Greater Old Saybrook Chamber Announces 29th Annual Chili Fest

Old Saybrook, CT — The Greater Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the 29th Annual Old Saybrook Chili Fest, returning to Main Street on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 12:00 to 3:00 PM.

A beloved Old Saybrook tradition, Chili Fest is an outdoor, community-wide event that brings thousands of residents and visitors downtown to sample and vote on some of the best chili the shoreline has to offer. This year, 25 chefs will compete for top honors as attendees taste their way down Main Street and cast votes for their favorite chili.

Ballots will be available for purchase at the Chamber office, located at 1 Main Street, as well as at four additional ballot stations along Main Street during the event. Each ballot allows guests to sample all registered chilis and vote for their top choice by chef number. To ensure fair judging, a minimum of 10 chilis must be sampled for a ballot to be counted.

Proceeds from the event support the Chamber’s C. Wilfred Hunter Memorial Scholarship, benefiting local students. In addition, the top three winning chefs will each earn a donation to a charity of their choice, reinforcing the event’s commitment to giving back to the community.

Chef registration for the 2026 Chili Fest is now open, with only 25 spots available. The entry fee is $50 for Chamber members and $75 for non-members. Participating chefs must prepare 18–20 gallons of chili in a licensed kitchen. Chilis will be heated on the day of the event using propane unless alternative arrangements are approved in advance. The Chamber will provide tasting cups, spoons, and napkins for all participants.

The Greater Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce invites the community to save the date and join in this flavorful celebration of food, fun, and local philanthropy.

More information, including chef registration details, can be found at: https://goschamber.com/chilifest/