21st Annual What's Cookin' Chili Cookoff

Thank you for a wonderful 2025 Festival at Mt. Si!

Congratulations to all our 2025 chili competitors — the aroma was incredible and the community had a blast tasting and voting!

2026 Chili Cookoff registration details are coming soon. Check back here for the entry form, deadlines, and event day information.

There is a $35 Registration Fee which reserves your space. For more information contact Ben Cockman at 425-753-0313.

ON-SITE CHILI COOK-OFF (Be an Iron Chef for a Day!)

  • Individual contestants or teams are eligible to participate.
  • On-site contest: Everything must be cooked on-site.
  • Two contests: The JUDGE’S Choice and The PEOPLE’S Choice.
  • Judges are selected from local restaurants and politicians.
  • People’s Choice Award: At 1pm Festival goers purchase a sampler/ballot for $8.
  • 2:45pm Awards at Main Stage.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

  • Judge’s Choice Awards – Cash Prizes and Trophy (1st- $300, 2nd- $100, 3rd- $50)
  • People’s Choice Awards- Cash Prizes and Trophy (1st- $100, 2nd- $75, 3rd- $50)

THE 411!

  • All preparation of ingredients and cooking is on-site in the Si View Community Center only (NOTHING can be pre-prepped or pre-portioned i.e. chopped onions, meat cutting, spices, special sauce unless commercially canned or bottled i.e. catsup, tomato sauce, etc).
  • No wild game.
  • Pre-soaking of beans must be done on-site or use canned beans.
  • Electrical outlets will be available only in kitchen for a limited time.
  • Registration form and entry fee details will be posted here when available.
  • Participants meet at Chili Cook-off tent for set-up at 8am on the day of the event.
  • You may begin cooking no earlier than 8:30am and no later than 10am.

CONTESTANTS BRING

  • A great sense of humor and the willingness to have a terrific time!
  • All chili ingredients specific to your recipe.
  • Contestants must provide cooking and storage equipment including coolers, stoves, propane burners, cooking thermometer, pots, towels, cooking utensils, cutting boards, etc.
  • You must prepare a minimum of 8 quarts of chili to qualify.
  • Food Handler’s Permits are NOT required by contestants.

WE BRING (FESTIVAL AT Mt. Si)

  • A great “sense” of organization, humor and The PRIZE MONEY!
  • Event set-up and management including tables, tenting, signage, hand washing area, ballots, etc.
  • Paper and plastic products for distributing to the Judges and Public.
  • Food Handler’s and King County Health Dept. permits.

PARKING & SET-UP

  • Special parking permits will be provided for all contestants. Contact Ben Cockman.
  • Volunteers will be available with carts to assist with your set-up.