What began as a chili cook-off in a 1991 Bryan grocery store parking lot has transformed into the Chilifest Music Festival- an unprecedented, two-day festival of chili, live music and fun in Snook, Texas.
This year’s Chilifest festival will occur on April 5 and 6 at the Starlight Ballroom, and the entertainment is expected to be as hot as the chili itself. The festival will include country and rock live music, vendors, and most importantly, the notorious Chili cook-off on Saturday, April 6.
Over 35,000 patrons attend the festival each year to witness some of the biggest country music and rock icons in action. This year’s lineup will include John Hord, Kolby Cooper, Kody West, Shane Smith & The Saints, Pat Green and Koe Wetzel on Friday, April 5. Saturday, April 6 will welcome Kyle Park, Flatland Cavalry, Whiskey Myers, Randy Rogers Band and Cody Jinks.
Guests are encouraged to form a team and participate in Saturday’s chili cook-off to showcase their culinary skills in true Texan fashion. Each team’s hand-crafted chili will be anonymously judged on a 50 point scale, according to five categories—color, aroma, consistency, taste and aftertaste, with each category being worth 10 points. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three teams and include—first place ($1,000), second place ($750) and third place ($500). Teams are required to sign up at the venue or online. More information about team registration and the cook-off rules can be found on Chilifest’s website at https://bit.ly/2U7QxM7.
Praised for its contributions to the Brazos Valley, Chilifest has donated over $3,500,000 to local charities since 1999 when Chilifest Incorporated, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, formed to professionally manage the event. Today, Chilifest’s mission to “offer assistance to thousands of ill, neglected, and less fortunate individuals” is reflected in the community’s long-standing appreciation for the event.
On Friday, April 5 gates will open at 12:00 p.m. and will close promptly at 12:00 a.m. For Saturday’s festivities, gates will open at 10 a.m. and will close after the last performer has finished their set.
All ages are welcome to attend; however, Chilifest reminds parents that the festival attracts college-aged students and that alcohol will be present on the premises.
For more information regarding ticket prices, camping requirements and rules, visit the Chilifest Music Festival website at https://bit.ly/2U7QxM7.
