Chili Fever Hits Montana: Spice Up Your Winter at Magic City’s Best Chili Cook-Off

Move over, winter blues.

Billings is about to get heated with the sizzle of the 3rd Annual Magic City's Best Chili Cook-Off, taking place on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at the historic Montana Ave hotspot, The Depot. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good bowl of chili to warm up these chilly winter days?

From classic to boundary-pushing, this competition is all about celebrating the diverse world of chili-making. Montana locals swear by their unique chili recipes, each cook claiming theirs is the ultimate bowl of comfort. Now, it's time to settle the score at Magic City's Best Chili Cook-Off.

Organized by the charismatic Sean O'Daniel, this year's event promises a showdown like never before. Will 2023's champ win again? Cash is on the line, along with bragging rights and fun trophies. Whether you're a home cook with a secret family recipe or a local pro chef, you're invited to throw your hat—or should we say, ladle—into the ring.

The best thing about chili?

It's all about the endless possibilities. From classic and green chili to midwestern, brisket, fire-roasted, hot, mild, smoked, beanless, vegan, crockpot, chicken, fajita, Cincinnati... the list goes on. As Forest Gump might say, "Chili is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're gonna get."

Get ready to turn your chili prowess into cold, hard cash.

With a mere $35 entry fee, you could be walking away with a $200 cash prize in one of these coveted titles:

🌶️ People's Choice Winner 🌶️ Traditional Winner 🌶️ Open Winner

If you think your chili game is strong, reach out to Sean at (406) 702-7711 or hit up their Facebook page to secure your spot in the fiery showdown. Entrants should prepare 8 - 12 quarts of chili for serving.

Billings' chili lovers can purchase taste tokens 3 for $5 or 7 for $10. A full bar and non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. It's 11 am to 2 pm on Sunday, February 4th at The Depot. We're looking forward to other fun Billings food challenges in 2024, including Burger Bonanza. Read More: Burger Contest Results. There's a New #1 Favorite in Billings