Event Details
Chili lovers, families, and community supporters—get ready to turn up the heat in DuPont this spring. Proudly sponsored and supporting our Veterans and military by America's Credit Union.
The 2nd Annual DuPont Chili Cookoff returns on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at The Hive Market Place (1425 Wilmington Dr, DuPont, WA 98327). Hosted by the DuPont American Legion “Pat Tillman Memorial” Post #53 and organized by KCBS Certified Master Judge and CASI-certified judge Tom Riggs, this one-day festival blends serious competition, unlimited tastings, and a powerful local mission. Tom has produced 6 Chili cookoffs in Dupont.
For one price, your wristband becomes your ticket to try multiple chili recipes from CASI (Texas Red) and Homestyle teams, compare flavors, and cast your vote for People’s Choice. Every bowl you sample helps fund healthy youth programs in the South Sound and supports Veterans in need through American Legion Post 53.
When & Where
- Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
- Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm (public tastings 12:15 pm – 3:30 pm; awards at 4:00 pm)
- Location: The Hive Market Place (parking lot next to ACU)
- Address: 1425 Wilmington Dr, DuPont, WA 98327
Teams arrive early to set up and pass health inspections, then open their tents to the public at 12:15 pm for a non-stop run of chili samples until 3:30 pm. At 4:00 pm, cooks, sponsors, and attendees crowd around the awards area to see who takes home cash prizes, ribbons, and bragging rights.
Tickets & Wristbands
The DuPont Chili Cookoff uses simple, all-you-can-eat wristbands so you can focus on flavor, not counting tickets.
- $10 – All-you-can-eat chili samples
- $15 – All-you-can-eat chili plus mac-n-cheese and cornbread
- 20% discount for:
- Members of any Veteran Service Organization
- Police officers
- Firefighters
- First responders
Discounted pricing works out to $8 for chili-only or $12 for chili + mac-n-cheese + cornbread for those eligible.
👉 Buy your wristbands online now so you’re ready to walk straight into the tasting area: GETYOURS HERE
(That page includes direct ticket links, detailed rules, and live updates as the event approaches.)
Competition: CASI & Homestyle
Behind the scenes, this is a serious contest designed for both backyard heroes and seasoned chili cooks.
- CASI (Texas Red):
Classic Texas Red chili judged under CASI guidelines—no beans, emphasis on meat, spice, and balance. CASI judges and procedures make this a true competition for chili purists. - Homestyle Chili:
Open-style chili with beans and creative ingredients allowed. Perfect for teams who want to bring their family recipe and see how it stacks up.
Key times for teams:
- 08:30 – 09:30 – Team set-up
- 10:00 – 11:30 – Possible Tacoma–Pierce County Health Department inspection
- 12:00 – CASI chili turn-in
- 12:15 – 3:30 – Chili samples available to the public
- 1:30 – Homestyle chili turn-in
- 4:00 – Awards ceremony
Team Entry Fees:
- $25 – Homestyle entry
- $25 – CASI (Texas Red) entry
- $40 – Both categories (bundle)
Cooks must prepare all chili on-site using gas or propane stoves, provide at least 1.5 gallons for judging and sampling, and bring their own canopy, tables, fire extinguisher, and hand-wash station. Every team must have at least one person with a current food handler permit and complete Tacoma–Pierce County Health Department paperwork. [user]
Prizes & People’s Choice
There’s more than bragging rights on the line. [user]
Homestyle Prizes:
- 1st – $200
- 2nd – $100
- 3rd – $50
- 4th – $25
- 5th – $25
- Ribbons for 1st–10th
CASI (Texas Red):
- Ribbons for 1st–10th
People’s Choice:
- 1 winner – $100 (based on public tasting votes)
If you love tasting chili and having your opinion count, People’s Choice is where you can directly influence the outcome. [user]
Why This Event Matters
This chili cookoff isn’t just about heat—it’s about heart.
Proceeds from wristbands, entry fees, and sponsorships help the DuPont American Legion Post 53 fund healthy youth activities in the South Sound and offer targeted support to Veterans in need. The event also honors the legacy of Army Ranger Pat Tillman through the work of the Pat Tillman Memorial Post.
Local businesses can participate as sponsors or vendors, gaining visibility with families, Veterans, and food fans while backing a cause-driven event that already draws strong regional attention.