Chili Cook-Off
36th Annual Chili Cook-Off
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Location: UHCL Quad
Time: 1-6 p.m.
Join us for the 36th Annual Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, October 17, 2026! The Chili Cook-Off is UHCL’s longest-standing tradition, hosted by the Center for Student Engagement, and a highlight of this year’s Homecoming celebration, Hunter’s Cosmic Celebration!
Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the surrounding community are invited to campus for a day filled with chili tastings, food, live music, games, and family-friendly fun. University departments, student organizations, community and alumni teams will compete for prizes and bragging rights with their best chili recipes. Whether you're competing, tasting chili, or simply enjoying the festivities, bring your family and friends to celebrate Hawk Pride, connect with our community, and experience what makes UHCL special!
- Event Schedule
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1 p.m.Grounds open: tailgating area, big-screen football, vendor marketplace, food, music, activities, and giveaways
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2-4:30 p.m.Chili tasting and People's Choice voting
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4:30 p.m.Winners announced; Chili Cookoff Concert begins.
What to Expect
- Chili Tasting & Voting: Sample entries during the 2-4:30 p.m. window and cast your vote for People's Choice.
- Tailgate Zone: Yard games, tailgate-themed activities, beer garden and college football on the big screen all afternoon.
- Marketplace & Activities: Browse vendors, stop by activity stations (human foosball, jousting, and obstacle run), and enjoy kid-friendly fun.
- Giveaways (Students): Grab limited-quantity swag and prizes throughout the day. Pick up your UHCL Homecoming shirt!
- Food: Concessions/food options available for purchase for faculty, staff, and community members. Students eat free while supplies last!
Know Before You Go
- Admission: Free and open to the community.
- All guests are required to check-in upon arrival and complete an event waiver. We encourage you to register and complete the waiver in advance.
- Waivers required for guests of all ages.
- Bring: Friends and family, a refillable water bottle, and your Hawk pride.
- Arrival: Peak time will be during tasting competition from 2-4:30pm.
- Weather: This is an outdoor event; updates will be sent via email to registered attendees and the campus community if conditions change.
- Accessibility: Any individual needing an accommodation to participate in these events should contact the Center for Student Engagement at 281-283-2560 or engagement@uhcl.edu in advance.
Directions & Parking
Directions to UHCLParking is available for free in parking lot D.
Contact
Questions about teams, attendance, or volunteering?
Center for Student Engagement
Email: engagement@uhcl.edu
Phone: 281-283-2560
2025 Chili Cook-Off Winners
- Best Overall: Board Game Association, Accounting Association, Beta Alpha Psi
- Runner Up: UHCL F1RST
- People's Choice: Black Student Association
- Best Spirited: Board Game Association, Accounting Association, Beta Alpha Psi
Past Chili Cook-Offs
Fall 2024 Chili Cook-Off
34th Annual Chili Cook-Off
Saturday, November, 2024
Thank you for all of those who attended and participated in the 34th Annual Chili Cook-Off! All students, faculty, staff and the community are welcome to campus for chili tastings, food, music and fun. Members of the university and alumni can form teams and submit their chili recipes for a chance at bragging rights. And to add to the fun, Hunter, our beloved mascot, celebrates his birthday at the cook-off! Hunter turned 11 this year! This is a great opportunity to bring your family and friends to show them what UHCL is all about.
2024 Chili Cook-Off Winners
Best Overall: Hunter's Roadhouse (UHCL Housing & Residential Life)
Runner Up: Meemaw's Chili (American Marketing Association)
People's Choice: Hunter's Roadhouse
Best Spirited: Meemaw's Chili