Besides bonfires, my second favorite October event is a great chili cook-off. I know I’m not the only one, so here is a list of chili cook-offs/chili festivals going down in  St. Louis this month…not that I’m suggesting going to all of them…or am I?

The 28th Annual Belleville Chili Cook-off last weekend rocked! If you missed it, don’t worry, there are so many more to attend this month…starting with tonight!

Kettles and Kegs 10th Annual Chili Cook-off and Beer Festival is Thursday, Oct 13th from 5pm-9pm at Ameristar Casino in St. Charles.  To attend this event, you must reserve tickets in advance. Tickets start at $30 and you will enjoy live music, auctions, and all the chili and beer tasting you can handle. All proceeds will benefit Willows Way, a phenomenal organization that provides assistance to individuals with challenges.

The 1st Annual Soulard Chili Festival is on Saturday, Oct 15th from 11am-5pm. It’s on Broadway across from the Soulard Market and will feature chili from some awesome restaurants: Llewellyn’s, Ninth Street Deli, Iron Barley, Market Grill and 1860s Hardshell Cafe…just to name a few. In addition to chili there will be arts and crafts, live music, a beer and wine garden, children’s activities, and a guest appearance by Fred Bird! Cost is $5. $5 and you get chili samples from all the restaurants plus all the above mentioned stuff…Crazy right! What makes it even better is that your $5 is benefitting The Lift for Life Academy, an amazing educational organization in St. Louis.

The 2nd Annual In His Hands Chili Cook-off and Bake-off starts at noon on Sunday, Oct 16th at the American Legion Post in Alton, IL. It benefits the In His Hands organization which provides “a hand” to people getting back on their feet. Delicious chili, baked goods and a great cause…tell me what reason you have for not attending?

The Grass-Fed Beef Chili Cook-off is Saturday, Oct 29th from noon-3pm at the Town and Country Whole Foods Market. It’s sponsored by Feast Magazine and Schlafly beer and Kaldi’s Coffee will both be there passing out free samples of drinks along with some cool celebrity judges such as Rich Gould (News 11 Sports Director) and Smash (he must love his chili cook-offs too!). The event is free and will have live music and a chance to win a $100 Whole Foods gift card…sweet!!

I realize that may not be all of them and since I know we all love our chili cook-offs, if you know of another one happening this month, please help me add it to the list for all of us to enjoy!

 

Photos courtesy of ithaca-nightlife.blogspot.com and boonedockswilcox.blogspot.com

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