Chili for Critters is the first chili cook-off held to raise money for the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, set on the waterfront patio at Emerald Waterfront in Navarre. Ticket holders taste homemade chili entries, meet animal ambassadors from the refuge and vote on the winners. Proceeds pay for the refuge's wildlife rehabilitation and education programs.
Before you go
- Buy a tasting ticket on the refuge's event page, where advance tickets cost less than the day-of price.
- Drive to Emerald Waterfront at 8491 Navarre Pkwy in Navarre.
- Arrive between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM to taste the entries.
- Sign up early if you want to enter a chili, at $25.
What we checked, and when
Read off the venue's own page on 2026-09-29.
The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge's event page lists a $15 advance tasting ticket, $20 on the day and $10 for children 12 and under. Entering a chili in the contest costs $25.
Not confirmed: A military rate. We searched and the venue publishes none. That is not the same as there being none, so it is worth asking.
Day-of tasting tickets cost $5 more than advance tickets.