2025 Chili Cook-Off

The Chili Cook-Off is The Exceptional Foundation’s largest event of the year and one of Birmingham’s favorite annual fundraisers! Join us for this family-friendly event, featuring live music, a kids zone, beverages, and all the chili you can eat. Proceeds directly benefit The Exceptional Foundation’s programs for adults and youth with intellectual disabilities. Come celebrate the 21st Annual Chili Cook-Off and the ways this event supports our programs!

This year, we are partnering with Alabama Power’s Renew Our Rivers program, one of the nation’s largest river clean-up projects. Alabama Power has been part of The Exceptional Foundation’s Chili Cook-Off for many years, and we are grateful for their continued support. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the event and at the gate. Children 12 and under are free. Your ticket will be available instantly after checkout and can either be printed or redeemed on your mobile phone.

Disability access parking spots are available in the Synovus deck and Oakworth Capital Bank lot (800 Shades Creek Pkwy). Shuttles will run from these lots to our main entrance.

The 2024 Chili Cook- Off featured 151 cook teams and was attended by over 13,000 people. Proceeds from the Chili Cook-Off provide a significant source of funding for programs at The Exceptional Foundation, where we promote lasting friendships, healthy living, life skills, and community involvement for adults and youth with intellectual disabilities.