Pahrump Chili Cook-Off Festival Returns for Three Days of Food and Fun

Petrack Park is set to fill with the scent of simmering chili when the Pahrump Chili Cook-Off Festival opens its gates Friday, March 20, running through Sunday, March 22 with three days of competitions, carnival rides, car shows, and live entertainment. General admission to the event at 150 NV-160 is free, with paid options available for chili tastings and select experiences.

The centerpiece of the weekend is a pair of International Chili Society-sanctioned contests. The Silver State Chili Cook-Off takes place Saturday, March 21, followed by the Nevada State Chili Cook-Off on Sunday, March 22. Beyond the professional competition circuit, a non-sanctioned cook-off invites anyone to throw their recipe into the ring and compete for the People's Choice award. Organizers expect around 30 cooks to serve samples on both Saturday and Sunday, with chili tasting hours running 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. The festival website warns that chili can run out before the posted end time, so arriving early is advisable.

Tasting tickets are priced at $1 each or $10 for twelve. An all-in pass to sample from every competing cook is available for $20.

The festival calendar extends well beyond the chili pots. The Disney Heroes and Villains Dog Fashion Show, a classic car and motorcycle show, and the Hot Wing Challenge are among the named attractions. Kids can enter the Chili Pepper Grand Prix, a battery-powered car race. Live music, food trucks, and local vendors round out the weekend. The carnival opens Friday at 4 p.m. and runs until 11 p.m. that night; Saturday's festival hours stretch from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., with Sunday wrapping up at 5 p.m.

Proceeds from the event benefit three Pahrump-based nonprofits: the Pahrump Disabilities Outreach Program, the Pahrump Theatre Company, and Bikers Against Bullies. The latter is described as a nonprofit committed to combating bullying and supporting children and families in Nye County through events including trunk-or-treat nights, raffles, and charity cruises, with funds staying within the area. The Pahrump Theatre Company, another beneficiary, focuses on theatrical productions aimed at inspiring local youth and serving the broader community with both classic plays and new works.

The festival is supported by Wrecking Ball Entertainment. More information, carnival tickets, vendor applications, and contest registration are available at pahrumpchilicookoff.com, and organizers can be reached directly at info@pahrumpchilicookoff.com.