Del Ray Chili Cookoff 2023 Support Domestic Violence Safehouse

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The annual battle for the best chili in Del Ray is approaching, and this year, it will support a local charity.

The Del Ray Chili Cookoff is scheduled for Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the gymnasium of Commonwealth Academy, 1423 Leslie Ave, Alexandria, VA. The event is hosted by the Del Ray Citizens Association. Parking is available at the event.

Any resident, business manager or business owner in Del Ray can enter their chili with a $20 entry fee. Prizes will be awarded for the first place meat and vegetarian chili and first place People's Choice by the judges — Bill Blackburn, Nicole Jones, Bill Butcher, Dana Lawhorne, John Chapman and Jeanette Vinson. The People's Choice Award will be decided by attendees.

Winners will be announced at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and given a $100 prize.

Contestants can learn more about entering the cookoff here.

Even those not entering a chili in the cookoff can participate. Attendees can purchase tickets, which comes with chili tastings, live music, snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks for 21 and over.

All proceeds from the event will go to Alexandria Celebrates Women, a nonprofit that supports the Alexandria Domestic Violence Safehouse in Del Ray.