20 chili contenders. One delicious way to support the arts.

Come hungry this Saturday at the Talkeetna Ice Festival for the Expedition Chili Challenge—a fiery fundraiser benefiting the Denali Arts Council.

Saturday, February 7th • 1pm
Sheldon Community Arts Hangar

  • Judging is open from 1pm to 5pm at the Sheldon Arts Hangar. 

  • $20 per flight from either division

  • $5 per bowl of non-competition chili

  • Youths 10 and under: 1 free bowl of non-competition chili

  • Winners will be announced at 5:30 at The Hangar. (winner must be present)

A fundraiser for the Denali Arts Council.
Brought to you by The High Expedition.

About The Ice Festival 
The Challenge

You’re officially invited to The Expedition Chili Challenge at the Talkeetna Ice Festival—a fiery, full-flavor fundraiser supporting the Denali Arts Council.

This event brings together local businesses, adventurous home cooks, visiting challengers, and anyone brave enough to serve up their best bowl. Whether your chili is classic, spicy, smoky, sweet, or wildly creative, we want it on the line.

Saturday February 7th • 1pm
Sheldon Community Arts Hangar

  • Your participation fuels the Denali Arts Council’s mission to celebrate Diversity, Artistry, and Community through year-round opportunities for local creative expression.

  • 1) SUMMIT SERIES

    For local businesses ready to claim culinary glory.

    2) EXPLORER SERIES

    For everyone else—from Local Legends bringing the heat to Out-of-Towners daring to challenge Talkeetna’s finest.

  • $50 Summit Series Entry

    $40 Summit Series Early-bird Entry (save money + secure your spot!)

    $25 Explorer Series Entry

    $20 Explorer Series Early-bird Entry (save money + secure your spot!)

    Why are you paying to enter? This is a fundraiser that supports the Denali Arts Council.

  • Business Class Champion

    • The Expedition Chili Challenge Belt
      Display it proudly in your establishment for the entire year.

    • Mandatory title defense next year—because legends never retire.

    Amateur Class Champion

    • The Expedition Chili Challenge Chain
      Wear it. Flaunt it. Guard it until next winter.

    • Connect with the Talkeetna community

    • Boost visibility for your business or brand

    • Support local arts, education, and creativity

    • Add fun, flavor, and friendly rivalry to the Ice Festival

    • Become part of a growing winter tradition

  • The Talkeetna Ice Festival is a winter-time celebration held annually in Talkeetna, Alaska that brings together community spirit, artistry, and a dose of Alaskan outdoor fun.

    The centerpiece of the festival is the ice-carving competition, where teams of novice and expert sculptors carve intricate works from blocks of ice — open to all ages and skill levels.

    Beyond carving, the festival features a lively, family-friendly slate of events: downtown “art walks,” sled and ski races, quirky contests like a dog keg pull or cardboard chariot challenge, live music, community igloo builds, and cozy winter social events.

    Whether you’re strolling through glistening ice sculptures, cheering on ski races, enjoying local art and music, or cozying up with hot drinks around a fire — the Ice Festival captures the charm, creativity, and community warmth of Talkeetna in the heart of winter.