Local

Yaga’s 16th Annual Chili Quest & Beer Fest

Yaga's Chili Fest

Every January, the historic Strand District comes alive with the tantalizing aromas and vibrant festivities of Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest. This annual celebration, now in its 16th year, is a must-attend event for chili aficionados and craft beer enthusiasts alike.

Scheduled for January 17-18, 2025, the festival offers a dynamic lineup of activities that cater to all ages. The festivities begin on Friday evening with the Chief Cooks Meeting, setting the stage for the culinary competitions to follow. Saturday is packed with events, including the 5K Beerfoot Fun Run, chili cook-offs, beer tastings, live music, and more.

Yaga's Chili Fest Saturday Schedule

  • 6:00 AM: Teams begin setting up their cooking stations.
  • 8:00 AM: Cooking officially starts, with participants preparing their unique chili recipes.
  • 9:00 AM: The Beerfoot Beer Run 5K kicks off at 28th & Seawall, offering a fun and energetic start to the day.
  • 10:00 AM: Vendor booths open, and cornhole tournament check-in begins at Saengerfest Park.
  • 11:00 AM: The cornhole tournament starts, adding a competitive edge to the festivities.
  • 11:30 AM: Will Call and Information Booths open, coinciding with the start of the Strand Merchant Walkabout, allowing attendees to explore local shops and attractions.
  • 12:00 PM: Public chili sampling begins, offering a diverse range of flavors for attendees to enjoy. Simultaneously, the VIP Indoor Beer Tasting opens, and the Jackpot Margarita Contest takes place at Saengerfest Park.
  • 1:00 PM: The Indoor Public Beer Tasting opens, featuring a wide selection of brews. Live music performances enhance the festive atmosphere.
  • 2:00 PM: Turn-in time for exotic chili entries, showcasing innovative and non-traditional recipes.
  • 3:00 PM: Public chili sampling and the Strand Merchant Walkabout conclude.
  • 4:30 PM: An awards ceremony at Saengerfest Park honors the best chili recipes and standout participants.
  • 6:00 PM: The 16th Annual Chili Quest & Beer Fest officially concludes, leaving attendees with flavorful memories and anticipation for next year’s event.

Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest was conceived to celebrate culinary creativity, foster community engagement, and promote Galveston as a premier destination. The event provides a platform for both amateur and professional cooks to showcase their chili-making skills, ranging from traditional to exotic recipes. It also brings together locals and visitors, strengthening community bonds through shared experiences. Moreover, the festival boosts local tourism, highlighting the historic charm and vibrant culture of the Strand District.

Yaga's Chili Fest Parking and Accessibility

For attendees driving to the event, cash-only parking is available at several convenient locations:
  • 1913 Market St.
  • 2011 Market St.
  • 1918 Postoffice St.
  • 2301 Postoffice St.

Join the Festivities Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest

Whether you’re a chili connoisseur, a craft beer lover, or simply seeking a weekend of fun, Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest offers something for everyone. Mark your calendars for January 17-18, 2025, and immerse yourself in the flavors, sounds, and sights that make this festival a highlight of Galveston’s event calendar.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official website: https://yagaschiliquest.com/

Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest: A Spicy Tradition in Galveston

Whether you’re a chili connoisseur, a craft beer lover, or simply seeking a weekend of fun, Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest offers something for everyone. Mark your calendars for January 17-18, 2025, and immerse yourself in the flavors, sounds, and sights that make this festival a highlight of Galveston’s event calendar.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official website: https://yagaschiliquest.com/

This year as Galveston transforms into a haven for chili and beer enthusiasts set in the picturesque Historic Strand District, participants can experience chili competitions, tastings, live music, and community activities, creating an unforgettable weekend. Oh, and don’t forget the beer. 

A Look Back at the Festival’s Popularity

Since its inception, the festival draws thousands of attendees each year, solidifying its reputation as a staple in Galveston’s event calendar. Highlights from past years include the beloved chili cook-off, showcasing both traditional and exotic recipes, and the dynamic indoor beer fest, featuring over 120 brews from across the country. Visitors also enjoy activities like the 5K Beerfoot Fun Run, cornhole tournaments, a jackpot margarita contest, and the Strand Merchant Walk-About.
The festival’s emphasis on community spirit is apparent in its diverse offerings, bringing together families, friends, and competitive cooks in a shared love of chili and beer.

Chili Fest and Beer Quest – What to Expect in 2025

The 2025 Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest will take place on January 17-18 in the Historic Strand District. The weekend will kick off with a Chief Cooks Meeting on Friday evening, and Saturday holds a full day of events starting early in the morning:
5K Beerfoot Fun Run: Begins at 9 a.m. at Beerfoot Brewery on Seawall Boulevard.

  • 5K Beerfoot Fun Run: Begins at 9 a.m. at Beerfoot Brewery on Seawall Boulevard.
  • Chili Cook-Off & Sampling: Public chili sampling starts at noon, with teams presenting their recipes to judges and attendees.
  • Indoor Beer Fest: Opens to the public at 1 p.m. with exclusive VIP tastings available an hour earlier.
  • Other Activities: Cornhole tournaments, vendor booths, live music, and a margarita contest.

The event concludes with an awards ceremony at 4:30 p.m., recognizing the best chili recipes and creative team names.

Chili Fest & Beer Quest Tickets

Tickets for chili sampling and beer tastings are available in advance or at the event. Public chili sampling tickets are recommended as quantities are limited.

The beer fest is limited to attendees aged 21 and over, while the chili portion is open to all ages. Cash-only parking is available at several nearby lots.

With an expected attendance of over 7,000 people, the festival is a vibrant celebration of food, drink, and fun.

The Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest was created to celebrate and showcase the culinary creativity of chili enthusiasts while promoting camaraderie and fun in the Galveston community. The event combines the traditions of chili cook-offs with the vibrant atmosphere of beer tastings, live music, and interactive activities like 5K runs and vendor markets.

At its core, the festival aims to:

  1. Celebrate Culinary Excellence: It provides a platform for cooks to present their best chili recipes, offering a range of styles from classic to exotic. This highlights the diversity and richness of this beloved dish.
  2. Foster Community Engagement: By bringing together locals and visitors, the festival enhances community bonding and supports local businesses through the vendor market and the Strand Merchant Walk-About.
  3. Promote Galveston as a Destination: The festival draws thousands of attendees annually, boosting tourism and showcasing the historic charm of the Strand District

    The event balances entertainment and tradition, making it a cherished annual highlight for both participants and spectators.
News
Local
Shop Local for King Cake in Galveston Shop Local for King Cake in Galveston
Food / Drink2 days ago

King Cake: Shop Local During Mardi Gras

Where to Find the Best Mardi Gras King Cakes in Galveston – Local Favorites Guide Looking to indulge in a...

Galveston-born Tristin McCollum plays in the Superbowl Galveston-born Tristin McCollum plays in the Superbowl
Local4 days ago

Galveston Graduate Tristin McCollum Making Waves to the Superbowl

Galveston’s Own Tristin McCollum Making Waves in the NFL Galveston is beaming with pride as one of its own, Tristin...

Galveston Mardi Gras Parades Galveston Mardi Gras Parades
Local6 days ago

🎭 Galveston Mardi Gras Parades – Dates, Routes & Must-See Events 🎉

Galveston’s Mardi Gras is a spectacle of color, music, and tradition, bringing the island to life with dazzling parades, lively...

Super Bowl 59 where to watch Galveston Super Bowl 59 where to watch Galveston
Local2 weeks ago

Where to Watch Super Bowl LIX in Galveston

The Teams: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl LIX (59) is just around the corner, and excitement is...

Galveston Commodore Hotel remodel Galveston Commodore Hotel remodel
Local3 weeks ago

Galveston Commodore Hotel Remodeling

A New Chapter for Galveston’s Commodore Hotel: Remodeling and Rebranding in Progress Galveston’s iconic Commodore Hotel, located at 3618 Seawall...

Gulf Coast shrimp Gulf Coast shrimp
Local4 weeks ago

Gulf Coast Shrimp Fraud: What Consumers Need to Know

A recent wave of investigations has uncovered an unsettling truth about shrimp advertised as “local” across the Gulf Coast. According...

Cold Stunned Kemps Ridley Sea Turtles Cold Stunned Kemps Ridley Sea Turtles
Local4 weeks ago

Cold-Stunned: Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles Face Chilling Crisis

As frigid temperatures swept across the Gulf of Mexico last week, one of the world’s most endangered sea turtle species,...

Yaga's Chili Fest Yaga's Chili Fest
Local4 weeks ago

Yaga’s 16th Annual Chili Quest & Beer Fest

Every January, the historic Strand District comes alive with the tantalizing aromas and vibrant festivities of Yaga’s Chili Quest &...