Woodstock Groundhog Days: A Beloved Tradition Returns—with Chili!
After a five-year break, the Chili Cook Off is back by popular demand, bringing together community pride, culinary creativity, and a whole lot of warm comfort. This event isn’t just about tasting great chili—it’s about celebrating the people and traditions that make Woodstock such a special place.
On February 1, 2026, chefs, home cooks, families, and friends will gather at McHenry County College to serve up their best recipes and compete for both Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice. Whether it’s classic, smoky, spicy, sweet, or totally unexpected, every pot of the good stuff tells a story—and every taster gets to help choose the winner.
Your support helps make this event possible, ensuring Woodstock Groundhog Days remains a vibrant, welcoming, and memorable celebration for years to come. Funds raised help us continue offering beloved traditions, create new community experiences, bring visitors from near and far to enjoy everything this incredible town has to offer.
Join us, taste thoughtfully, vote proudly, and help keep the spirit of Woodstock Groundhog Days alive—one spoonful at a time.
Sunday, February 1, 2026, 2-4pm
The competition will be in a new location –
MCC, McHenry County College,
8900 Northwest Highway (Route 14)
between Woodstock and Crystal Lake, IL.
Entrance is $10, $5 for children 12 and under. Children under 2 are free.
Additional food will be available for purchase from the MCC culinary program.
Prizes will be awarded for 1st Place, 2nd Place and People’s Choice.
The Woodstock Groundhog Days Chili Cookoff
is sponsored by Jewel Foods
