LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. — The Tahoe Chamber is turning up the heat this fall with the inaugural South Shore Chili Cook Off, taking place Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe.
The new community fundraiser brings together South Shore restaurants and regional first responder agencies to create signature chili recipes and compete for the title of South Shore’s Best Chili. Attendees will enjoy unlimited chili tastings, meet the restaurant and first responder teams, and cast their vote to determine which team takes home the inaugural title. Live music from local band Bread & Butter will keep the energy going throughout the Cook Off.
“The Chili Cook Off is really about bringing together the people and businesses that make the South Shore community special,” said Jessica Grime, President & CEO of the Tahoe Chamber. “Our restaurants and first responders are teaming up, having some fun and creating something together, while attendees get to come out and support them and the causes that matter to each agency.”
The Competition Is Heating Up
The inaugural lineup features 12 restaurant and first responder teams, with some friendly competition already underway:
- Himmel Haus + El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office
- Libation Lodge + South Lake Tahoe Police Department
- The Woods + South Lake Tahoe Fire Department
- AleWorX + Lake Valley Fire Department
- South of North Brewing Co. + CalTahoe
- Tahoe Bagel Co. + Care Flight
- LTCC Culinary Arts + LTCC Forestry, Fire & Public Safety Program
- Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe + CAL-REACH
- Fox & Hound Smokehouse BBQ & Grill + Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District
- California Conservation Corps + California Conservation Corps
- Bruschetta + Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
- Cali Burger + California Highway Patrol
Each team is developing its own chili recipe leading up to the event, and ultimately, the attendees will decide the winner. Friends, family, coworkers, restaurant regulars, first responder supporters and community members are encouraged to come out and rally behind their favorite team. Every ticket holder gets a vote, making community support an important ingredient in the race for South Shore’s Best Chili.
Chili for a Cause
The South Shore Chili Cook Off is about more than friendly competition. Each participating first responder agency is selecting a charitable cause to benefit from event proceeds, giving every team an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community. The team crowned South Shore’s Best Chili will earn the largest share of proceeds for its selected beneficiary, while the causes represented by all other participating teams will also receive a portion of the funds raised.
Lake Valley Fire Protection District has selected the family of fallen Fire Engineer Neil Schnaible as its beneficiary. Engineer Schnaible passed away following a line-of-duty medical emergency in April 2026 after serving Lake Valley Fire and the South Lake Tahoe community with dedication and honor.
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has selected the Douglas County Community Services Foundation, with its proceeds specifically designated to support the Kahle Community Center.
The giving extends beyond the chili competition. Attendees are also encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots Holiday Toy Drive, helping spread the community impact into the upcoming holiday season.
Tickets On Sale Now
Admission includes unlimited chili tastings and People’s Choice voting for South Shore’s Best Chili, along with live music from Bread & Butter throughout the event.
The South Shore Chili Cook Off will take place rain or shine. All ticket sales are final and non-refundable. Paid parking will be available at Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe. Attendees are also encouraged to use Lake Link, South Shore’s free on-demand microtransit service, or bike to the event and take advantage of free bike valet.
South Shore Chili Cook Off
https://tahoechamber.org/south-shore-chili-cook-off
Saturday, October 17, 2026
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe
Tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/south-shore-chili-cookoff-tickets-1994895604454
A New Fall Tradition for South Shore
Fall is one of the best times to experience Lake Tahoe. As the summer crowds begin to fade, the South Shore settles into a quieter pace, the aspens turn shades of gold and orange, and crisp mountain days create the perfect setting to explore the region. For many locals and returning visitors, it’s a favorite time of year in Tahoe.
The South Shore Chili Cook Off offers a new reason to plan a fall getaway, inviting residents and visitors to enjoy great food, live music, and community spirit while supporting South Shore restaurants, first responders, lodging properties, and local businesses.
Make a weekend of it by arriving Friday and staying through Sunday to enjoy the fall colors, local dining, outdoor recreation, and everything the South Shore has to offer during this beautiful time of year.
