15th Annual Vegan Chili Cook Off
☀️ Saint Paul's Favorite Vegan Chili Competition Is Back!
Spring has finally arrived — and so has your favorite chili competition! After a delayed start to the season in the Twin Cities, we're thrilled to bring back the Vegan Chili Cook-Off and gather our community around some incredible food.
This year, local chefs will go head-to-head to earn the title of Minnesota's best vegan chili. Come sample every single entry and cast your vote for the winner — your taste buds are the judge!
🔥 How the Vegan Chili Cook-Off Works
Come to the North Star Ballroom inside the Saint Paul Student Center
Check in or purchase your ticket at the check-in table
Grab your plate and utensils
Follow the line to make a circuit around to each competitor's table. Each chili sample is labeled with a different number
Eat your chilis!
Use the voting forms on your table to rate each chili (if you don't bring your smartphone, you can use the voting tablet at the check-in table to vote)
🎟️ Tickets, Admission & Volunteering
FREE for college students with student ID, volunteers, and children under 15
$10 tickets for the general public (cash, card, or online) -- pre-purchase your ticket here to save your seat! -- https://ticketbud.com/events/8ee9a07c-135f-11f1-a829-42010a717007
A variety of volunteer slots are open – during, before, and after the event. Sign up to volunteer at caa.mn/volunteer! Thank you to all our volunteers. (In addition to your free ticket, there will be some extra food available for you to fuel your volunteer work.)
✨ Raffle, Prizes & Ways to Give Back
When you enter, you get a raffle ticket to win snacks and prizes. Stay til the end of the event for a chance to win raffle items!
Want to contribute to your community? Bring hygiene items (like new toothpaste and toilet paper) or plant-based food items. We'll donate the items to a local food shelf and post a photo afterwards.
🧑🏽🍳 The 2026 Competitors
We are pleased to welcome the following competitors in 2026!
Dreamstate Cafe
Food on the Fly
Reverie Cafe + Bar
Salsa a la Salsa
Vegan Witt
🍲 Why a Vegan Chili Cook-Off? The Case for Plant-Based Meals
Plant-based food lowers the risk of certain chronic diseases; has lower land, water, and carbon footprints; and is an act of care and compassion for our animal relatives. This event is a great way to explore the benefits of delicious plant-based food!
👬🏿 Everyone Is Welcome — Vegan or Not!
All are welcome at this event, regardless of age, race, or any other demographic – and whether you're vegan, vegetarian, omnivore, flexitarian, or still figuring it out. Great chili is for everyone!
🌱 Stay warm, stay fed, and celebrate spring with your community.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3544508-0
