Austin’s February Food Festivities

News Summary

February brings a whirlwind of food-centric events to Austin. From the 18th Annual Chili Cook-Off to the Diaspora Food Market, the city promises flavors from diverse cuisines. Join the fun with live music, competitions, and a chance to support local charities like Free Lunch and the Girls Empowerment Network. With enticing culinary experiences around every corner, Austin is the place to be this February.

Austin’s Exciting February Festivities: A Guide to Chili, Food, and Fun

Hey there, Austin! It’s that wonderful time of year again when our city turns into a food lover’s paradise with some exciting festivities lined up for February! So dust off those calendars because you won’t want to miss out on these mouthwatering events!

Chili Cook-Off – February 2

First up is the 18th Annual Chili Cook-Off, happening on February 2 at the fabulous Hotel San José and Jo’s Coffee. Free admission means you can waltz in without a worry in the world, but if you really want to indulge your taste buds, grab a tasting wristband on-site for just $25. With this wristband, you’ll be able to sample a plethora of chilis that will have you raving!

All money raised during this event will go to Free Lunch, a fantastic organization working hard to tackle food insecurity in Austin. Not only will your taste buds be happy, but you’ll also be making a difference in the community—a win-win!

But wait, there’s more! The day will be packed with fun, featuring a Quick Fire Competition for some thrilling chili-cooking action, live music from some special guests and the well-loved Jo’s House Band, plus a raffle for some exciting prizes. Bring your friends and take part in the dancing contest; it’s all about having a great time!

Diaspora Food Market – January 18

Diaspora Food Market on January 18 in nearby Leander? This event is an incredible opportunity to explore flavors from across the African diaspora. Think mouth-watering jerk spiced ribs, crispy TCH chicken, and delicious Cuban sandwiches. It’s a food carnival just waiting to be savored!

Another great thing about the Diaspora Food Market is that tickets are absolutely free! Just make sure to sign up in advance, so you can dive into all those amazing dishes without missing a beat.

Tamale House East – Gumbo Pop-Up – January 19

Next on the agenda is the annual gumbo pop-up at Tamale House East from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM on January 19. Get ready to taste offerings like roasted duck gumbo and crawfish étouffée that will leave you feeling warm and downright delighted!

And it doesn’t stop there! This scrumptious event will feature live entertainment from the jazz band Scrapelli, making for a lively atmosphere where you can enjoy both the food and the music. Perfect night, right?

Bloody Mary Festival – March 22

Bloody Mary Festival on March 22 right here in Austin. This festival is every cocktail lover’s dream, with a chance to sample tasty Bloody Marys from various local makers. Plus, you can cast your vote in the People’s Choice Award—how cool is that?

Proceeds from this vibrant festival will also support a wonderful cause, with the funds going to the Girls Empowerment Network. So while you enjoy some delicious drinks, you’ll also be supporting an important cause focused on empowering our future leaders.

Join the Fun!

Let’s get ready to eat, sip, and celebrate the heart of our city!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Weekend Events in Austin: January 17-19, 2025
Upcoming Food Festivals in Austin to Indulge In
Austin’s Martin Luther King Jr. Community March Canceled
Weekend Events in Austin: Dance Parties and Festivals
Cuba Begins Releasing Political Prisoners Amid Diplomacy
Austin Community Rattled by Convenience Store Robbery
Austin Set to Revamp Short-Term Rental Rules
New Dining Venues Set to Transform Austin’s Food Scene in 2025
Top Activities for Teens in Austin in 2025
Buda Introduces Family Dining with Roxie’s Restaurant

Additional Resources

• Austin Eater: Austin Chili Cookoff
• Wikipedia: Chili Cook-off
• KXAN: Jo’s 17th Annual Chili Cook-Off
• Google Search: Jo’s Annual Chili Cook-Off
• Astoria Post: Taste of Texas Comes to Queens for 2024 Chili Cookoff
• Google Scholar: Texas Chili Cookoff
• Hilltop Views: Jo’s 17th Annual Charity Chili Cook-Off Spices Up South Congress
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Chili Cook-off
• CBS Austin: Warm Up with Jo’s Chili Cook-Off and Help Support Free Lunch ATX
• Google News: Jo’s Chili Cook-Off

Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER

The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.