18th Annual Chili Cold Blood Chili Cook-Off benefiting Health Alliance for Austin Musicians
Schedule
Sat Feb 07 2026 at 12:00 pm to 07:00 pm
UTC-06:00Location
5500 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78745-3106, United States | Austin, TX
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Chili Cold Blood is proud to present the 18th Annual Chili Cold Blood Chili Cook-Off (CCBCCO) at The Sagebrush (5500 South Congress) from noon to 7:00 pm on Saturday, February 7, 2026. All proceeds for the event will be donated to Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) in memory of Nick Curran, an Austin-based musician who influenced countless artists and passed away from cancer on October 6, 2012.
The mission of Health Alliance for Austin Musicians is to provide access to affordable health care for Austin’s low income, uninsured working musicians, with a focus on prevention and wellness. Austin is the "Live Music Capital of the World," yet many professional working musicians are self-employed and rarely have access to health insurance. Without insurance, they can't afford preventive health care, including primary medical care, basic dental services and mental health counseling.
In 2012, local Austin rock 'n roller and international blues, rockabilly and badass sensation Nick Curran passed away from complications due to oral cancer. His mark on music history and his continued presence as an influence for so many musicians is why Chili Cold Blood continues to host the CCBCCO in his honor. Nick Curran played drums on Chili Cold Blood's debut album, "Rock 'n Roll Motherf*cker."
Live music performances from Chili Cold Blood, je’Texas, Georgia Parker, and The Faux McCoys.
A $10 donation will be collected at the door with proceeds going directly to HAAM. There is no entry fee for chili cook participants, but donations to HAAM are always encouraged.
Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place chilis. Chili will be judged by a blind panel on 5 criteria: flavor, originality, aroma, aftertaste & color (on a 1 to 10 scale - 10 being the best in all categories and 1 being the worst). Additionally, a “People’s Choice” winner will be voted on by attendees. The contest is limited to the first 20 applicants and anything goes - chilis do not need to adhere to Texas Chili Cook-Off rules and regulations, and cooks should prepare chilis off site.
The winner of the chili cook-off will be announced before Chili Cold Blood plays, around 5:30pm.
Artwork for the CCBCCO is provided by Rob Story (2026 poster coming soon). Handmade leather belt buckle trophies are donated by Julie Shaw.
ALL AGES EVENT
PLEASE NO DOGS
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Where is it happening?
5500 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78745-3106, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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