Get fired up for the Lenexa Chili Challenge in Old Town Lenexa October 9-10, 2026.
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, face painting and balloon artists. Superstar Mafia will perform 7 to 10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Festival hours are:
- Friday: 6 to 10 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the winners are announced.
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 9
6 p.m. Gates open to the public
6 to 9 p.m. Face painting and balloon artist
7 to 10 p.m. Live music with Superstar Mafia
10 p.m. Gates close to the public
Saturday, October 10:
9 a.m. Kids’ Kornbread Contest turn-in
10 a.m.:
- Gates open to the public.
- Free samples available, while they last
- Turn-in and judging
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Face painting and balloon artists
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Live music with Superstar Mafia
4 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, and don’t block a fire hydrant or someone’s driveway.
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More Free & Cheap Fall Fun in Kansas City
Old Town Lenexa
Intersection of Pflumm Road and Santa Fe Trail Drive
Lenexa, KS (913) 477-7712
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