FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Downtown Ithaca’s Chili Cook-Off Returns for 28th Annual Community Fundraiser

The longtime winter tradition supports a full year of free public programming and drives seasonal foot traffic for local businesses.

ITHACA, NY (February 2026)

For nearly three decades, Downtown Ithaca’s Chili Cook-Off has been more than a winter food festival. It is a shared ritual, a gathering point, and a signal that the long Finger Lakes winter is beginning to loosen its grip and that spring, connection, and community life are on the horizon again.

Now in its 28th year, the Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off continues as the largest annual fundraiser for the Downtown Ithaca Alliance. This single day helps support an entire year of free public programming, performances, and community activations that bring people together in Downtown Ithaca, regardless of age, background, or ability to pay.

Every ticket purchased, every sample tasted, and every vote cast directly supports the events that residents and visitors enjoy throughout the year. From free concerts and cultural programming to seasonal festivals and creative activations, the Chili Cook-Off helps make Downtown Ithaca a place where community life happens out in the open.

The Chili Cook-Off allows Downtown Ithaca to remain a place where experiences are shared.

A Boost for Local Businesses

The Chili Cook-Off is also a meaningful economic driver for Downtown Ithaca’s local businesses. Restaurants, retailers, and service based businesses benefit from increased foot traffic, new customers, and the energy that comes from thousands of people exploring Downtown in a single afternoon.

Many attendees turn the event into a full day experience, shopping, dining, and discovering new favorites while they are here. For participating restaurants and vendors, the Cook-Off offers a chance to showcase creativity, build visibility, and connect directly with the community in a way that is authentic and fun.

Even businesses not competing feel the impact, as the event encourages people to explore local, support small, and spend time Downtown during a season that is traditionally quieter for retail and dining.

A Community Competition

At the heart of the Chili Cook-Off is a spirited and friendly competition. Local restaurants, hotels, and nonprofit groups go head to head for bragging rights and community recognition, serving up everything from traditional recipes to bold, unexpected creations.

The event features multiple competition categories, including traditional meat chili, vegetarian chili, and a chili-inspired creations category, which invites chefs to push boundaries and surprise attendees with inventive interpretations that go beyond the bowl.

Each year, the People’s Choice competition gives attendees the power to vote for their favorites, adding an interactive layer that keeps the event lively and engaging. The big question always hangs in the air: will previous winners defend their titles, or will a new contender take the crown? That sense of anticipation, rivalry, and pride is part of what keeps people coming back year after year.

Nonprofits, Neighbors, and Local Pride

The Chili Cook-Off is also a platform for local nonprofits to participate alongside restaurants and businesses, highlighting the collaborative spirit that defines Downtown Ithaca. These organizations bring their own creativity and passion to the competition, reminding attendees that the event is about more than food. It is about shared investment in the community on this day and throughout the year.

While attendees explore the tasting trail, they are encouraged to explore local while they are here. Visit nearby shops, stop into galleries, grab a warm drink, or linger with friends. The Cook-Off is designed to showcase Downtown Ithaca as a connected ecosystem, where businesses, organizations, and residents support one another.

Supporting Free Events All Year Long

Behind the scenes, the Chili Cook-Off plays a critical role in sustaining Downtown Ithaca Alliance’s year round programming. Proceeds from this single fundraiser help offset the cost of producing free, accessible events throughout the year, ensuring that public spaces remain active, inclusive, and welcoming.

The Chili Cook-Off helps fund free events like the Summer Concert Series, Apple Harvest Festival, and seasonal celebrations including the Winter Holiday Bash, Halloween Downtown, and the Sidewalk Showcase.

A Seasonal Turning Point

There is something symbolic about gathering outdoors, sharing warm food, and reconnecting at the end of winter. The Chili Cook-Off captures that moment when the community collectively looks ahead to brighter days.

Whether you come for the competition, the food, the tradition, or the feeling of being part of something bigger, your participation helps ensure that Downtown Ithaca continues to thrive as a place where people come together.