The smell of homemade chili and Brunswick stew will fill downtown Summerville later this month as the annual Summerville Steam Special Chili & Brunswick Stew Cook-Off returns with cash prizes, friendly competition and plenty of hometown fun.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the historic Summerville Depot.

Amateur cooks and teams are invited to compete in the chili and Brunswick stew categories, with cash prizes of $500 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for third place. Winners will also receive recognition for their culinary talents.

In addition to the judged competition, visitors will have an opportunity to help choose their favorites through People’s Choice voting.

Tasting wristbands will be available for $5 each, allowing attendees to sample a variety of chili and Brunswick stew recipes and vote for their favorite entries. Wristbands will be sold from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., or until supplies run out.

A People’s Choice Tasting winner will receive a cash prize and trophy, while the team selected for Best Team Theme and Spirit will receive a plaque. Individual votes for the team theme and spirit competition will also be available for $1 each.

Competitors are encouraged to dress up and decorate their areas to reflect their team themes, adding to the festival atmosphere. Participating cooks will also have their food available for purchase during the event.

This year’s chili competition includes an additional incentive. The winner of the 2026 Chili Cook-Off will receive complimentary entry into the Atlanta Chili Cook-Off on November 14.

Organizers are currently accepting registrations from amateur cooks interested in competing.

The registration fee is $25 per category, and the deadline to enter is Tuesday, October 20, at 5 p.m.

Registration forms and competition rules are available through Summerville Main Street, located at 10034 Commerce Street in downtown Summerville. Information may also be requested by emailing slocklear@summervillega.org.

The Summerville Steam Special Chili & Brunswick Stew Cook-Off is sponsored by Summerville Main Street and is free for the public to attend. Tasting wristbands and additional voting opportunities are available for purchase.