South Florida’s Most Patriotic Party Of The Year Returns November 14, 2026
The 15th Annual Tequesta Chili Cook-Off returns on Saturday, November 14, 2026, and this milestone year brings one of the event’s biggest changes yet: an exciting new location at the Seabreeze Amphitheater at Carlin Park in Jupiter.
After 14 years of tremendous community support and continued growth, the Tequesta Chili Cook-Off is moving to a larger venue designed to make an already unforgettable event even better. The new location offers a permanent stage, paved walkways, permanent restrooms, additional parking, ocean breezes and significantly more room for chili teams, sponsors, entertainment and guests.
“We are incredibly excited about this move,” said Captain David McGovern, Tequesta Fire Rescue. “The Chili Cook-Off has grown so much over the past 15 years, and Carlin Park gives us the opportunity to take the entire experience to another level while keeping everything people love about this event: great chili, great music, our incredible firefighters and public safety teams, and most importantly, honoring and supporting our veterans.”
Known as “South Florida’s Most Patriotic Party of the Year,” the Tequesta Chili Cook-Off will once again bring together more than 32 teams of firefighters, public safety personnel and community sponsors competing for bragging rights and the title of the best chili in South Florida.
Guests can look forward to unlimited chili tastings, beer from Tequesta Brewing Company, Civil Society and Copperpoint Brewing Company, wine, soft drinks and water, live music on two stages, celebrity judges, military flyovers, pipes and drums, a Veterans Award Ceremony including the Gold Star families and a special VIP experience. All food and beverages are included with admission.
This year’s entertainment includes Girlfriend Material and Meltdown, along with a lineup of celebrity judges from local television, radio, sports, restaurants and the community.
But behind the fun is a mission that has remained at the heart of the Tequesta Chili Cook-Off since the beginning: supporting those who have served our country and our community.
100% of the proceeds from the event benefit veterans and first responders, with funds supporting Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, Operation 300, Southeast Florida Honor Flight, Warriors Renewal Coalition and Tequesta Friends of Public Safety, Inc.
As the Chili Cook-Off celebrates its 15th year, organizers are also working toward an extraordinary milestone of raising $1 million for veterans and first responders.
Event Details
15th Annual Tequesta Chili Cook-Off
Saturday, November 14, 2026
NEW LOCATION: Seabreeze Amphitheater at Carlin Park
Jupiter, Florida
Tickets, sponsorship opportunities, event information and donations are available at TequestaChiliCookOff.com. Strictly a 21 and older, clear bag event.
About The Tequesta Chili Cook-Off
The Tequesta Chili Cook-Off is an annual community fundraising event bringing together firefighters, public safety personnel, local businesses, veterans and thousands of supporters for an afternoon of food, music, patriotism and fun. Now celebrating its 15th year, the event has become one of the area’s most anticipated annual traditions, with 100% of proceeds benefiting organizations that serve veterans, military families and first responders.
