Havelock Chili Festival
Walter B. Jones Park
3rd Weekend of October
Our Mission Statement
The Havelock Chili Festival pledges to continue honoring it's legacy by producing memorable community and family events, as well as contributing to local non-profits in a fun and entertaining way.
About Us
How Do You Like Your Chili?
In 1981, the Commanding General at Marine Corp Air Station Cherry Point mentioned the concept of developing a festival that would provide his Marines and their families with an opportunity to connect with their community. Based on his vision, the International Chili Society Cook-off concept was born. In fact, the Havelock Chili Festival is the North Carolina STATE International Chili Cook Off and the winner of our chili cook off is invited to participate in the WORLD International Chili Society Cook Off. Previous Havelock Chili Festivals had competitors compete from New Jersey, Colorado, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Virginia, South Carolina and Florida as well as North Carolina.
Entertainment
Friday night be prepared to be entertained by the MCAS Cherry Point Show Band , they will perform from 6-8pm. Saturday you can see the Havelock Community Band. They will start our day at 10 am , The youth from the Center of Performing Arts will be our mid day entertainment. Beginning at 1 pm you can hear the Jaywalkers, a band out of New Bern, NC.
Fun for All
Havelock is a small town that is proud of its partnership with MCAS Cherry Point. The Havelock Chili Festival is no exception. The festival is a 2 day event that is family focused with a safe environment. We are eager to offer an exciting opportunity for vendors across Eastern North Carolina to participate in this annual event.
Our Sponsors
Our sponsors
Our Sponsors
Festival information
Ticket Sales
This year we are trying an easier way to purchase wings and Chili. Both Friday night and Saturday festival goers can purchase tickets for wings and Chili at the big white tent or by Chili Festival volunteers who will be recognizable in Chili Aprons. Tickets will be 1 for $1 or 6 for $5.
Friday Night Wings
Each Wing cook brings his or her own flavors, spices, and sauces to make some of the best wings in Eastern North Carolina. Be sure to visit each booth and taste a variety of masterful recipes. Wing tickets can be redeemed at any Wing booth 1 ticket 1 wing.
Saturday Chili Competition
Some of the best red and green chili competitors come from all over the eastern United States to compete in our contest which can lead them to compete in the World Chili Cook-off sponsored by the International Chili Society. Chili tickets can be redeemed at any chili booth 1 ticket for a 4 oz cup of chili.
Food Vendors
Along with our wings on Friday night and our Chili on Saturday you will find on the festival grounds various food vendors offering an assortment of tasty foods.
General Vendors
You will find on the festival grounds many different booths housing groups from commercial businesses, to home based crafters, to church groups, to non profit organizations which each have their own specialty to offer.
Parking
Parking on grounds is very limited. Festival goers can park at Havelock Elementary school, Havelock Middle school, and surrounding parking areas. We do have a limited number of Handicapped parking spaces.