RTFL’s 2026 Chili Cook-Off
“Freedom Never Tasted So Good”

DATE: Saturday, January 17, 2026

TIME: Doors open at 12:00 pm

WHERE: Round Top Rifle Hall

COST: Tickets are $12 per person and children under 12 years old get in free

PRIZE MONEY:
-$1,000 for First Place in RTFL Traditional Chili Division

-$500 for First Place in Open Chili Division

NEW JUDGING CRITERIA: see below

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: see below

SIGN UP TO BE A CHILI COOKER: see below

Round Top Family Library is gearing up for an amazing annual chili cook-off! We are excited to announce that Kaci and Sterling Van Coutren are the chairs of the event and to announce our slogan “Freedom Never Tasted So Good”! This year’s cook-off carries special weight, coinciding with America’s 250th Birthday. What better way to honor the occasion than with an all-American chili cook-off! Here are the details:

RTFL is excited to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday! Our beloved annual chili cook-off in 2026 coincides with our nation’s special birthday - America250. RTFL will start off the celebratory year with a patriotic-themed Chili Cook-Off that we are proud to call “Freedom Never Tasted So Good!” Stay tuned for all the special tributes we have planned in 2026 and join us at the Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, January 17, 2026 as we kick off our nation’s 250th birthday celebration.

  • Click here to get information on how to be a sponsor of the RTFL Chili Cook-Off!

  • You can sign up to be a cooker starting Tuesday, November 4th. Don’t forget - the first five teams to sign up get to pick the location of their booth! Scroll down to fill out application form.

  • Click here to get the new judging details for the upcoming cook-off!

  • That’s right - prize money will be awarded:

    $1,000 to the First Place Team in the RTFL Traditional Chili Division

    $500 to the First Place Team in the Open Chili Division

  • Every person that purchases a ticket will receive a ballot to cast their vote for their favorite chili - makes no difference if it is RTFL Traditional Chili or Open Chili - just choose the one you like the most! Two ballot boxes will be clearly marked so that it is clear where you go to cast your vote. Be sure to start filling your tasting bowls as soon as you arrive so that you have plenty of time to decide on your favorite. Approximately midway through the event, an announcement will be made (Loudly!!!) that the ballots are about to be gathered. All of the votes will be tallied and the team that receives the most votes will claim honors for The People’s Choice Award Chili.

  • RTFL decided to retire the Golden Spoon award. We hope you will enjoy competing in the other categories!

  • Best in Showmanship

    A panel of three judges (judges cannot be competitors in any division) will walk around the venue to view all of the competing teams’ booths. The judging panel, evaluating factors like booth decor, costumes, music, cooking set up, etc., will pick the booth that is Best in Showmanship! Have fun with this category!

  • Absolutely! Every person that buys a ticket gets a bowl and a spoon! Eat until your heart’s desire!

  • As we think of more details, we will post them here. Lots of people like to know if the event will be indoors or out - that is weather permitting. Others like to know what to wear - we got you covered! Stay tuned!

  • We sure will! The Live Auction portion of the Chili Cook-Off is how we raise funds for the library!

Sponsor the cook-off!

Apply for the cook-off!

Sponsor the cook-off! Apply for the cook-off!

Sponsorship Opportunity

By becoming a sponsor, you're not just supporting a community tradition - you're fueling the programs and services of Round Top Family Library, while putting your business in front of a lively, engaged audience. With your $500 sponsorship, this year's Cook-Off on Saturday, January 17, 2026 will truly prove that Freedom Never Tasted So Good.

Benefits of becoming a Chili Cook-Off Sponsor:

  • Inclusion in promotional materials (flyers, social media, press releases)

  • Four complimentary tickets to the Chili Cook-Off

  • Opportunity to make brief remarks during opening ceremony

  • Name included in event banner

  • Recognition during announcements at the event

  • Opportunity to provide branded giveaway (cups, napkins, koozies, etc.)

  • Included in RTFL's newsletter

  • Recognition in group "thank-you" announcement post event

  •  Special placard for Sponsor to display at their business

Chili Cook-off Application

Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
Time: Doors open at 12:00 pm
Where: Round Top Rifle Hall Entry Fee:

  • $150.00 per team competing in Traditional Division

  • $125.00 per team competing in Open Division

Prize Details

  • $1,000 for First Place in Traditional Chili Division $500 for First Place in Open Chili Division