SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The weather will feel seasonable again just in time for the 44th annual Sertoma Chili-Cookoff, one of Springfield’s most anticipated food festivals. The best part: it’s all for a good cause.
The event begins this Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. It starts at 11 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m. at the Springfield Expo Center. Ever year it draws thousands of attendees for a full day of chili tasting, live music and charity support for Boys & Girls Clubs.
Attendees can sample free chili from more than 70 teams, including local restaurants, businesses and amateur cooks competing for accolades like Best Chili, Best Booth and People’s Choice…