16th Annual SC State Chili Cook-off
Saturday, April 18, 2026 - 10 AM - 5 PM
Chili Tasting starts at 11:00 AM
BELTON CITY SQUARE
2026 RESULTS
10th Annual Kegs and Eggs Chili Cook-off
Sunday, April 19, 2026 - 8 am - 3 pm
(Cooks Only, Private Event at Belton Community Center)
2026 RESULTS
Amateur Homestyle Chili Cook-off
Not a professional chili cook? Enter our Community Chili Cook-off. Entry Form
Vendors Wanted
We always like to include interesting craft vendors in our event, especially food-related vendors.
Want to be a vendor? Vendor Application
Sponsors Needed
Not only does your company or business get great publicity and exposure, you help make the event a success.
Want to be a sponsor? Sponsorship Form
April 18,
2026
An International Chili Society Sanctioned Event
100 N. Main Street
Belton, SC
COME
100 N. Main Street, Belton SC
Saturday $5 - 5 Tasting Tickets or $20 - Unlimited Tasting Wristband
The South Carolina State Chili Cook-off Championship is a family-friendly event headquartered in Belton, SC. Held annually in April, the Cook-off offers individuals, teams, and organizations the chance to take home big bucks and beautiful trophies, along with a shot at the ICS World Finals’ $25,000 grand prize. Proceeds from the Chili Cook-off benefit the Belton Center for the Arts, the Belton Area Museum Association, the Belton Masonic Lodge #130 Christmas for Kids program, the Belton Alliance, the American Legion Post #51, and the Belton Interfaith Ministry Association. Put the Cook-off on your calendar now!
We invite you to come and enjoy a Saturday full of CHILI, sales by local and regional artisans, informational booths hosted by area businesses and services, homemade baked goods and canned items, a vintage car cruise in, and special exhibits at Belton's local museum and art center.
Wonder what others say about our cook-off?
“We want to thank you both for a GREAT cook-off and the most organized cook-off in the southeast.” – Don and Matt Stuewe, veteran Chili Cooks, Tampa,Fl
“My Favorite Cook-Off” – Don Smith, Veteran ICS Chili Cook -Marietta, Ga
“Matt, I thank you for a wonderful and excellent job you and Mike did with the cook-off. It the best cook-off I've ever competed in! Again awesome job to you, your family and Mike! See you next year! …Awesome cook off! Done top notch!” – Henry Stephens, ICS Chili Cook – Horn Lake, MS
“The SC State is in such a great setting....center of the city, trains going by, church bells going off on the hour, and so much great food”....Michael Freedman, Veteran ICS Cook and 2014 Head Judge
“I wanted to thank you for such a great cook-off. I travel all over competing and you guys have one of the best run cook-offs in the country.” Larry Weltikol, Veteran ICS Cook
“We could have not asked for a better experience. Everyone made us feel welcome from the start. It was a wonderful and positive product debut. If you ever organize more events in the area we would be more than happy to participate!” - Chad and Katie Jajczyk - Wanderlust Cannery