Organizers of the 2026 Terlingua International Championship Chili Cook-Off have unveiled this year’s music lineup, featuring a mix of Texas country, Americana and regional favorites set to perform during the annual event Nov. 4–7 in Terlingua.
According to an announcement posted Wednesday by the Tolbert Terlingua Chili Group Information page, this year’s entertainment roster includes acclaimed Texas singer-songwriter Alejandro Escovedo, Texas country legend Gary P. Nunn, Los Pinche Gringos, The Droptines, Kathryn Legendre and several other performers.
Additional acts scheduled to appear include Billy King and the Bad, Bad, Bad, Mark David Manders, Thomas Michael Riley, Victor Trevino Jr., Sentimental Family Band, Keegan McInroe and The Tabasco Birds.
The annual chili championship, held in the desert community of Terlingua, draws thousands of competitors, spectators and music fans from across Texas and beyond. The event celebrates chili’s deep roots in Texas culture and is widely regarded as one of the state’s most iconic culinary gatherings.
Organizers encouraged prospective competitors and attendees to purchase tickets early and begin preparing for the cook-off, promising “hot chili” and an even hotter music lineup beneath the stars of the Big Bend region.
The 2026 event is scheduled for Nov. 4–7. Tickets are currently available through the event’s official website.
