2026 Chilly Cook-Off

Friday, Jan. 23, 5 to 7 pm

@ Switchyard Pavilion (1601 S. Rogers St.)

 

Join the Hub as we kick off FreezeFest. We'll fight off the chilly winter weather with a chili cook-off featuring 25 chefs from throughout our local community. You'll enjoy samples of each soup; vote for whom you think should earn the People's Choice Award; and see our panel of judges deliberate and determine who has the best overall, best vegetarian, and most creative chilis. ​

Try the unique Hoosier pairing of chili and cinnamon rolls with rolls from Two Sticks Bakery. Cool down your palate between chilis with ice cream from Chocolate Moose. 

 

​​Check back in closer the the event to see our full lineup of chilis and our panel of judges!

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Thank you to our event sponsors: Chocolate Moose, Oliver Winery, Simplified Eldercare, and Two Sticks Bakery. 

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Tickets

Tickets will be available at the door and online here. Tickets are $25 and include portions of each of the up to 25 chilis, Chocolate Moose ice cream, and portions of Two Sticks cinnamon roll, crackers, flat and sparkling water, tea and cocoa. 

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Can't attend but want to support? Consider buying sponsored tickets. Purchase tickets that we can give away to community members in the pantry, to remove barriers to accessing this fun community event.

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Be a Chili Chef

Think you have the best chili in town? Have a recipe that's a hit at your family gatherings or a fresh take on chili that you want to share? Be one of our chili chefs! Sign up using our online chef registration form. 

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Chefs will: 

• read and agree to follow the Chilly Cook-Off Guidelines and Food Safety Guidelines,

• be available for setup from 3 to 4:30 pm the day of the event, 

• prepare 2 gallons of chili using their own selected recipe and ingredients, and

• bring chili to the event fully heated in crock pots or other warming containers.

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There is space for up to 25 chefs; chefs who reach out after the lineup is full will be added to a waitlist.​

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Sponsor the Cook-Off

Does your team want to join in the community of Freezefest, support an evening of family-friendly fun, and invest in local food security and community-focused programming as one of our event sponsors? Minimum sponsorship is $150, and event sponsors will receive 4 tickets for entry to the Cook-Off, their company name listed in event materials, their company logo on materials at the event and on the event website, and cross promotion on social media.

To become a sponsor, send a check to Mother Hubbard's Cupboard with “Chilly Cook-Off sponsor” in memo or donate online selecting Chilly Cook-Off under "My donation is for..." Then send your logo and contact information to Megan at ceo@mhcfoodpantry.org so we can be in touch about your tickets and attendance as the event nears. Questions? Contact Megan at the email above or at 812-339-5887.

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Volunteer and receive free entry

Show your support for the Hub and gain free entry to the Cook-Off by volunteering! We need volunteer support throughout the event, with opportunities ranging from 3 to 8 pm. Tasks include: helping with merchandise/ticket tables, supporting chefs, and supporting our supply and drink stations. Email Megan at ceo@mhcfoodpantry.org or by phone at 812-339-5887.​