A promotional graphic for the Community Chilli Challenge, presented by Friends of the Harbor Center, featuring a steaming pot of chili on a fire, with peppers, lime, and herbs around it.

The Community Chili Challenge

Presented by Friends of the Harbor Center

Thursday, October 1, 2026 | 5:00 – 8:00 P.M.

Get ready for a night of bold flavors, friendly competition, and community spirit. The inaugural Community Chili Challenge brings together local cooking teams, businesses, and neighbors for an evening of great food, live entertainment, and fun, all in support of Friends of the Harbor Center. Grab your tickets, gather your friends, and come hungry.

What to Expect

Local teams will go head to head for bragging rights and top honors, including:

  • Best Chili (1st, 2nd, and 3rd place)

  • Best Non-Traditional

  • People's Choice, decided by attendee donations at each booth

Superior Sound & Lighting will keep the energy going all night as DJ and emcee. Beverages, both non-alcoholic and alcoholic, will be available for purchase throughout the event.

No outside food or drinks permitted. Tickets required for entry and can be purchased at the door.

Get Involved:

There's a way for everyone to be part of the Community Chili Challenge.

  • Sponsor the Event: Put your business in front of the community while supporting a great cause. Sponsorship levels include brand visibility on event signage and marketing materials, social media recognition, media exposure, and direct engagement with attendees.

  • Enter a Team: Think your chili has what it takes? Enter a Taste Makers cooking team for $75 and compete for the title, plus bragging rights that'll last all year.

  • Buy Tickets: Want to taste all the great chili? Entry is only $10 for 13 and up, $5 for kids 5-12 and kids 4 and under are free. You can’t even get fast food for those prices.

Why It Matters

Friends of the Harbor Center is a nonprofit dedicated to raising funds through creative events, grants, and sponsorships to help The Harbor Center serve the greater Slidell community for years to come. Every ticket, sponsorship, and team entry directly supports that mission.

Ready to Join Us?

Click the links below to get started. For additional questions, contact The Harbor Center at info@harborcenter.org or 985-781-3650.

Buy Tickets
Sponsor/Enter at Team
Team Guidelines

FAQs – Community Chili Challenge

  • Admission is only $10 for anyone 13 and up, kids 5-12 are $5 and 4 and under are free. That fee includes sampling of all the chili.

  • The Community Chili Challenge is held at The Harbor Center in Slidell. The event date is announced in advance each year, and guests can check The Harbor Center event calendar for the most up-to-date information about upcoming festivals and community events.

  • Taste Maker Team is only $75 and includes 4 tickets. Each team must make 4 gallons of chili. You can visit the links above for registration information and complete team details.

  • Absolutely. The Community Chili Challenge is designed to be a family-friendly festival in Slidell, Louisiana where guests of all ages can enjoy great food, music, and a welcoming community atmosphere.

  • Yes. Superior Sound will DJ the event helping to create a fun and lively atmosphere for guests attending the festival.

  • It takes place at The Harbor Center in Slidell, Louisiana, located at 100 Harbor Center Boulevard near Lake Pontchartrain. The venue is easily accessible from across St. Tammany Parish, the greater New Orleans area, and Mississippi Gulf Coast.

  • In addition to the Louisiana Food Truck Festival, The Harbor Center hosts a wide range of events throughout the year including conferences, concerts, trade shows, weddings, and community gatherings across the Northshore.