FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(PUEBLO, CO – September 15, 2026)
The Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce & Visit Pueblo are excited to host the Chili & Salsa Showdown presented by Mission Foods and Nano Nuclear Energy, Thursday September 17th at the Pueblo Convention Center. This event will kick off the 32nd Annual Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival weekend.
The Chili & Salsa Showdown will feature 8 celebrity judges, ranging from Colorado based news broadcasters, to highly profiled chefs from the Rocky Mountain region.
The judges will determine the best green chili, red chili and salsa in both a noncommercial round and a commercial round. The judging will be based on 5 categories; flavor, appeal, balance, ingredients and texture. There is 147 total entries.
The non-commercial round will take place at 9:00am with in-person check-in & drop off taking place from 8:15am-9:00am.
The commercial round will take place at 1:30pm with in-person check-in & drop off taking place from 1:00-1:30pm.
All entrees must use Certified Pueblo Green Chiles to be able to participate in the competition. Additional rules and registration can be found at pueblochilefestival.com
An awards ceremony will take place Friday, September 18th at the El Pueblo History Museum stage at 6:00pm inside the festival footprint. Cash prizes and gifts will be awarded to the top performers in each category.
If you have any questions regarding this event please contact:
Cara J Siegel | Director of Tourism
Phone: 719.696.2896 | Email: cara@pueblochamber.net
on September 15, 2026
