SeeCalifornia.com

Of any type of cooking contests and festivals held in California, Chili Cookoffs hold the broadest appeal. Like wine or beer contests, chili contests are annual, repeat events that the public looks forward to as opportunities to participate, or simply sample a variety of chili recipes, then vote on favorites. Chili contests are popular with both men & women, so the entertainment surrounding the cookoff  & festival may include a classic car show or something to attract a broad audience.

Chili contests are usually held outdoors, which explains why you may notice a lag in the “pickings” during the winter months (November-January) when California’s weather can be unpredictable. But starting around February, the chili season begins to heat up with spicy dishes being cooked in contests throughout the state.  Some contests participate in the International Chili Society (ICS) and can culminate in the grand prize of International Chili winner, should you manage to move up the ranks and win against hundreds of the top chili recipes & chefs, mostly around the U.S.

If you are ready to get out there and start tasting chili in 2012, we’re compiling a list of California chili contests.