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National Chili Month

Get ready to spice up your October with National Chili Month! From classic recipes to unique variations, we've got you covered for a month of chili-filled deliciousness.

Thursday

1–31

October 2026

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

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YEARLY DATEAll of October

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYSoups

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to fire up your taste buds and celebrate National Chili Month throughout the entire month of October! This hearty and flavorful dish has a long history, with origins tracing back to the early 1800s in San Antonio, Texas. It's also become a staple in many homes and restaurants across the United States, with endless variations and recipes to satisfy every chili lover's palate. So grab your apron and ladle, because it's time to indulge in this delicious comfort food all month long!

TIMELINE

National Chili Month Timeline

Chili Originates in Texas

Chili con carne, known simply as chili, originates among working-class Tejana and Mexican women in Texas in the 1800s.

Chili Introduced at World’s Fair

Chili was introduced to a larger audience at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago, at the San Antonio Chili Stand.

First Chili Powder

William Gebhardt created the first commercially available chili powder called Gebhardt’s Eagle Brand Chili Powder in 1922.

Chili Declared Texas State Dish

The Texas Legislature proclaimed chili the official state dish of Texas in 1967, reaffirming its importance in Texan culture.

National Chili Month Celebration

National Chili Month became recognized in October, encouraging the celebration and enjoyment of this popular dish.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Chili Month

Host a chili cook-off

Invite friends and family over for a chili cook-off! Have everyone bring their best chili recipe and have a friendly competition to see who makes the best chili.

VISIT

Visit a chili festival

Check online for any chili festivals happening in your area and go check them out! You'll get to try different types of chili and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

MAKE

Make a different type of chili each week

Challenge yourself to make a different type of chili each week during National Chili Month. Try out different recipes and experiment with unique ingredients.

ATTEND

Attend a cooking class focused on chili

Sign up for a cooking class that focuses on making different types of chili. You'll learn new techniques and recipes to add to your chili-making repertoire.

HAVE

Have a chili-themed movie night

Gather some friends and have a chili-themed movie night! Serve up different types of chili and watch movies like "Chili Con Carne" or "The Great Chili Cook-Off" for a fun evening in.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Chili Month

It brings people together

Chili is often served at potlucks, family gatherings, and community events. It's the ultimate comfort food that brings people together and creates a sense of community. So whether you're making chili for your loved ones or attending a chili cook-off, National Chili Month is the perfect time to connect with others over a delicious meal.

It's perfect for fall weather

October is the perfect time to enjoy a warm and hearty bowl of chili. As the weather gets cooler, nothing beats the comforting feeling of a delicious bowl of chili. Plus, October is also a great time for tailgating and watching football - and chili makes the perfect game day meal!

Endless possibilities for customization

One of the best things about chili is that you can customize it to your liking. Like it spicy? Add in some hot peppers or cayenne powder. Want more protein? Switch up the meat or add in some beans. The options are endless, making it a versatile dish that anyone can enjoy.

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