SGI Chili Cookoff 2027 — 45th Annual St. George Island Chili Cookoff & Crawl
SGI Chili Cookoff returns March 6, 2027, for its 45th year — kicking off the island’s busy season as up to 5,000 people flock to St. George Island for a weekend of chili, music, and community.
Quick facts
- Date: Saturday, March 6, 2027 (45th annual); weekend events run Mar 3–6
- Where: St. George Island, Florida
- Admission: Details TBD — check the official site; tasting cups and bowls historically sold for a few dollars
- Benefits: St. George Island Volunteer Fire Department (SGIVFD) — a major part of the department’s annual budget
- Last verified: October 13, 2026
What is the SGI Chili Cookoff?
Saturday’s centerpiece is the International Chili Society-sanctioned cookoff competition, plus food sales, retail booths, and the famous chili crawl, where you hop between island stops tasting and voting for your favorite chilis and crawl stops. Don’t miss the Miss Chili Pepper and Mr. Hot Sauce contests.
This isn’t just a party — it’s the fundraiser that keeps the island’s volunteer firefighters and first responders trained, equipped, and safe. A very big portion of the SGIVFD budget comes from this weekend, so every tasting cup counts.
SGI Chili Cookoff 2027 weekend schedule
- Wednesday, March 3: Online auction (details coming soon)
- Friday, March 5: Golf tournament at St. James Bay Golf Course
- Saturday, March 6: Red Pepper Run 5K, International Chili Cookoff Competition, food sales, retail booths, and the famous chili crawl
Check the official Chili Cookoff site for the full schedule, cook registration, and auction details as they’re posted.
Where to stay for the SGI Chili Cookoff
Chili weekend is one of the busiest weekends of the year on the island — book early. A Collins Vacation Rental on SGI puts you in the middle of it all: crawl Saturday, recover on the beach Sunday. Book direct with the local island team.
FAQ
When is the SGI Chili Cookoff 2027?
Saturday, March 6, 2027, with weekend events March 3–6, on St. George Island, Florida.
What does the Chili Cookoff benefit?
The St. George Island Volunteer Fire Department — the event funds a major portion of the department’s annual budget.
What happens at the Chili Cookoff besides the competition?
A Red Pepper Run 5K, the famous chili crawl with voting for favorite chilis and crawl stops, an online auction, a golf tournament, food sales, and the Miss Chili Pepper & Mr. Hot Sauce contests.