Empty Bowls Wichita's annual chili cook-off to benefit student hunger initiatives
The Empty Bowls Chili Cook Off returns this October for Wichitans to try chili and soup from local chefs.
By The Shout
The following announcement is based on a press release from Empty Bowls Wichita.
WICHITA — Empty Bowls Wichita will host its annual chili cook-off from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, October 17, at Wichita State's Woolsey Hall at Wichita State. The event brings together local chefs, artists, students, and community members to raise awareness and financial support for student food insecurity.
For $35 general admission ($15 for students), guests can select a one-of-a-kind handmade ceramic bowl created by local students and ceramic artists and enjoy a variety of chilis and soups. Children ages 5 and under may receive a free kids bowl. New this year, $100 VIP tickets offer early entry, first choice of handmade bowls, private seating, and drink tickets.
Tickets are available at EmptyBowlsWichita.org.
Empty Bowls Wichita is a nonprofit, volunteer organization with the goal of fighting hunger through arts activism and community engagement. The organization works with more than 1,750 K-12 and college students in ceramic bowl-building programs.
Ceramic works for purchase at the event are created by nationally recognized, regional and local artists as well as students. Proceeds support nonprofit programs serving students in the Wichita, Derby, and Haysville public school systems, including school-based food pantries, emergency food assistance, and healthy snack programs. Beneficiaries include Pando Initiative and the Kiah Duggins Shocker Support Locker.
Empty Bowls Wichita also supports the ceramic arts community through artist exhibitions, guest speakers, and juried and invitational exhibitions that include a broad range of ceramic artists and artistic practices.
Empty Bowls Wichita began in 2014 under the leadership of ceramicist Brenda Lichman and Wichita State professor Ted Adler.
2026 Community Events:
Empty Bowls Wichita Community Build-a-Bowl
Saturday, September 12 | 1-4 p.m.
Wichita State University, Henrion Hall
Registration required, sign up at EmptyBowlsWichita.org
Open Streets ICT | Douglas Avenue
Sunday, September 20 | Noon-4 p.m.
Douglas Avenue from Grove Street to Waco Street
Woofstock
Saturday, October 3 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sedgwick County Park, 6501 W. 21st Street N.
Wichita Ceramic Regional Exhibition
October 2-November 1
Opening Reception: 5-8 p.m. October 2
Reuben Saunders Gallery
2026 Empty Bowls Chili Cook-Off
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Woolsey Hall, Wichita State University
General Admission: $35
Student Admission: $15
VIP Admission: $100
Children ages 5 and under: Free kids bowl
For tickets, event information, sponsorship opportunities, or ways to support Empty Bowls Wichita, visit EmptyBowlsWichita.org.
Announcements are submissions from arts and cultural organizations and community members. They are published at the discretion of SHOUT editors and may be lightly edited. Send press releases and other announcements to emily@shoutwichita.com.
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