FREE Admission & Samples at the Lenexa Chili Challenge

Get fired up for the Lenexa Chili Challenge in Old Town Lenexa October 7-8.

Unlike some tasting festivals, the Lenexa Chili Challenge leaves both your stomach and wallet full.

Admission is FREE and samples are plentiful on Saturday, while supplies last. Over the last few years, we’ve only seen a few contestants run out near the very end.

There are around 200 teams competing for the grand championship in the chili, salsa and hot wings contests. There’s also a kids cornbread contest so you should be able to get some of that fluffy, sweet goodness along with your spicy selections.

If chili, salsa and hot wings aren’t your thing, other concessions are available for purchase from vendors. You can also purchase cold beer which goes nicely with all the sampling on Saturday. If you find you need to take a break and sit down with a beverage, Jerry’s Bait Shop is right along the path.

Activities include live music, arts and crafts and fireworks on Friday, weather permitting. Hours are:

Friday: 6 to 10 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more free and cheap fun in Kansas City this season, check out our full Kansas City Fall Festival listing.

Lenexa Chili Challenge Schedule:

Friday, October 7:

6 p.m.: Gates open to the public

6 to 9 p.m.: Face painting and balloon artist

7 to 8 p.m.: Live music with Stolen Winnebagos

8 p.m.: Fireworks display (weather permitting)

8:30 to 10 p.m.: Live music with Stolen Winnebagos

10 p.m.: Gates closed to the public

Saturday, October 8:

10 a.m.:

Gates open to the public.
Free samples available, while they last
Kids Kornbread Contest turn-in, Lenexa Senior Center

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.:

Children’s arts and crafts
Judging

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Live music with Stolen Winnebagos

3:30 p.m.: Winners announced

Street Closures and Parking

For safety reasons, several streets in the Old Town Lenexa area will be closed or have limited access before, during and after the Lenexa Chili Challenge.

There’s a limited amount of parking at the Lenexa Community Center so your best bet is to park on any public street. Just be smart and kind, don’t block a fire hydrant or someone’s driveway.