Frequently Asked Questions

The Carolinas Chili Championship (CCC) is an annual nonprofit chili competition and community festival held in Indian Land, SC. It features multiple chili categories, live music, vendor shopping, food trucks, a cornhole tournament, a classic car show, and a hot sauce tasting contest — all benefiting local nonprofits.

CCC 2026 is Saturday, October 24, 2026, at CrossRidge Campus, 3000 WorldReach Dr, Indian Land, SC 29707.

Yes! The Carolinas Chili Championship is organized by Carolina Chili Championship, LLC, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All proceeds support local charities and community organizations.

General admission is free. Chili Tasting Tickets are available at the gate on event day only — 5 tickets for $10 or 12 tickets for $20. Credit cards are accepted. Each ticket pack includes napkins, a spoon, and one People’s Choice voting token.

Parking details for CrossRidge Campus will be posted as the event plan is finalized. Please check the website and social media before event day.

Accessibility is a priority. Designated accessible parking details will be posted with the final event-day parking plan.

Shuttle service information will be shared if it is part of the final event-day parking plan. Follow CCC on social media for updates.

Individual teams register through Zeffy for a $35 entry fee. Sponsors are included as cook teams, qualifying nonprofits use the Nonprofit Application, and ICS members register through the ICS cookoff system.

Individual teams compete in Open Division, People’s Choice, and Showmanship. ICS members may compete in one of four ICS categories and may take part in the separate October 25 qualifier.

Cook teams receive a 12'×12' space. Bring your own tent, tables, and equipment.

No — there is no electricity or water available. Plan to be completely self-sufficient.

Turn-in times will be posted in the official event schedule as timing is finalized.

Submit the Vendor Application Google Form. The vendor fee is $75 for one 10×10 space; it is waived only if a cook team is present to compete and serve at least 3 gallons of chili.

We welcome food trucks (limited to ~6), artisan/craft vendors, retail businesses, and service providers. Nonprofits without a cook team may apply as "Other."

No — there is no electricity or water available. Plan accordingly.

Businesses with cook teams should register as a Sponsor (not a vendor) if they want to promote their business. Individual cook team registrants are not permitted to advertise their business.

CCC 2026 offers 13 tiers from $250 to $5,000+. Every available package includes a $100 donation to a nonprofit competitor. View current packages and sold-out status on the Sponsorship page.

Submit the Sponsor Inquiry form and our team will reach out within 48 hours to discuss your package.

Select packages include event space. Check the individual package details on the Sponsorship page.

Nonprofits can compete free as a cook team (minimum 3-gallon chili donation required). If no cook team, a $75 vendor fee applies. Apply via the Nonprofit/Community Group Application form.

One 10×10 space only. No electricity or water is provided.