Chili Bowl Fundraiser 2026
January 31, 2026
🍲 CALLING ALL CHEFS!
Compete in Saratoga’s Tastiest Winter Tradition
13th Annual Chili Bowl Fundraiser
Saturday, January 31, 2026 | Saratoga Springs City Center
Presented by Saratoga Clay Arts Center
🌶️ Join the Competition
Five of the Saratoga areas favorite restaurants will compete for the title of
“Best Chili in Saratoga”
🥇 The winning chef will receive:
A handmade ceramic trophy crafted by Saratoga Clay Arts Center artists
Recognition across local press, social media, and event signage
An invitation to return next year to defend the title!
❤️ Why Participate
Showcase your food to 1,000+ attendees in a high-visibility, community-loved event
Support three great causes:
Saratoga Clay Arts Center – promoting ceramic arts education and exhibitions
To Life! – breast cancer support and education
Wilton Food Pantry – fighting food insecurity locally
Build relationships, gain exposure, and have fun with fellow chefs and food lovers
🏺 Event Details
Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
Location: Saratoga Springs City Center
Set-Up:
Friday, January 30 – optional early setup beginning at noon
Saturday, January 31 – doors open at 9:00 a.m. for setup
Event Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
🔥 Serving Guidelines
Dish out 2 oz. chili samples into 4 oz. sample cups (provided).
When a guest chooses your chili as their favorite and drops a poker chip into your chip container,
you can then reward them by filling their purchased handmade bowl with 4 oz. of your chili.Poker chips will be counted at the end of the event to determine the winner!
We’ll provide sample cups, spoons, napkins, and trays.
Please bring your own warming and serving equipment.
Hot boxes will be available from the City Center.
Use 2 oz. ladles for samples and 4 oz. ladles for chili bowls.
Based on attendance, please plan to prepare approximately 45 gallons of chili.
🍺 Bonus Opportunity
We’re seeking a local craft brewer to offer beer samples alongside the chili tastings.
If you know a brewery that may be interested, please connect us!
🧾 Promotion
Don’t forget to bring:
Menus, coupons, and promotional materials to display at your booth
Branded signage for your restaurant
This event is a great way to promote your restaurant, engage with new guests, and show your community spirit!
📅 Registration
Participation is limited to five restaurants. Two restaurants, Thorn + Roots (last years winner!) and 9 Miles East have already committed to participate. There are only three (3) spots left
To secure your spot:
📧 info@saratogaclayarts.org
📞 (518) 581-CLAY (2529)
🌐 www.saratogaclayarts.org
Restaurant Registration closes on December 1, 2025