With the cooler weather (sort of) more special events featuring chili cook-offs are popping up around the Central Florida area. This past weekend up in Seminole County, the Harley shop hosted a benefit event featuring a lot of chili chefs and biker fun. In Kissimmee, the next two weekends offer special events with chili involved. Mark your calendars and be sure to not miss them.
Saturday, January 12 from 2-6pm, Old Town will host the Chili Brewfest along with local radio station WJRR. Tickets to this event are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event. You must be 21 to attend since the brewfest portion of the event includes unlimited samples of several beers. Live music is also part of the special event with the group “Blender” performing. As an added note: Old Town is also beginning a weekly country night. Beginning January 17, “Old Town Gone Country” is a free event featuring line dancing, live music, drink specials and an American-made truck cruise.
These amateur competitions cannot compare to the ICS Chili Cook Off hosted by the City of Kissimmee. On Saturday, January 19 from 11am-5pm, competitors from across the state of Florida (and Nation) show off their chili cooking skills (and booth decorating) in front of the Kissimmee Civic Center. Unlike the other competitions and fun events, this is the real deal! The International Chili Society sanctions this event giving away cash prizes in categories including ICS Chili, People’s Choice, Chili Verde and Salsa. There will also be live music, arts and crafts and fun activities for the family. This special event is for all ages and is FREE!
When February rolls around and if you are still hankering for a great bowl of chili, the 4th annual Orlando Chili Cook-Off competition will take place February 9 at Orlando Festival Park, Orlando, FL 32803. Advance tickets are $7 or $12 gate price. The cook-off will have something for all ages, including live music, chili samples, adult beverages and kids fun zone. Sanctioned by the Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI), this year will be giving away $5000 in prizes and money to the top chili cooks! Proceeds also benefit the Special Olympics.
While chili is not on the menu at Capone’s Dinner & Show, they do have a spread on the dinner buffet that will certainly fill you up after a day of tasting small chili samples. If you are looking for a fun day and evening in Kissimmee, check out one of these chili cook-offs, then join Al and the gang for a fun evening dinner show in Kissimmee. It’s fun for the entire family, and the gangster shoot out will rival the fun and excitement of any chili cook-off!
Last Updated on October 21, 2023
