The 2026 "Knock Your Boots Off" Golden Beverage Tasting & Chili Cookoff was a HUGE Success!!

Saturday, October 17, 2026

1pm - 4pm

Parfet Park: Washington Avenue and 10th Street, Golden

WOW, Golden! What an incredible afternoon!

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out to Parfet Park on Saturday for the Golden Beverage Tasting & Chili Cook-Off!  The park was buzzing with enthusiastic attendees, talented chili cooks, delicious food, fantastic beverage tastings, great entertainment, and plenty of community spirit.

From our amazing chili competitors and generous beverage partners to our entertainers, vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who came out to enjoy the fun — you made this event one to remember!

This beloved Golden tradition is now under the management of the Golden Welcome Center, and we couldn't be happier with how the community embraced it.  We're proud to carry on this fun-filled event while supporting our local community.

Thank you for showing up, joining the fun, and making it such a memorable day.  We couldn't have done it without you!

Presented by the Golden Welcome Center and Coors Distributing Company.

MEET THE 2026 WINNERS

Judge's Choice - A panel of 10+ judges 'blind judge' each chili to determine the best in each category.  That means the judges don't know who submitted or cooked the chili.
 

Peoples Choice - Event attendees select their favorites in each category and then cast their votes online.

JUDGE'S CHOICE

Red

1st        Reilly Cass - “Reilly’s 33 Red”

2nd       Marissa Crotty (Stash Nut Co.) – “The Secret Stash”

Green

1st      Brian Bennett – “Smokin Mountain Tops Green Chili”

2nd Brandon Johnson – “Yeah Body Green Chili”

Veggie

1st        Brandon Johnson – “Cluckin Hot White Bean”

Restaurant – Red

1st       Tommyknocker Brewery – “Tommyknocker Red”

2nd      Best in the West BBQ – “Smoked Babyback Rib Red Chili”

Restaurant – Green

1st        Footprints at Fossil Trace – “Footprints Green Chili”

2nd      Trailhead Taphouse & Kitchen – “Pork Green Chili”

PEOPLES CHOICE

Red – Leah Denzel – “Royal Canadian Chili Police Red”

Green – Brian Bennett – “Smokin Mountain Tops Green Chili”

Veggie – Brandon Johnson – “Cluckin Hot White Bean”

Showmanship – Bridgewater Grill at the Golden Hotel

Tickets  - SOLD OUT

***Be careful - do not be scammed by fake ticket re-salers.  The Golden Welcome Center does not honor bogus tickets!*

In partnership with Coors Distributing Company (CDC), this event will showcase  

breweries and brands under the CDC umbrella of products - as well as other flavors from local suppliers.  

All ticketed guests will receive a souvenir sampling beverage cup to properly see, smell, and taste all of the different beverage varieties.