About this Event
Join us at May Day Outdoor Services on January 17th from 1:00–5:00 PM for our annual Chili Cook-Off—a fun, family-friendly community event filled with food, music, kids’ activities, and Tallahassee’s boldest chili chefs competing for the crown!
Whether you want to enter your best homemade chili or simply come out to taste, vote, and enjoy the day, this event has something for everyone:
🎶 Live music
🎪 Bounce house
🌶️ Chili tasting for the public
🍔 Food vendors
🏆 A spicy showdown between local chili legends
If you think you’ve got the winning recipe… now’s your moment.
If you're just coming to taste, bring your appetite and help us pick the People’s Choice winner!
🌶️ CHILI COMPETITOR RULES (FOR COOKS WHO WANT TO ENTER)
📅 Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
📍 Location: May Day Outdoor Services
**⏰ Event Hours: 1:00–5:00 PM
⏰ Competitor Setup: 12:30–1:00 PM
🍽️ Chili Tasting (Judging & Public): 1:30–3:00 PM
🏆 Winners Announced: 3:00 PM
1️⃣ Entry Requirements
- Chili must be homemade and prepared before arriving (no onsite cooking).
- Chili must arrive hot and ready to serve in a crockpot.
- Each competitor must bring at least 1 gallon of chili.
- All styles welcome: meat, vegetarian, spicy, mild, beans, no beans — bring your best.
- Bring your own serving ladle.
2️⃣ Setup & Logistics
- All competitors will serve from a shared group table.
- No decorations or individual booth setups this year.
- May Day staff will assign each chili a number.
- Limited electrical outlets available if needed.
- All competitors must be fully ready to serve by 1:30 PM.
3️⃣ Judging Categories
🔶 Judges’ Choice
Scored on:
- Flavor
- Texture
- Creativity
- Overall impression
🔶 People’s Choice
Event guests taste and vote for their favorite.
Competitors are automatically entered in both categories.
4️⃣ Serving Rules
- Chili must be served in small tasting cups provided by May Day.
- Portions must be tasting-sized, so all guests get a chance to sample each entry.
- Competitors should remain at the serving table during tasting hours unless arranged otherwise.
5️⃣ Prizes
Winners in each category receive:
- 🏆 Custom May Day Trophy
- 🎁 May Day Swag
- 💵 Cash Prize
- 🌶️ Bragging Rights Until 2026
6️⃣ Entry Deadline
Competitor sign-ups close on January 10th or when all spots are filled.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
8075 Apalachee Pkwy, 8075 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, United States
USD 0.00 to USD 7.00
