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National Chili Day

Spice up your day with National Chili Day! Enjoy a bowl of this comforting food and warm your heart with its delicious goodness.

Thursday

February 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEFourth Thursday in February

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYSoups

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to turn up the heat and delight your taste buds because National Chili Day is coming up on February 22! Did you know that chili has a rich historical background traced back to the 17th century? Often associated with the Wild West and hardy cowboy meals, chili is an enduring symbol of American culture. This well-loved stew of meat, beans, tomatoes, and of course, a generous hint of chili peppers, has been warming up our tables and hearts for centuries! Whether you're into spicy, mild, meaty, or vegetarian, there's a chili recipe to celebrate your day. So, grab your bowls and spoons and get ready to pay tribute to this hearty and comforting dish of wonder on National Chili Day!

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2026’s deals have wrapped

See who celebrated this year, and browse offers from past years.

Offers wrapped for 2026

National Chili Day ran on February 26. Here’s who celebrated with offers this year.

1 brand offered a deal this year

Wendy's

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TIMELINE

National Chili Day Timeline

Origins of Chili

Chili, or "chile con carne", originated from South Texas among working-class Tejana and Mexican women.

Civil War Times

Chili became popular during and after the Civil War as an affordable, filling meal that was easy to prepare and preserved well.

World's Fair Debut

Chili makes its appearance at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. It was referred to as 'The San Antonio Chile Stand'.

First Chili Powder

The first commercial chili powder by William Gebhardt, an immigrant from Germany, was marketed and sold to the broader public, making chili preparation easier and more standardized.

Texas State Food

Recognizing its cultural significance, the state of Texas officially designated chili as its state food.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Chili Day

Explore new chili recipes

Celebrate National Chili Day by trying a new chili recipe. Try out different types of meat, or no meat at all! A vegan chili can be a delightful, heart-warming alternative.

HOST

Host a chili-themed potluck

Ask your friends or colleagues to bring in their favorite types of chili and host a chili contest. Sampling a variety of chili recipes will make for a fun and flavorful feast!

VISIT

Visit a local chili cook-off

Many towns host chili cook-offs where locals compete for the best homemade chili recipe. This is your chance to taste some of the best creations in your area.

COOK

Cook chili with family or friends

Cooking is always a fun bonding activity. For National Chili Day, gather your loved ones and cook some chili together. It could become a new tradition!

SUPPORT

Support a local restaurant

Hit up your local restaurants that serve chili. It's a great way to support local businesses and enjoy a hearty bowl of chili without having to do any of the cooking yourself.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Chili Day

Promotes supporting local businesses

Celebrating National Chili Day also means supporting local restaurants and cafes. Whether it's a family-run diner or a friend's food joint, trying their amazing offerings not only allows you to enjoy mouthwatering servings of chili but also supports the local economy.

Sampling a variety of flavors

National Chili Day provides a unique opportunity to explore new chili recipes and flavors. Whether you're into spicy, mild, meaty, or vegetarian chili, there's always something new to try. You could even challenge yourself and switch from your usual preferences to widen your culinary experience.

It encourages community and social connections

Whether you're hosting a chili-themed potluck or attending a local cook-off, National Chili Day is a great excuse to come together with friends, family, and community members. This presents the chance to strengthen your social connections through the shared love of chili.

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