Downtown Kalamazoo's Annual Chili Cook-Off is a free, community event from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 27th! It's how we've stayed warm on a cold Saturday in January for the past 13 years! It’s our tradition to explore downtown, sampling chili recipes, and visiting new and familiar stores and restaurants. And, don't miss The Holly Jolly Chili Trolley, transporting chili tasters all over downtown so you don't miss a single one!
Also, back by popular demand, commemorative ... view more »
Downtown Kalamazoo’s Annual Chili Cook-Off is a free, community event from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 27th! It’s how we’ve stayed warm on a cold Saturday in January for the past 13 years! It’s our tradition to explore downtown, sampling chili recipes, and visiting new and familiar stores and restaurants. And, don’t miss The Holly Jolly Chili Trolley, transporting chili tasters all over downtown so you don’t miss a single one!
Also, back by popular demand, commemorative tasting spoons! Pick yours up for only $5 at Cook-Off Headquarters, Consumers Credit Union on the Mall. Here is where you’ll start your quest to find the best chili of the year. You can also get a map/passport that will guide you through the many chili stops, a Chili Bingo card with a chance to win fantastic prizes and voting instructions!
Kalamazoo Chili Cook-Off is a Downtown Kalamazoo Retail and Restaurant Association (DKRRA) event that is put on by a volunteer committee, dedicated to the growth and success of our downtown community. Along with a growing list of amazing sponsors, the DKRRA works to continually grow and improve this event each year.
2018 chili sampling is available at each of the locations listed below, while the chili lasts. Stop at any one of these businesses and enjoy a sampling of some of the best and most unique chili around. Some sites will even offer vegan and vegetarian options! Then, vote for your favorite, and check out our Facebook feed to see who wins. See you there!
2018 Participants:
V= Vegan; GF = Gluten Free
Down Dog Yoga Center with Organic Gypsy (V)
Mangia Mangia (GF)
Nature Connection (V, GF)
Zazios
Old Dog Tavern
Water Street Coffee Joint
Cherri’s Chocol’art
Spirit of Kalamazoo with Ol’ Moose BBQ (V)
Fuze Kitchen & Bar (GF)
Artisan Sandwich Co. with New Craft Cabinetry
HopCat – Kalamazoo (GF)
Aardema Wood Floors
Kalamazoo Valley Museum (V)
The Heritage Co.
Food Dance Cafe (V)
Bell’s Eccentric Cafe
Olde Peninsula
Harvey’s on the Mall
Irving’s Market & Deli (GF)
Pop City Popcorn with Wedos Tacos
Tempo Vino Winery
Tudor House Tea & Spice with Bomba’s BBQ
Kelvin & Co. BBQ (GF)
MRC artWorks
Old Burdick’s Bar & Grill
Rugger’s Up & Under
MLive with Weller BBQ
The Station
Taco Bob’s
Morrison Jewelers w/ Kalamazoo Pit Posse
The Union Cabaret & Grille
Wine Loft
Central City Tap House
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