Calling All Cooks for the Meadowlands Winter Chili Cook-Off on January 17

As winter settles in and temperatures continue to drop, there’s no better way to warm up than with a steaming bowl of chili—and the Meadowlands Racetrack is bringing the heat with its annual Winter Chili Cook-Off! Taking place on Saturday, January 17, this beloved seasonal event brings together home cooks, chili enthusiasts, and food lovers for an evening packed with bold flavors, friendly competition, and live entertainment.

Open to cooks of all ages, the cook-off offers more than $3,000 in cash prizes across multiple categories, giving participants plenty of incentive to bring their best recipes to the table. Whether your specialty is classic comfort food or a fiery red chili, there’s a category for everyone to shine.

Prize Categories Include:

Homestyle Chili
$500 Grand Prize
$250 for 2nd Place
$100 for 3rd Place

Red Chili
$500 Grand Prize
$250 for 2nd Place
$100 for 3rd Place

People’s Choice Chili
$250 Grand Prize

Best Booth
$250 Grand Prize

Salsa Competition (homemade only — no store-bought allowed!)
$500 Grand Prize
$250 for 2nd Place
$100 for 3rd Place

Participants are encouraged to go all out, not just with their recipes but with their booth displays as well, since creativity and presentation could score them the Best Booth prize.

Interested cooks can register online at: playmeadowlands.com/event/meadowlands-winter-chili-cook-off/

Not competing? No problem! Guests are invited to soak in the lively atmosphere, sample a variety of chili creations, and cast their votes for the coveted People’s Choice Award. Voting officially kicks off at 7:00 pm, so arrive hungry and ready to taste-test your way through the competition.

In addition to the culinary fun, attendees can also enjoy live harness racing throughout the evening. The first race hits the track at 6:20 pm, making it a perfect night out that combines great food, exciting racing, and community fun.

Whether you’re entering a pot of your signature chili or simply coming to indulge and cheer on your favorites, the Meadowlands Winter Chili Cook-Off promises a delicious way to beat the winter blues. Bring your appetite, your friends, and your competitive spirit for a night full of flavor and fun!

For more New Jersey events throughout the year, check out our Event Guide.

For more New Jersey adventures and New Jersey Events, be sure to follow along on Instagram, @newjerseyisntboring, and Insta Stories! Don’t forget to tag your own NJ fun with #NJisntBoring.