Maplewood Chili Cookoff

This will be an afternoon of food, music courtesy of DJ Jen Jones and Reckon So (led by Maplewood’s own Mary Olive Smith and Danny Weiss), and community impact.

The 2026 Maplewood Chili Cookoff features up to 40 chili entries across meat and vegetarian categories, a popular kids’ cooking competition, a beer and wine bar, and live music.

The public casts their votes to crown this year’s champions while enjoying unlimited chili tastings. Voting will take place throughout the afternoon, followed by an awards ceremony with local leaders in attendance.

First-, second-, and third-place winners in each category will receive cash prizes and gift cards—and earn a place on the iconic Maplewood Chili Cookoff cauldron trophy, permanently displayed in the lobby of Maplewood Town Hall.

This year’s event will highlight “The Art of Chili,” with all proceeds benefitting the Pollock Arts Initiative, which funds arts education and creative opportunities for students in the South Orange-Maplewood School District (SOMSD) through the Achieve Foundation.

In addition, attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food donations to support MEND, helping address food insecurity for local families.

Tickets go on sale February 1 at 9 am.