The beloved Old Village Chili Cook Off is making its return to Plymouth in 2025, following a cancellation in 2024 due to insufficient participation. The community’s response has been extraordinary, with organizers reporting a growing list of registrants that promises to make the 2025 event bigger and better than ever before. This resurgence of interest demonstrates the deep community connection to this flavorful tradition that brings together neighbors and food enthusiasts alike.

What sets the 2025 Cook Off apart is the impressive roster of participants already taking shape. Local restaurants are increasing their involvement, joining forces with both professional and amateur chefs to showcase their best chili recipes. Complementing the culinary competition will be an expanded selection of vendors, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment throughout the day. The organizers have clearly taken the 2024 setback as motivation to create a memorable community celebration that honors Plymouth’s culinary heritage and community spirit.

Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 21, 2025, when the historic Plymouth Old Village transforms into a chili enthusiast’s paradise. The festivities kick off at 11:00 AM with a vendor market featuring local artisans and businesses. Families can enjoy a variety of activities, games, and live music while building up an appetite for the main event. Food trucks will be on site to complement your chili tasting experience, offering beverages and sweet treats to balance the heat.

The main event—chili tasting and voting—runs from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, with awards presented at 2:30 PM. Tickets include a commemorative tasting mug and voting privileges for both amateur and professional categories. Budget-conscious attendees who’ve attended previous cook-offs can bring last year’s mug for a discounted entry fee. With only 300 tasting tickets available, early purchase is recommended to secure your spot at this community favorite. The event concludes at 3:00 PM, though the memories of these delicious creations will linger much longer.

The 2025 Old Village Chili Cook Off features a competitive structure with separate divisions for amateur and professional chili makers. Each participant will receive a number for anonymous voting, ensuring a fair competition where the chili speaks for itself. Visitors will receive punch cards to track their samples and cast votes for their favorites in each category, with winners determined entirely by popular vote. The stakes are high with a $1,250 prize pool to be distributed among the top entries.

Competitors enjoy remarkable freedom in their chili creations, with all varieties welcome in the competition. Whether your specialty is traditional red chili, white chili, or vegetarian and vegan alternatives, there’s a place for your recipe in the cook-off. The only requirement is that each entry must stand on its own merits—no add-on toppings or garnishes are permitted during judging. This format celebrates the diverse interpretations of this beloved dish while ensuring each creation is evaluated purely on its fundamental flavors and execution.

Amateurs and professionals alike prepare their finest chilis for a sizzling competition.
Amateurs and professionals alike prepare their finest chilis for a sizzling competition.  Source: business.plymouthmich.org

Prospective chili competitors can easily join the fun by registering their team through the Old Village Association website. The $50 registration fee secures your spot, with $30 returned to participants on event day (the remainder covers administrative costs and supports the OVA). Teams may include up to five members, with a minimum of two people required to manage the booth during the event. As a special touch, each team member receives a printed event apron to commemorate their participation in this community tradition.

The organizers have thoughtfully addressed the practical aspects of the competition. Each team receives a 6-foot table and two chairs under a tent, along with a single electrical outlet for warming their pre-prepared chili (alternative heating methods require advance approval). Amateur competitors must prepare at least 5 gallons of chili, while professionals need a minimum of 7 gallons to accommodate all tasters. Health and safety standards are strictly enforced, with all entries maintained at a minimum temperature of 145 degrees—regularly verified by OVA staff with food thermometers. The organizers provide all serving equipment, including ladles, cups, napkins, and spoons, ensuring a consistent and sanitary experience for all attendees.

 

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