South Shore Chili Cookoff

South Shore Chili Cook Off 🌶️🔥

Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe

Get ready for South Shore’s hottest new fall tradition! The inaugural South Shore Chili Cook Off brings together local restaurants and first responders for an afternoon of great chili, friendly competition, and community—all while raising funds for local causes.

Local restaurants will team up with first responder agencies to create their own signature chili and compete for the title of South Shore’s Best Chili!

Come hungry, sample the creations, meet the teams, and cast your vote for your favorite.

Participating restaurants include Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe, South of North Brewery Co., Tahoe Bagel Co., Fox & Hound Smokehouse Grill & Bar, Cali Burger, Bruschetta, Libation Lodge, and more, teaming up with first responders and public safety organizations including the South Lake Tahoe Police Department, South Lake Tahoe Fire Department, Lake Valley Fire Department, Care Flight Reno, LTCC Forestry, Fire & Public Safety Program, California Highway Patrol, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Conservation Corps.

Your Ticket Includes

Unlimited chili tastings and the opportunity to vote for South Shore’s Best Chili! Enjoy a fun afternoon connecting with the local restaurants and first responders who make the Tahoe community such a special place.

Chili for a Cause ❤️

A portion of proceeds from the South Shore Chili Cook Off will be donated to charities selected by the participating first responder teams. The winning team will earn the largest share for its selected charity, while proceeds will also benefit the charities represented by the other participating teams.

Guests are also encouraged to bring one new, unwrapped toy to contribute to the Toys for Tots Holiday Toy Drive.

Make a Weekend of It! 🏔️

Coming from out of town? Stay for the weekend and enjoy fall in Lake Tahoe! Our lodging partners are offering special rates for Chili Cook Off attendees, with properties conveniently located within walking distance of the event.

Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe – Chili Cook Off Rate
https://goldennuggetlaketahoe.book.pegsbe.com/promo?offerCode=CHILI26&hotel=GNLT

Bally’s Lake Tahoe – Chamber Rate
https://ballyslaketahoe.book.pegsbe.com/promo?offerCode=CHAMBER&hotel=MBRCS

Forest Suites Resort – Chili Cook Off Weekend Rate
https://be.synxis.com/?adult=1&arrive=2026-10-16&chain=21123&child=0¤cy=USD&depart=2026-10-18&group=10Q8HD&hotel=38401&level=hotel&locale=en-US&productcurrency=USD&rooms=1

Stay Friday through Sunday, enjoy the Chili Cook Off on Saturday, and make a fall weekend out of your visit to South Shore!

Getting to the Event

Paid parking is available at Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe. Guests are also encouraged to use Lake Link, South Shore’s free on-demand transportation service, or ride to the event and take advantage of our free bike valet.

Bring Your Appetite & Cast Your Vote!

Gather your family and friends and join us for great chili, local restaurants, first responders, and a whole lot of South Shore community spirit.

Tickets are on sale now—secure yours and help us crown South Shore’s Best Chili!

The South Shore Chili Cook Off will take place rain or shine. All ticket sales are final and non-refundable.