Chilifest Inc. - www.chilifest.org - Welome to Chilifest

About Us

The History of Chilifest:

In In the fall of 1999, eight years after the inception of the Chilifest event, Chilifest Incorporated, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, was formed to professionally manage and organize what has become the most anticipated event in the Brazos Valley - CHILIFEST.

Over the years, Chilifest Inc. has assembled an untarnished resume of success - having entertained thousands of patrons and attracted some of country music's finest performers to our area. Undoubtedly, Chilifest remains in a class of its own: dedicated to provide a spectacular event, with all proceeds benefiting the community to aid in many worthy causes.

Chilifest Inc.'s first year at the helm in 2000 was indeed, remarkable. Country music sensation Mark Chesnutt headlined the event, and in front of 20,000 patrons, filmed his latest music video on stage. That year, Chilifest Inc. was able to donate over $75,000 to area charities, and further demonstrate their commitment to the community.

Chilifest 2001 was quite a success! The legendary Merle Haggard headlined the event, alongside an all-star lineup that included: Gary P. Nunn, Tommy Alverson, Pat Green, and Jerry Jeff Walker. Amazingly, after leaving a lasting impression among thousands, over $130,000 was donated back to the community.

Despite heavy rains, all in attendance enjoyed Chilifest 2002. Chris Ledoux, Pat Green, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Gary P. Nunn, and Tommy Alverson played to a rain-drenched but loyal crowd. Thanks to all who endured the weather, we were able to donate over $110,000 dollars to our charities.

Chilifest 2003 surpassed years before with a record crowd of over 40,000. Country music legend Willie Nelson headlined the event, and Cross Canadian Ragweed, Gary Allan, Cory Morrow, and Roger Creager backed him. With great pride, we were able to give over $200,000 to surrounding area causes and charities.

Chilifest 2004 was one of the best ever. The legendary George Jones headlined the event; Sammy Kershaw, Pat Green, Cross Canadian Ragweed, and Jason Boland accompanied him. Thanks in part to the large attendance numbers; we were able to give over $160,000 to local charities.

Chilifest 2005 was a great event! Everyone enjoyed the music from Jack Ingram, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Neal McCoy, Pat Green, and Tracy Lawrence. The excitement raised over $100,000.

In 2006, Chilifest celebrated 15 years of Texas country. Everyone enjoyed the music from Robert Earl Keen, Aaron Watson, Pat Green, Cross Canadian Ragweed, and Randy Rogers. Thanks in part to a great turnout; we were able to give over $102,000 to local charities.

We had monumental years in 2007 and 2008 with record - breaking crowds of over 40,000 people. The entertainment line up in 2007 was Jack Ingram, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Pat Green, Aaron Watson, and the legendary Willie Nelson. In 2008 Gary Allan, Aaron Watson, Pat Green and Stoney LaRue graced the stage . Chilifest Inc. was able to give over $400,000 to local charities and organizations in those two years.

Chilifest 2009 was an amazing year allowing us to give $182,000 back to the community by providing top-notch entertainment in a festive environment. The entertainment line up was Robert Earl Keen, Pat Green, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Stoney LaRue, and Reckless Kelly.

We could not have asked for better weather on April 10, 2010 for Chilifest 2010. This event exceeded our expectations as we added a new feature to the already FUN atmosphere, the Chilifest Jumbo Tron. It was an amazing year allowing us to give $193,000 back to the community. The entertainment line up was Dwight Yoakam, Cory Morrow, Aaron Watson, Roger Creager, and the Eli Young Band.

We have proven that Texas music brings loyal fans to the Starlight Ballroom in Snook each spring where fifteen acres of pastureland are transformed into a two-day event that includes chili, live music, and FUN! However, all the hype cannot overshadow Chilifest’s main purpose, “To offer assistance to thousands of ill, neglected, and less fortunate individuals; as well as to provide funding for the many organizations who put forth the effort to resolve the life threatening problems that endanger the lives of so many.”

Chilifest, Inc. is extremely grateful to everyone who has attended and to all those who have played an important role in the success of this event.

Expect GREATNESS with Chilifest 2011 as we celebrate 20 years of Texas country. We look forward to giving back to our community who has given us so much.