Monona’s 42nd
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 27th for Monona’s 42nd Chili Cook-Off – the longest running in Wisconsin – to see why Destination Madison includes us in “FALL FLAVORS THAT DEMAND A TRIP TO MADISON“.
cook team registration now open!
Sign up to compete in the 2025 Monona Chili Cook-Off.
Register your team and tell us your chili plan — then submit your payment separately.
Team fee: $100
Fees can be split among teammates — or better yet, businesses often sponsor teams in exchange for displaying their banner in your tent!
Become a sponsor
The Monona Chili Cook-Off is made possible by the generous donations from our business sponsors. Join in the fun, show your commitment to our community, and let us give you a warm thanks in our online and printed promotions.
Chili Team Entry/Sponsorship – $100 per team
Cook teams make this event possible! Lighten their load by covering their entry fee – your business banner will be displayed in their tent – feel free to send them with swag or marketing materials to distribute.
Concessions Stand Sponsor – $500 – 4 available  Â
Let’s keep our guests well fed with hot grill items, mac and cheese for the refined palates, and chili themed dishes like chili dogs and walking chili.
Entertainment Sponsor -$750 – 4 available
 Bring in the bands! Live, festive music is at the heart of this event.
Beverage Tent Sponsor – $1000 – 3 available
 Beer & chili – a match made in heaven. Let the refreshments flow! Or opt to go above and beyond and have your staff come serve, too.
VIP Tent Sponsor – $2000 – 1 available Â
Bring the luxury experience with a shady escape with comfy seating, complementary finger foods, and immediate access to the staff in the adjoining beer tent.
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 live music – we’ll be announcing more activities, our beverage tent menu, and concessions menu soon!
And 94.1 JJO Solid Rock will be out with us, broadcasting live.
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 gives you access to unlimited chili sampling, live music, fun activities, the beverage tent and concessions, and seating at picnic tables. Or, splurge on access to the VIP tent.
Schedule of Events
Enjoy live music throughout the day. More details to come!
What To Expect
In addition to unlimited chili samples, there will be lots of other tasty food and beverages. Grab tickets at $1 a piece for the concessions and beverage tent. Menu to come!
The Glory!
Best Chili (voted by our judges) – First $300, Second $200, and Third $100
Best Chili – Crowd Favorite – $100
Best Team Theme – for costumes, tent decor, and name of chili – $100
Most Unique Chili – $100
Share your memories
With 41 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.
the 2024 winners are…
As voted by our panel of judges:
As voted by the crowd:
From The River Food Pantry:
Monona East Side Business Alliance donated to The River over 250 pounds of prepared food and beverages left over from their Chili Cook-Off! Thank you, MESBA, for helping to nourish our community and minimize waste.
