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2026 Mt. Crested Butte Chili & Beer Festival

September 12 @ 11:30 am - 4:30 pm

Tickets on Sale May 23

 

Join us in Mt. Crested Butte for a perfect pre-fall day of bold flavors, crisp brews, and mountain vibes at the 27th Annual Chili & Beer Festival. It’s our favorite way to say goodbye to summer and hello to sweater weather.

Each year, amateur and professional chili cooks and craft beverage makers from across the region come together for an epic culinary throwdown. Sample your way through red, green, vegetarian, and specialty chilis, then wash it all down with the best in beer, cider, seltzer, and more all in the cool, clean air of the Rockies.

What to Expect

All day long, enjoy the sounds of top-notch bluegrass bands performing live on the iconic Red Lady Stage.

🌶️ Dozens of chili varieties: traditional and creative twists

🍻 Craft beer, cider, seltzer & non-alcoholic tastings

🎶 Live bluegrass music that’ll have you grooving

🏆 Cash prizes, bragging rights, and crowd favorites

⛰️ Stunning views and great company in Mt. CB

 


Transportation

There are numerous FREE transportation options so please refrain from drinking and driving.

RTA: The final RTA bus running from Mt. Crested Butte to Gunnison, with a stop at the Cement Creek Road, leaves at 11:25 p.m. from Mt. Crested Butte and 11:33 p.m. from the Crested Butte 4-way Stop arriving ultimately in Gunnison. www.gunnisonvalleyrta.org. Free

Mountain Express:  Mountain Express buses run every 20 minutes between Crested Butte and the Mt. Crested Butte The last bus leaves Mt. Crested Butte at 12:00 am  www.mtnexp.org – Free

FirstTracks Late Night Service: Runs between 10 p.m. and 2:30 a.m. Use the First Tracks App to request a ride ranging from $15 – $25 per passenger..

Black Canyon Limo Private Rides: Catch a ride anywhere in the valley with online reservations with room for parties up to 13 people


TIPS

Drink water! A glass of water between every beer is a great way to stay happy, hydrated, and much less hungover.

Eat before you come or eat a few cups of chili before you start drinking. If you drink before you eat, you’re gonna have a bad time.

Be aware of your drinking limits. Please don’t have to make your friends carry you home. Drink responsibly.

 

Details

  • Date: September 12
  • Time:
    11:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Event Category:
  • Website:

Venue