Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest returns for its 17th annual event on January 17, 2026, with the main festival running from noon to 6 p.m. On the quest to find the best chili around, 50+ cook teams will prepare their most delicious recipes for a chance to win Chili Champion bragging rights.

Tickets are available for purchase at yagaschiliquest.com/tickets.

Beyond the chili pots, the cook-off competition also features the competitive Cornhole Tournament and the Cape Horn Tequila Jackpot Margarita Contest. Chili connoisseurs can purchase a Chili Tasting Ticket and stroll through the Historic Downtown Strand District sampling the award-winning chili from the talented cook teams to then vote on their favorites in Saengerfest Park. Public chili sampling runs from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. In the center of all the action, enjoy live music from the Mambo Jazz Kings.

In addition to chili samples, tickets can also be purchased for the annual indoor Beers & Cheers Fest (formerly Beer Fest) taking place within Chili Quest at the Dargan & Tobyn balcony. With over 70 exclusive brews and spirits, VIP Early Bird Tickets will grant entry one hour early at 12 p.m. General admission for the Beers & Cheers Fest opens at 1 p.m. Both VIP and General admission tickets include 24, 2oz beer samples and four spirit samples from breweries from across the USA

This year’s Chili Quest also includes the Beerfoot Beer Run 5K on Saturday morning down the Seawall (beginning at 9 a.m.). Registration includes a chili tasting ticket, t-shirt, medal, and three free beers (21+).

Lastly, don’t miss the Strand Merchant Walk About where you can visit and shop the area’s beloved locally-owned stores. Grab a walk-about card, get it stamped at each stop and you’ll have the chance to win hundreds of dollars in gift cards.

For a full schedule of events, tickets and chili cook-team or fun run registrations, visit yagaschiliquest.com.