Terlingua International Chili Championship
Sat, Nov 7, 2026 · Terlingua, TX · CASI-sanctioned
Our take written by Chili Times
The Terlingua International Chili Championship is CASI's championship at Rancho CASI near Terlingua. CASI's championship page lists the 59th edition from Nov 3 to Nov 7, and the cook-off list shows the invitational championship itself on the Saturday, 11/7.
Saturday is invitational, for cooks who qualified through the CASI point system; competitions earlier in the week are open to everyone. The listing gives a $40 public entrance fee that includes dry camping, or $20 per day.
Our plain-language reading of the sanctioning body's listing quoted on this page. It adds no facts of its own.
59th Annual Chili Championship Sat, Nov 7, 2026
11/7/2026 59th Annual Chili Championship 180 Mariposa Mine Rd Hwy 170 Terlingua TX 79852 AQ: Yes :Qualifier Type: International turn in: 12pm Fee: $0.00 Meat Requirement: Open Charity: CASI
| Entry fee | $0.00 |
|---|---|
| Turn-in | 12pm |
| Meat requirement | Open |
| AQ (qualifier) | Yes (International) |
| Charity | CASI |
For visitors
This is an invitational only championship for those who have qualified during the 2026 chili year to cook or compete in showmanship in the largest chili competition in the WORLD.
Judging begins at HIGH NOON.
The public is invited to attend, camp and participate in the judging, tasting and showmanship.
A $40 entrance fee for public includes dry camping, three nights of great bands, and some great parties.
Great fun on a daily basis for only $20 per day.
Come join CASI in Chili, Charity, and Fun!
Also, on Friday CASI international Bean Championship, CASI International Wing Championship and the CASI International Traditional and Non-Traditional Salsa.
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!
From CASI's championship page
59th Annual CASI Terlingua International Chili Championship Nov 3 - Nov 7, 2026 80 Mariposa Mine Road, Terlingua, TX 79852
The CASI organization was the " ORIGINAL" host for the 1st Terlingua Chili Championship in 1967
ll competition events on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are open to anyone and everyone, but Saturday is the Terlingua International Invitational Chili Championship ; qualification based upon the CASI point system.
Each year on the first Saturday of November, CASI holds the ultimate celebration of Chili.
Rancho CASI is located on the North side of Highway 170, eleven miles West of Study Butte and 7 miles East of Lajitas.
Source discrepancy
CASI's championship page prints the address as 80 Mariposa Mine Road; CASI's cook-off list prints 180 Mariposa Mine Rd. Both quotes are shown on this page. Check with CASI before relying on either.
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 Texas cook-offs on the calendar
By date, not a ranking.
- Kelly Crush Memorial Scholarship · Sat, Oct 17, 2026
- Czhilispiel 54 · Sat, Oct 24, 2026
- Road To TICC · Thu, Oct 29, 2026
- Terlingua on the Paluxy · Sat, Nov 7, 2026
- Marble Falls VFW chili cook-offs · Sat, Nov 14, 2026
- Annual APWA CCO · Sat, Nov 14, 2026
- Penny's Beer Garden · Sat, Nov 14, 2026
- Chilly at the Lodge and Yellow Rose of Texas · Sat, Feb 6, 2027