Douglasville, Georgia – The Cultural Arts Council Douglasville/Douglas County (CAC) is pleased to announce its 30th annual Chili Cook Off. This year, the event has been renamed the annual Chili Cook Off and Fall Festival to indicate that it has expanded to include more vendors and features in honor of the CAC’s 40th anniversary and in celebration of the 30th year of this beloved festival. This year, on Saturday, October 17th from 5-9 pm, the annual Chili Cook Off and Fall Festival will be held at a brand-new location. Festivities will take place both at Douglas County High School, located at 8705 Campbellton St., and across the street at the historic CAC building and grounds. The CAC will feature a haunted house hosted by Words in Motion Acting Studio, a costume contest on the CAC front porch, yard games, sweet treats, and fair-favorite vendors while the High School will host the chili tastings.
In past years more than 5,000 people joined in this festive evening of good food, fun, and entertainment as many local Douglasville individuals, businesses, and organizations presented the community with a huge variety of chili. In 2025 many local businesses and
organizations brought delicious chili vying for the titles of “Best Chili”, “Spiciest Chili”, “Most Sold”, and “Best Booth Presentation”. Organizations, businesses, and individuals who want to cook chili for this year’s Halloween-themed event should contact the Cultural Arts Council at (770) 949-2787 or info@artsdouglas.org. In 2026, for the very first time, cash prizes will be awarded to the winners. So, not only will Chili Cooks be participating in an important fundraiser and getting word out about their businesses/organizations, but they will also have the chance to walk away with some prize money.
Also, as a new feature in 2026, a limited number of Arts & Crafts vendors who make their own products are invited to participate in the Chili Cook Off. The deadline for both Arts & Craft Vendors and Chili Cooks is September 11th, 2026. Chili Cooks and art vendors can register and pay online through the CAC website at artsdouglas.org. Please note that the CAC is only accepting applications from Chili Cooks, handmade Arts & Crafts vendors, and sweet treat vendors at this time.
In 2025 the “Most Sold” winner SharBerry Kitchen could barely keep up with the lines of guests looking for a taste of their meaty creation! True 
Amor was the winner of the “Best Tasting Chili” award, and celebrated their win with a marriage proposal, which was accepted. “Spiciest Chili” went to Essential Wellness Plus LLC for their sea moss chili, and the “Best Presentation” award, for the most creatively decorated booth in 2025, was won by Douglas County Parks and Recreation for their “Game Day” themed booth. In 2026, tasting judges will, once again, consist of three culinary experts, and the winners will be announced in print and digital media.
Proceeds from the Chili Cook-Off and Fall Festival will help to fund exhibits and classes at the Cultural Arts Council, community arts projects and events, and the CAC’s “ARTSVentures!” program, which brings artists into schools for educational performances. Plans for this year’s Chili Cook-Off and Fall Festival are to have great weather, lots of chili eaters, and tons of fun! So far, 2026 sponsors include Amazon, Connally, Jordan & Associates, P.C., Elevate Douglas, Georgia Power, GreyStone Power Corporation, HRC Engineers, Surveyors & Landscape Architects, Kaiser Permanente, Premier Association Management, Stream Data Centers, and West Georgia Technical College. Interested sponsors are encouraged to apply for inclusion in the festival. Don’t miss out on getting your brand (and delicious chili) in front of thousands of Douglas County locals while supporting the arts. Apply today!
The Cultural Arts Center is located at 8652 Campbellton Street in historic downtown Douglasville, Georgia, located about 20 miles from Atlanta and just off I-20 (Exit 36). Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. For more information, please call (770) 949-2787, or visit our website — www.artsdouglas.org.