History 🌶

The Original Terlingua International Frank X.Tolbert - Wick Fowler Memorial Championship Chili Cook-Off is the
“granddaddy" of all chili cook-offs in the United States and worldwide.

Founded in 1967 by Frank X. Tolbert and Wick Fowler to settle a dispute about whether Texans or New Yorkers knew more about chili, it started as a two-man stunt and has grown to attract thousands of attendees
from around the world every year.

It has been and continues to be one of the most quintessential Texan events that takes place in our great state. Our family friendly, safe, yet quirky and fun event is a yearly “desert home” for thousands of “chili-heads”
who enjoy keepin’ things Texan, one “bowl of red” at a time.

Mission/Fundraising

Festival co-founder, Wick Fowler died of ALS on September 22nd, 1972. To honor his memory, the mission of The Cook-off is to celebrate the State Dish of Texas, Chili, in addition to raising charitable funds to support finding a cure for ALS. We also strive to make additional donations to the Terlingua Schools and other local groups.

The primary beneficiary of our ALSfundraising is The ALS Association ,which provides ground level services and support to patients suffering from this horrible disease. Additionally, it is a leading financial supporter of global research and clinical care centers around the state of Texas. We’re proud to be supporters of the great work they do around the state, and country, to end this debilitating disease. We also make a generous donation to the Terlingua community each year.

Our cook-off is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All sponsorships are 100% tax deductible, helping further the ALS cure.

👉View Sponsorship Package 2025

Event Information

Every year, thousands of chili fans gather in the ghost town of Terlingua, Texas, swelling the population during the first weekend of November. For four days, cooks and visitors enjoy competition, community, and concerts.

Thursday & Friday events include:
Brisket, BBQ Chicken, Pork Ribs, Beans, Black-Eyed Peas, Verde Chili, Margaritas, and the Last Chance Chili Cook-Off.

Saturday:
The Championship Chili Cook-Off — with turn-in at High Noon. While judges are hard at work, the crowd enjoys entertainment, showmanship, and performances.

Nightly:
Concerts and dances at the Behind the Store Pavilion, featuring incredible Texas artists. Over the years, our stage has welcomed Kaitlin Butts, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Nikki Lane, Gary P. Nunn, Pat Green, Sunny Sweeney, Mike and the Moonpies, James McMurtry, Jason Boland, Dale Watson, and many more.

👉 View Schedule of Events 2025
👉View Schedule of Bands

📚 Find More Resources

Want to know more about the schedule of events, rules, sponsorship opportunities, band lineup, and registration forms? You can find everything you need in our Resources page.

🎉 Join Us in Terlingua

Whether you’re a competitor, sponsor, or visitor, the Terlingua Chili Cook-Off is a Texas tradition like no other — a place where food, fun, music, and community come together in the desert.