Saturday, November 7, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Downtown Newton | 6th & Main
For 20 years, the United Way Chili Cook-Off has brought our community together around great food, friendly competition and a shared commitment to making Harvey and Marion Counties stronger.
This year, we're celebrating two decades of chili and community impact, and we want you to be part of it!
Each year, more than 1,000 people fill downtown Newton to sample chili, connect with neighbors and enjoy one of our community's favorite traditions. Teams representing local businesses, nonprofits, schools, community groups and more compete for bragging rights while helping raise money to support the work of United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties.
And for our 20th Annual Chili Cook-Off, we're planning an especially fun celebration of the people, organizations, volunteers and chili lovers who have made this event possible for two decades. Please check our Facebook page for updates.
Come hungry! Your ticket gives you the chance to sample chili from booths throughout downtown Newton and decide which team deserves the coveted People's Choice Award.
Have a favorite? Cast your vote with dollars and spare change at their booth. Every vote helps support United Way's work throughout Harvey and Marion Counties.
Along the way, enjoy entertainment, creative booth decorations, friendly competition and plenty of opportunities to catch up with friends and neighbors.
Think your chili has what it takes?
Gather your coworkers, friends, organization or community group and enter a team in this year's competition. Chili Cook-Off booths are hosted by businesses, nonprofits, schools, government agencies, civic organizations and groups from across the community.
Teams compete for awards, bragging rights and, most importantly, the chance to be part of a 20-year Newton tradition.
Please find the Registration Form here.
All participant information can be found here.
It costs $100 to enter the competition before October 23. After, registration costs $125. Pay for registration and fees here.
Help us make our 20th year the biggest yet.
Chili Cook-Off sponsors help make this community tradition possible while supporting United Way's work to create opportunities for people and families throughout Harvey and Marion Counties.
Our 20th anniversary provides an especially exciting opportunity to put your business or organization in front of more than 1,000 community members while showing your support for our region.
Sponsorship opportunities are available now.
One ticket. Lots of chili. A whole lot of community.
DEADLINE September 25, 2024
Buy your tickets in advance, NO REFUNDS and SAVE!
Advance tickets = $5, At the Gate = $8.
Tickets purchased today will be available for pick up at the "WILL CALL" gate (North side - alley behind Prairy Market).
Join us Saturday, November 7, as we celebrate 20 years of the United Way Chili Cook-Off in downtown Newton.
Bring your family. Bring your friends. Bring your appetite.
We'll bring the chili.
For More Information, contact:
Dalton Black, United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties Executive Director - director@uwhmc.org