Chili Bowl Festival returns at public art gallery

Chili Bowl Festival 2025. Nicholas L. M. Allen photo

Fundraiser serves up volunteer made chili and take-home pottery bowls to support children and adult programming

A long running community fundraiser will return to the Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery on Feb. 7, with organizers urging people to arrive early before the pots are empty.

The Chili Bowl Festival will begin at 11 a.m. at the gallery and will run until the chili runs out, which typically happens around 1 p.m., according to curator Ryanna Kizan.

“The Chili Bowl Festival is one of the Gallery’s most popular annual fundraising events and has been running for over 20 years,” Kizan said in an email.

The format will be familiar to anyone who has attended in previous years. There are “no changes to this years Chili Bowl, it remains the same well loved community event,” Kizan said.

Visitors will be able to purchase a bowl for $25 for adults or $10 for ages 12 and under. After paying, attendees will select a bowl, choose their chili, collect a cookie and bun, eat with friends at the gallery and take their bowl home at the end of their visit.

The bowls used for the fundraiser are donated by the Pass Pottery Club, while the chili and cookies are prepared by community volunteers.

“The bowls for the event are generously donated by the Pass Pottery Club, and the chili and cookies are prepared by community volunteers,” Kizan said. “We are deeply grateful for the continued support of the Pottery Club and our volunteers.”

Kizan said proceeds from the festival will support the gallery’s programming for both children and adults, tying the event directly to the organization’s year round work.

Alongside the fundraiser, visitors will also be able to view the exhibition on display during the event. Kizan said the gallery will be showing No Particular Topic, described as the gallery’s annual non juried group show featuring local and area artists.

Organizers are expecting strong attendance again this year, pointing to the event’s track record and early enthusiasm.

“We are expecting a good turnout, as the Chili Bowl Festival has always been well supported by the community,” Kizan said. “Response so far has been great, with lots of enthusiasm and interest.”

For newcomers, the advice was simple.

“Come early and bring your friends,” Kizan said.

The Chili Bowl Festival will be held Feb. 7 starting at 11 a.m. at the Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery.