The heat is on as local chefs, students, and restaurants prepare to battle for chili supremacy at the 27th Annual Michiana Chili Cook-Off, hosted by the American Culinary Federation (ACF) South Bend Chefs and Cooks Association.

The event takes place Sunday, Oct. 26, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Ironworks Plaza in downtown Mishawaka. Proceeds will benefit both the Food Bank of Northern Indiana and the local ACF chapter.

More than a dozen area restaurants, culinary schools, and organizations will compete for the 2025 Michiana Chili Cook-Off Traveling Trophy, serving up unlimited sample-size portions of their signature chili recipes. Past creations have ranged from traditional beef and pork to vegetarian, vegan, white, and even squash-based chilis—many accompanied by cornbread, fresh chips, or creative toppings.

This year’s lineup of confirmed participants includes:

Cultivate Food Rescue, Craft One Half, Weiss Gasthaus, Wawasee High School, Ivy Tech Community College, Chicory Café, Penn High School, Hotel Elkhart, Levy @ Notre Dame, Real Services, Bistro 933, Four Winds Casino, Franky’s Tacos, Prized Pig, Vinyl Tap and Table, The Brass Elk, Stevie Joe’s Kitchen, Crooked Ewe/Fiddlers’ Hearth, Soulful Kitchen, Holy Cross Village, Four Leaf Catering, ND Dining Services, and the Northwest Indiana ACF Chapter.

Attendees can also enjoy live music by The Jetta Cruse Band, a biergarten hosted by Sun King Brewery, a caramel apple and cider booth, raffle prizes, and a “Chef in Your Home” silent auction.

Admission is $10 for adults (includes unlimited chili samples and one voting ticket) and $5 for children under 10. Guests can cast votes for the People’s Choice Award, with all winners—including the Celebrity Judge’s Choice—announced at 3:30 p.m.

The event is rain or shine.

For more information, visit Ironworks Plaza or the ACF South Bend Chefs and Cooks Association’s social media pages.