Unlimited chili tasting all afternoon or until the pots are emptied!

The Star Chamber Chili Cook-Off and Brewfest is all about great chili, community fun, and supporting one of Star’s favorite annual traditions. Whether you are attending for the first time or returning for another year of tasting, here is everything you need to know before the event.

Event Location & Time

The event takes place at the beautiful Star Riverhouse along the Boise River in Star, Idaho, on Saturday, October 3, 2026. The address is 960 S. Main St, Star, ID 83669.

Public gates open at 11:00 a.m. so guests can purchase their tasting wristband, walk through team areas, enjoy the atmosphere, and watch teams put the finishing touches on their chili creations.

Official chili tasting begins at 12:00 noon and continues until approximately 3:30 p.m. or until teams run out of chili.

Arrive Early

Many of the most popular teams run out of chili before the event ends. We strongly encourage guests to arrive early if they plan to taste chili in order to enjoy the best selection and avoid missing out on fan favorites.

Family-Friendly Fun

In addition to chili tasting, attendees can enjoy:

  • Community atmosphere along the Boise River
  • Brewfest featuring local breweries, cider, and wine
  • Pie-eating contest
  • Free mechanical bull rides
  • Music and entertainment
  • Merchandise booth
  • Star Lions hot dogs and non-alcoholic drinks (available for purchase)
  • 50/50 raffle ticket drawing
  • Award ceremony

Parking Information

Free public parking is available at both the Star Riverhouse parking lot and the Star Riverwalk Park parking lot. Additional free overflow parking is available just a short four-minute walk away at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 484 S Main St.

Unlimited Tasting Wristband

Sample chili from more than 20 competing teams throughout the event, with recipes ranging from mild and savory to bold and spicy. Tasting cups and spoons will be provided, and wristbands must be visible while receiving chili samples.

Each tasting wristband also includes voting tickets so you can vote for your favorite recipes and help crown the 2026 People’s Choice Champion.

Tasting wristbands will be available for purchase at the Tasting Ticket Booth beginning at 11:00 a.m. on the day of the event:

  • $20 Adults and kids age 10 and over
  • $10 Kids under 10

In addition to chili tasting, attendees can also purchase tickets to enjoy samples from various beer, cider and wine vendors. Non-alcoholic beverages, hot dogs, and official event merchandise will also be available for purchase..

How Unlimited Chili Tasting Works

1. Get Your Tasting Wristband

You may purchase your tasting wristband online in advance and pick it up at the Will-Call Booth when you arrive, or purchase your wristband at the Tasting Ticket Booth during the event.

2. Visit Chili Booths & Sample Recipes

Explore the event and sample chili recipes from more than 20 competing teams. From mild and savory to bold and spicy, there is a chili for everyone to enjoy. Your wristband gives you unlimited tastings.

3. Vote for Your Favorite Chili

Use your People’s Choice voting tickets to vote for your favorite chili team by placing your ticket in the collection box located at your favorite team’s booth. The team with the most votes will be titled the 2026 People’s Choice Champion.

Purchase in Advance and Save!

Get your tasting wristbands and select merchandise now. Advance purchasing will close on October 1 at 12:00 pm. We will have a list of all those who have prepaid at the tasting ticket booth at the event. On the day of the event, go to the Will Call line at the Tasting Ticket booth to receive your wristband. Refunds will not be given for any reason. Please email info@staridahochamber.com if you do not receive a confirmation email after you have paid.

Be sure to come early—chili tasting runs from noon to 3:30, but the most popular pots often run out well before the end, so the earlier you start tasting, the more varieties you’ll get to enjoy!

Adult Taster

— UNLIMITED TASTING AGE 10+

$15

Mini Taster

— UNLIMITED TASTING AGE Under 10

$10