Arkansas State Chili Championship
Sat, Oct 17, 2026 · Prairie Grove, AR · CASI-sanctioned
Our take written by Chili Times
The Arkansas State Chili Championship, also called Chili in the Grove, is a CASI state qualifier on East Buchanon in Prairie Grove. Entry is $25.00 with a 1pm turn-in and an open meat requirement, and all proceeds go to the Prairie Grove Senior Center.
The listing describes a shaded park setting and People's Choice cash prizes of $100, $50 and $25 for first to third place.
Our plain-language reading of the sanctioning body's listing quoted on this page. It adds no facts of its own.
Arkansas State Chili Championship Sat, Oct 17, 2026
10/17/2026 Arkansas State Chili Championship 200 E. Buchanon Prairie Grove AR 72753 AQ: Yes :Qualifier Type: State turn in: 1pm Fee: $25.00 Meat Requirement: Open Charity: Prairie Grove Senior Center
| Entry fee | $25.00 |
|---|---|
| Turn-in | 1pm |
| Meat requirement | Open |
| AQ (qualifier) | Yes (State) |
| Charity | Prairie Grove Senior Center |
For visitors
Chili in the Grove, the Arkansas State Chili Championship is back.
Cook in a shaded park setting, right across the street from a great coffee shop/bakery.
It's a short walk to a grocery store for anything you forgot.
Really cool, useful trophies you'll love and use for years.
Cash prizes ($100, $50, $25) for 1st-3rd Peoples' Choice winners.
ALL proceeds go to benefit the Prairie Grove Senior Center.
The entire length of Buchanon Street is a Mecca of antique shops and flea markets.
You'll wind up finding a treasure you can't live without.
How to enter
Although one does not have to be a member of CASI to participate in chili cookoffs
**On all the events listed, CASI RULES APPLY!
Check before you go. Cook-off dates, fees and details change, and events can be cancelled. Confirm on CASI: Event List, Next 90 Days and CASI: Event List, Next 90 Days; we last found these words there on October 14, 2026.
Other Arkansas cook-offs on the calendar
By date, not a ranking.
- Airstreams on the Square Chili Cook-off · Sat, Oct 17, 2026