Experience the Heat and Flavor at the Sebring Chili Cook Off Festival

The History and Tradition of the Sebring Chili Cook Off

For over 50 years, the Sebring Chili Cook Off has brought spicy chili, live music, and good times to Central Florida. Held annually in the heart of Sebring, this chili cooking competition has become a beloved tradition for both locals and visitors alike.

The very first Sebring Chili Cook Off was held in 1972. It all started when local businessman Carroll F. Calkins wanted to attract more tourists to the sleepy town during the off-season. He got the idea after reading about other chili cook offs gaining popularity in Texas and other parts of the Southwest. With the help of the Sebring Chamber of Commerce, Calkins organized the first cook off in March of that year.

That inaugural event drew just 15 contestants and a small crowd of spectators. However, it was enough of a success that organizers decided to make it an annual tradition. Over the next decade, the Sebring Chili Cook Off continued to grow in popularity as more chili teams joined the competition.

Growth into a Major Festival

By the mid-1980s, the Sebring Chili Cook Off had transformed into a major festival bringing in tens of thousands of attendees each year. More than 100 chili teams now compete annually, traveling from across Florida and beyond with their secret recipes and cooking equipment in tow.

In the 2000s and 2010s, the cook off continued to expand. More food vendors, craft booths, and live music stages were added to turn the one-day cook off into a full weekend-long party. Today, the Sebring Chili Cook Off draws over 30,000 visitors each year.

Chili Cook Off Traditions

Over its 50+ year history, the Sebring Chili Cook Off has developed many time-honored traditions.

It all starts with the chili cooks themselves. Teams go to great lengths to decorate their booths and develop eye-catching themes to get the crowds voting for them. Costumes, dancing, music, and lights are all used to pump up the party atmosphere.

When it comes to the chili, cooks have a choice of three categories to compete in: red chili, verde chili, and salsa. Within those categories are different heats - mild, medium, hot, and "fire in the hole!" There are also prizes for best booth and showmanship.

For visitors, one beloved tradition is the tasting kit. For a small fee, you can get samples from each competing chili booth so you can vote for your favorite. It's a spicy way to experience all the cook off has to offer.

Live music performances are also central to the event. Stages showcase top bands and musicians, with past acts including big names like Willie Nelson, Clint Black, and Sara Evans.

What to Expect at the Sebring Chili Cook Off

From the savory scents to the live music to the electric atmosphere, the Sebring Chili Cook Off delivers an experience like no other. Here's a guide to everything you can expect at this legendary Central Florida event:

Spicy Chili Varieties

With over 100 competing cooks, one thing you're guaranteed at the Sebring Chili Cook Off is variety! From traditional Texas-style red chili to New Mexico green chilis to unique combinations, you'll get to taste test an endless array of chili creations.

Just a few examples:

• Smoky chili with tender pulled pork or beef
• Chili verde with chunks of chicken and green chili peppers
• Veggie chili loaded with beans, corn, zucchini, and peppers
• "Fire in the hole" chili made with ghost or habanero peppers
• Chili topped with cheese, onions, sour cream, and other fixings
• Unique flavors like bacon chili and salsa-infused chili

The list goes on and on. Part of the fun is trying as many different chili styles as you can handle!

Live Music Performances

Live music has been part of the Sebring Chili Cook Off since the early days. Today, stars from rock, country, blues and more take the stage to turn up the heat.

Recent lineups have included:

• Rock and blues bands like Molly Hatchet
• Country stars like Neal McCoy and Dylan Scott
• Variety cover bands playing hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s
• Local Florida bands

Stages are set up all around Circle Park so you can enjoy live music while browsing vendor booths and chili tents. Grab a beer and listen to talented musicians of all genres at the cook off.

Arts, Crafts, and Food Vendors

In addition to chili tents, the Sebring Chili Cook Off features rows upon rows of local vendor booths. Shop for arts, crafts, clothing, jewelry and more from talented Central Florida artisans.

There's also plenty of fair-style food to try like:

• Funnel cakes
• Turkey legs
• Sausage sandwiches
• Ice cream
• Fresh lemonade
• And more!

Plus, you can cool off from the heat and spicy chili with an ice-cold beer. Chili and brews are a classic pairing!

Contests and Activities

In addition to chili tasting and live music, the Sebring Cook Off offers a full schedule of contests and activities.

Some highlights include:

• The chili cook off itself, where you can vote for your favorite red chili, verde chili, salsa, and more
• A Hot Body Contest with cash prizes
• Beer stein holding competitions
• Chihuahua beauty pageants
• A fun run through Sebring on cook off morning
• Alert contests like ice cream eating and watermelon seed spitting
• Arts and crafts for kids

Some activities do require a small fee, but others are free. There's always something entertaining happening at the cook off.

Planning Your Visit

Ready to experience the heat, flavor, music, and fun of the Sebring Chili Cook Off? Here are some tips for planning your visit:

When to Visit

The cook off takes place annually in late January or early February. The multi-day festival is typically held Friday through Sunday.

Join the crowds on Saturday for the biggest crowds and most lively atmosphere. Or consider Friday or Sunday if you prefer something more low-key.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of accommodation options both in Sebring and the surrounding communities. Book early, especially if traveling on cook off weekend, as hotels fill up fast.

Camping is also available at Highlands Hammock State Park located just a few miles outside Sebring.

What to Wear and Bring

Florida weather in February can be unpredictable, ranging from sunny and mild to occasional cold snaps. Dress in layers and bring sunscreen either way.

Make sure to wear closed toe shoes for navigating vendor booths and chili tents on grass and gravel terrain. Bring cash for food, drinks, and activities or contests that require paid entry.

Bringing a small cooler is also handy for carrying any chili tasting kits, bottled water, beer, and other goodies.

Getting There

Sebring is located conveniently between Orlando and Tampa, approximately 85 miles inland from each city. The cook off itself takes place in Circle Park in the heart of downtown Sebring.

Driving and parking around the festival is limited. Consider parking outside downtown and walking in or using a ride share service.

Join the Spicy Fun

For over 50 years, the Sebring Chili Cook Off has welcomed chili lovers from across Florida and beyond. Its evolution into a premier festival makes it one of the can't-miss events in Central Florida each year.

From the chili tasting to live music to entertainment, the cook off has something for everyone. Use this guide to plan your visit and experience the heat, flavor, and fun!

FAQs

What are the dates for the Sebring Chili Cook Off?

The Sebring Chili Cook Off takes place annually in late January or early February, typically Friday through Sunday.

What is there to do at the chili cook off besides eating chili?

There is live music from rock, country, and blues bands across multiple stages. You can also browse arts and crafts vendors, participate in contests like chihuahua beauty pageants, enjoy fair food, and more.

How can I vote for the best chili?

You can purchase a tasting kit to sample chili from all the cook off competitors. Then turn in your ballot to vote for your favorites in categories like best red chili, best verde, hottest chili, and more.

Can I bring my kids to the chili festival?

Absolutely! There are plenty of fun activities like face painting, balloon animals, and crafts just for kids. There's also fair food and live music the whole family can enjoy.

Where should visitors stay when attending the chili cook off?

There are hotels available right in Sebring, as well as campsites at Highlands Hammock State Park. Book accommodations early, especially for the busy cook off weekend.