Taste the best chili in the county and support a great cause!
12th Annual Lexington County Chili Cookoff
Sunday, February 15, 2026 (12-5 p.m.)
Icehouse Amphitheater
The weather forecast is "chili" for the 12th Annual Lexington County Chili Cookoff, which will take place Sunday, February 15, 2026 from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Icehouse Amphitheater in downtown Lexington.
The annual Chili Cookoff, presented by the Old Mill Brewpub and the Lexington County Blowfish, allows attendees to sample outstanding chili, vote for their favorite and raise money for the Town of Lexington Police Foundation and other Lexington County charitable organizations.
MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON...
Attendees will get to sample different chili recipes from more than 25 cook teams from all across the community. It's a great time to 'spice' things up on a Sunday afternoon in downtown Lexington, as bands and performers will be on stage providing musical entertainment throughout the day.
Additional food and beverages will be available to purchase at the event.
"We provide the spoons, you provide the appetite!" Old Mill Brewpub owner and chili cookoff founder John Clinger stated. "This is a great family event in the Town of Lexington you won't want to miss, so be sure to bring your friends and an appetite for great-tasting chili!"
Tickets will go on sale next month.
- » 25+ Chili Recipes to Taste!
- » Live Music & Entertainment!
- » Supports Local Charities!
"We provide the spoons, you provide the appetite!"
– Old Mill Brewpub owner and chili cookoff founder John Clinger
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Early bird pricing is in affect until Saturday, February 14, 2026. Ticket pricing will be released soon.
Please note: all tickets sales are final. No refunds or exchanges are offered for this event.
With the purchase of each ticket, you will be able to sample unlimited chili recipes, vote for the People's Choice Award and enjoy live music and entertainment.
Upon entry to the event, you will receive one spoon and one coin. The coin is used to place your vote for your favorite chili recipe.
Parking is available throughout downtown Lexington. The parking lot directly at the Icehouse Amphitheater is limited and reserved for handicap guests.
Parking is also available in Town Hall parking lot off of Maiden Lane, and after 6PM at the Lexington County Court buildings.
There is also a paved lot located at the intersection of Hendrix St and South Church St, as well as an overflow lot at 350 South Church St.
Please be courteous to local businesses’ private parking lots and use public lots.
Parking in downtown Lexington is free.
Rain or other inclement weather will not affect the event. It is rain or shine.
Yes! We will have additional food options and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, available to purchase on site.
Per Icehouse Amphitheater rules and regulations, pets are not allowed in the event. Service animals are permitted when escorting guests or staff with disabilities.
Aerosol cans, alcoholic beverages, cameras with removable lenses, coolers, picnic baskets, fireworks, illegal drugs, laser pens and pointers, lawn chairs, noisemaking devices, outside food and beverage, video or recording devices, weapons and any other items deemed inappropriate or dangerous by the amphitheater management are prohibited. All event attendees and staff will be asked to leave if they violate these rules.