The 11th Annual Riverwalk Chili Cook-off will be held in 2027, date TBD.
The 10th annual Riverwalk Chili Cook-off was held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Esplanade Park in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Nine teams competed for the award for “Best Chili in Fort Lauderdale”, with Company 29 of the Fort Lauderdale Fire & Rescue reclaiming the trophy after two years in 2nd place. Team Salty Monkey’s, the 2025 Chili Cook-off winner, came in 2nd place.
2026 Chili Cook-Off teams and associated non-profits included:
- Company 29/IAFF Fort Lauderdale Fire Fighters Local 765 (Fort Lauderdale Fire Museum)
- Salty Monkeys (Forever Family)
- RESpect the Bean/RES
- “Bite Me” Chili Foundation for Independent Living)
- Original Fat Cats
- Theatrical Spice Brigade (South Florida Theatre League)
- Hibiscus Heat (Fort Lauderdale Woman’s Club)
- CAT 5 Chili
- Heaven’s Green Chili Gang (Make-A-Wish South Florida)
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The Chili Cook-off is an opportunity for both amateur and professional chefs to compete for the opportunity to participate in the World Championship Chili Cook-offs, and for Riverwalk to promote our neighboring non-profits in a fun and relaxed way. Competing teams don’t just make delicious chili, they also raise money and awareness for their non-profits. The public can participate in the judging by purchasing sample cups and casting votes for the best chili. The team with the most votes will be named winner.
In addition to the title of “Best Chili in Fort Lauderdale”, the winner of the 10th annual Riverwalk Chili Cook-off will qualify for and get a paid entry fee into the Last Chance Chili Challenge at the WCCC.
For team information or applications, please email matt@GoRiverwalk.com.
Free admission to most Riverwalk events including the Riverwalk Chili Cook-off is made possible by the support of event sponsors and partners. The Chili Cook-off was sponsored by: Milagro Tequila, Morningstar Storage – Fat Village, Go Riverwalk Magazine and S. Mark Graphics.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
TITLE SPONSOR – $10,000
- Social media post about Title Sponsor
- Double tented booth space
- Space to hang two banners advertising your business
- Short speaking opportunity
- 200-word write-up on you or your business in Go Riverwalk Magazine*
- VIP Admission for 20
PRESENTING SPONSOR – $5,000
- Social media post about Presenting Sponsor
- Double tented booth space
- Space to hang one banner advertising your business
- 100-word write-up on you or your business in Go Riverwalk Magazine*
- VIP Admission for 10
STAGE SPONSOR – $2,500
- Social media post about Stage Sponsor
- Single tented booth space
- Opportunity to present awards
*Subject to approval by Executive Editor
GAMES SPONSOR – $1,000
- Single tented booth space
- Stage banner with stage sponsor logo
FESTIVAL SPONSOR – $500
Title, Presenting, Stage, Games and Festival Sponsors Receive Acknowledgment & Logo Placement in:
- Press releases, print advertising and promotional materials
- Weekly e-blasts to 6,000+ opt in emails
- Event page on GoRiverwalk.com and other online listings
- Full-page event ad and post-event Riverwalk Exclusives coverage in Go Riverwalk Magazine
- Stage announcements at event
- Event banner(s) and flyers distributed throughout the Greater Fort Lauderdale area
IN-KIND SPONSORS AND CUSTOM SPONSOR PROPOSALS ARE WELCOMED.
For information on sponsorship and vendor opportunities at the Chili Cook-off and other Riverwalk events, email events@GoRiverwalk.com.