Beat the winter blues with an evening of great chili and cornbread, talented local poets, ice cold Cape Cod Beer, frosty Margaritas, and DJ Keith Lemire spinning hot tunes all night long. The evening kicks off with the Chili and Cornbread Taste-Off starting at 6pm and will include spontaneous performance poetry in between the music. Samples of an eclectic array of chili and cornbread recipes are included in the price of admission.

Contestants are invited to bring enough chili and/or cornbread for 150 or more small (2 oz.) tastings. Cooks must register in advance, and must read the USDAs guidelines on Cooking for Groups. Cooks are encouraged to provide chili toppings, such as cheese, guacamole, and sour cream, and to decorate their stations. Prizes will be awarded for Best Chili, Best Cornbread, and Best Decorated Station. Also new this year will be a Cape Cod Theater Chili Winner! Theaters from around Cape Cod will compete to see which one can produce the very best chili. The winning Theater will receive a plaque to display in their lobby and a big helping of bragging rights!

Acclaimed Cape Cod poet Christine Ernst leads the Poetry portion of the event which will happen throughout the Taste-Off, followed by DJ music and dancing.

Cooks must read the USDAs guidelines on Cooking for Groups. Any professional chefs or restaurants who participate will not be eligible for prizes. Thanks for understanding.

Free tickets are provided to registered cooks.