Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest

Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest returns for its 16th annual on January 18, 2025, from noon to 6 p.m. On the quest to find the best chili around more than 40 cook teams will prepare their most delicious recipes for a chance to win Chili Champion bragging rights.

Tickets are available at yagaschiliquest.com/tickets.

Chili connoisseurs can purchase a tasting ticket and stroll through the Historic Downtown Strand District sampling the award-winning chili from the talented cook teams then vote on their favorites in Saengerfest Park.

In addition to chili samples, tickets can also be purchased for the annual 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. 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 Beerfooter 5K fun run Saturday morning down the Seawall and registration includes chili tasting ticket, t-shirt, medal and three free beers! If running isn’t your jam, sign up for the Corn Hole Tournament that takes place at 11 a.m. on the Strand.

Looking to skip the lines? Attendees can still get their chili fix with the purchase of the Chili Supper + Sip option available day-of at the festival that includes a choice between loaded fries, frito pie, or a loaded chili dog. This entrée is paired with an ice-cold beer or water. Lastly, don’t miss the Strand Merchant Walk About where you can visit and shop the areas 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.