The Rail Yard's 2026 Chili Cook-Off
$1000 Grand Prize!
Do you have the best pot of chili in North Texas? Well, it's time to put it to the test! We are hosting a two day event full of hot chili, cold beverages and incredible music!
Two Days of Music Entertainment
Pre-Party is open to the public on Friday November 20th.
Artist TBD
Gates at 5pm
Music at 7pm
Event Details
WHO CAN ATTEND?
Anyone is welcome to attend The Rail Yard’s Chili Cook-Off. It is an all ages event. You will need a $20 day pass. You will be welcome to enjoy the live music, yard games, flash tattoos and of course – beer garden!
WHEN IS THE EVENT?
This is actually a two day event.
Friday November 20th is our kick off party with live music, drink specials and team setup.
This is open to the public.
5pm - 10pm
Saturday November 21st is our actual cook-off!
Gates are at 11am. The day will be wrapped up by 5pm.
Both days are open to the public as a single day pass or you can snag your two day pass!
Tickets will be on sale very soon.
WHERE IS THE EVENT?
The event will be held at The Rail Yard. 971 W. Kaufman St. Paris, Texas. The Rail Yard is located just 3 blocks off downtown Paris.
CAN I PUT A TEAM TOGETHER?
Absolutely. Everyone deserves a shot at ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS!! There is an entry fee of $80 and includes 4 wristbands for you and your teammates for BOTH DAYS.
For more information, please visit the Rules section below.
WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH THE TICKET PRICE?
Saturday passes are for music only.
Sunday passes allow you access to sample unlimited chili and access for the live music.
THREE STEPS TO ENTER A TEAM!!
Register Your Team!
Would you like to register your team to have your chance at winning $1000? You will need to sign up through Google Docs and pay the registration fee on step 2. Your registration fee enters you into the competition and (4) wristbands for your team!
Pay Registration Fee!
This is for team entry only! If you have registered - this is the easiest way to take care of your registration fee!
It is $80 which includes your space and (4) wristbands for your chefs!
Purchase Day Passes
(general public use)
If you would like to enjoy the tasty chili - you will need to snag a single or two day pass online or at the event.
Come enjoy a cold beer and a bowl of hot chili! We will announce the live music schedule and other activities very soon!
RULES
1. Team check in and setup up will have two windows.
A ) Friday 10am – 5pm
B ) Saturday 6am – 8am
Head cook from each team is required to attend a cooks meeting at the sponsor’s tent at 8:00 am Chili teams must start their chili preparation by 8:30am. The team must be formally signed up online at pre registration link posted above.
2. Each team will be assigned a 15’ x 15’ preparation area. Tents are welcome. No electrical outlets or water are available. The cooking area and methods should be as sanitary as possible. Cooks are subject to sanitary inspection by the chili judges or their designees.
3. Teams are encouraged to decorate their area and themselves.
4. No ingredient may be pre-cooked in any way prior to the commencement of the official cook-off at 9 am. The only exceptions are canned or bottled tomatoes, tomato sauce, peppers, pepper sauce, beverages & broth. Meat may be treated, pre-cut or ground. MEAT MAY NOT BE PRE-COOKED. All other ingredients must be chopped or prepared during preparation period. Head cook will be required to taste his/her own chili if asked.
Any color is accepted. There shall be no fillers such as rice, pasta, potatoes, etc.
5. Contestants are responsible for supplying all of their own cooking utensils, equipment, fuel and water.
6. Turn in time for chili judging will be at 12:30 pm. There can be only one chili submission per chili team and only one batch of chili cooked from which a 16 oz sample will be submitted for judging. Each team will be required to prepare 3 gallons for the public.
7. Tasting Cups will be provided by the promoter . Teams will then supply “tastes” to all who present a Tasting Cup to your booth.
8. It is encouraged but not required to entire appetizer jackpot. $50 entry due the day of the event. The winner receives $300. There will be a separate judging for this category. We just need 4-5 samples of your appetizer. We will provide the containers.
9. Awards will be announced from the Main Stage at approximately 3 pm.
10. Each team will be expected to have a positive attitude with other teams and attending guests!
JUDGING
Chili will be judged on a 50 point scale, with 5 categories, each category being worth 10 points each. The 5 categories include:
- Color
- Aroma
- Consistency
- Taste
- Aftertaste
Judging will be anonymous to prevent any bias in judging.