Empire | Annual Chili Cookoff & Trunk or Treat

A little spooky, a little spicy, and a whole lot of hometown fun! The Town of Empire's Annual Chili Cookoff Competition and Trunk or Treat is back, bringing the community together for an evening of Halloween festivities, friendly competition, and delicious homemade chili.

Dress up in your favorite costume, bring the family for Trunk or Treat, and sample a variety of chili recipes as local cooks compete for bragging rights. Whether you're entering your best chili, decorating a trunk, or just coming to enjoy the festivities, there's something for everyone at this annual community celebration.

The fun begins at 5:00 p.m. with Trunk or Treat, followed by chili tastings at 5:30 p.m. Stick around to see who takes home the chili cookoff title when the winner is announced at 7:00 p.m.

Event Schedule

• 4:30 p.m. | Participant arrival and parking

• 5:00 p.m. | Trunk or Treat

• 5:30 p.m. | Chili tastings begin

• 7:00 p.m. | Chili Cookoff winner announced

Want to participate? Register your chili entry or Trunk or Treat vehicle by October 23, 2026, by emailing clerk@empirecoloardo.us.