WHEELING, W.Va. — The 26th Annual Wheeling Feeling Chili Cookoff is bringing the heat back to the waterfront with a full day of food, music and community fun. The event will take place from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, at Wheeling’s Heritage Port, rain or shine.
This longtime favorite event blends live entertainment, classic cars and, of course, a wide variety of chili creations into one lively celebration. Admission is free and open to the public. Chili tasting cups, beverages and event t-shirts will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley (UWUOV).
“The Wheeling Feeling Chili Cookoff continues to be an important fundraiser for the United Way, and we encourage local restaurants, organizations, and home cooks to get involved,” said Committee Chair Rosemary Humway-Warmuth. “Each year, the community shows up in a big way, and we’re looking forward to another successful event.”
Presented by the City of Wheeling and sanctioned by the International Chili Society (ICS), the cookoff is open to all levels of participants, including restaurants, commercial vendors and individual cooks. First-time cooks can enter free of charge but do need to register through the ICS website at chilicookoff.com. Competitors will vie for cash prizes in several categories, including ICS Red, ICS Chili Verde, ICS Homestyle and Veggie, along with additional awards.
A Commercial category also invites businesses, schools, teams and organizations to take part, while vendors offering crafts, apparel, food items, spices and more are encouraged to join the festivities.
Beyond the chili, attendees can enjoy live music from The New Age Adenas and a Car Cruise from noon to 4 p.m. at 12th and Water streets. Dash plaques will be awarded to all car cruise participants, and there is no entry fee.
Top finishers in ICS categories will earn a spot in the 2026 ICS World Cook-off and the 2026 World Food Championships at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis slated for October.
“We are incredibly grateful to the City of Wheeling for hosting the Wheeling Feeling Chili Cookoff. This event is more than just a great day of food and fun—it’s a powerful example of what happens when a community comes together for a cause,” said Staci Stephen, executive director of the UWUOV. The funds raised on June 6 will directly support local programs that aim to create healthy communities, youth opportunity, financial security and community resiliency for individuals and families across our region. We invite everyone to join us, enjoy the day and be part of making a meaningful impact right here at home.”
Those interested in participating can register at www.chilicookoff.com. For more information or to join the ICS, email chilicookoff@wheelingwv.gov or call 304-234-3636.
