If your family loves a good 3-Way or can’t resist a classic cheese coney, you’ll want to mark your calendar for Cincinnati Chili Week 2026. This week-long celebration of one of the Queen City’s most iconic foods runs February 23–March 1, 2026, with restaurants across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky offering chili specials priced between $5 and $7.
Whether you’re a lifelong chili fan or introducing your kids to this uniquely Cincinnati tradition, this is one of the tastiest (and most affordable) food events of the year.
What Is Cincinnati Chili Week?
Hosted by Cincinnati Chili Week, this annual foodie event celebrates the region’s signature dish: Cincinnati-style chili. Unlike traditional chili, this sweet-and-savory meat sauce is flavored with Mediterranean-inspired spices like cinnamon and clove and is most famously served:
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Over spaghetti (a 3-Way)
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With spaghetti + onions or beans (4-Way)
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Fully loaded (5-Way)
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On hot dogs (cheese coneys)
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On fries or nachos
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As dips and creative specialty dishes
During Chili Week, participating restaurants create special menu items or offer classic favorites at discounted prices, making it easy to try multiple locations throughout the week.
When Is Cincinnati Chili Week 2026?
Dates: February 23 – March 1, 2026
Location: Participating restaurants throughout Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky
Bonus: National Chili Day falls right in the middle of Chili Week, making it the perfect time to plan your chili crawl.
Where to Go for Chili Week Specials
More than 30 restaurants typically participate, including beloved local chili parlors and neighborhood favorites. Past participating locations have included:
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Camp Washington Chili
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Blue Ash Chili
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Skyline Chili
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Gold Star
Plus breweries, bars, and creative kitchens putting their own spin on Cincinnati’s favorite comfort food.
You can view the full list of participating restaurants and specials at Cincinnati Chili Week.
Download the Chili Week App
To make the most of the event, download the official Chili Week app. With it, you can:
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Browse participating restaurants
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Map out your chili route
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Check in at each stop
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Earn points for prizes
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Enter to win gift cards and other chili-themed rewards
It’s a fun way to turn dinner into an interactive family challenge.
Why Families Love Cincinnati Chili Week
Chili Week is especially great for families because:
✔ The price point makes dining out affordable
✔ Kids tend to love cheese coneys and chili cheese fries
✔ You can explore different neighborhoods
✔ It turns a simple dinner into a themed “chili crawl” adventure
Make it fun by letting the kids rate each stop or keep track of how many “Ways” your family tries throughout the week.
Make It a Chili Crawl
Want to level it up? Plan a weekend Chili Crawl:
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Pick 2–3 restaurants in the same area
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Share dishes to try more varieties
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Snap photos at each stop
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Let the kids vote for their favorite
By the end of the week, you might discover a new family favorite.
