Great Bowls of Fire Chili Cookoff

The Carmel Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the return of one of Carmel Valley’s most beloved culinary traditions—the Great Bowls of Fire Chili Cook-Off! 🌶️✨

Join us for a fiery, flavorful afternoon filled with local chefs, bold flavors, refreshing margaritas, live music, and a little friendly competition.

What’s Cooking

• 🌶 Pro & Amateur Chili Competition — Who will bring the heat and claim chili champion bragging rights?

• 🍹 Margarita Contest — Sip, sample, and vote for your favorite! (Proudly sponsored by Crossroads Carmel)

• 🎶 Live Music & Entertainment — Taste, toast, and groove all afternoon.

How to Participate as a Competitor

Think you’ve got the best chili in town or the most magical margarita? Prove it!

• Chamber Members: $100

• Non-Members: $150

Each entry includes:

• One 6’ table with black linen and signage

• Tasting cups, napkins, spoons, and paper goods (provided by the Chamber)

• Two General Admission tickets to the event

• Margarita contest entries include cups & ice

Requirements:

• All food must be fully prepared before arrival

• Participants must bring their own self-contained heating setup

• Power access is not guaranteed

Why Enter?

Compete for bragging rights, prizes, and the coveted awards:

• 🏆 Best Professional Chili

• 🏆 Best Amateur Chili

• 🏆 Best Margarita

Every competitor will serve up samples to both our hungry guests and a panel of judges. Bring your best flavor, secret ingredients, or spicy twist—and wow the crowd!

MUSICAL GUESTS 


The Alex Lucero Band is a Soul/Americana act from Santa Cruz, CA, led by powerhouse vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Alex Lucero and his wife, Justina. Known for their rich musicianship and undeniable onstage chemistry, the band has earned over 115,000 monthly Spotify listeners and captivated audiences worldwide. Recent highlights include placing in the top 3 at Whale Rock Music Festival’s Battle of the Bands, being featured on Jam in the Van, and touring across Europe and the U.S., performing at iconic venues like The Bitter End and Stephen Talkhouse. Blending deep soul with boot-stomping Americana, The Alex Lucero Band delivers a dynamic, unforgettable live experience.

TICKET SALES CLOSE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7. No tickets at door.

How to Volunteer
To make the magic happen, we need awesome volunteers like you. From greeting guests and helping with check-in to supporting chili stations, collecting ballots, and keeping the vibes high around the music and margarita areas—there’s a role for every skill and smile.

For volunteer opportunities - CLICK HERE