Share your memories
With 43 years of chili events, we’ve heard some really special memories and seen some great photos.
Share yours with us – we’ll demonstrate the history and traditions for those new to the event – connect@mononaeastside.com.
And the 2025 winners are…
Crowd Favorite: Risk it for the Brisket – Sponsored by Northwestern Mutual of Southwest WI
the 2024 winners are…
As voted by our panel of judges:
As voted by the crowd:
