Prepare to cha-cha your way into a memorable experience, as one of Pagosa Springs’ most beloved fall traditions returns — spicier than ever!
This year, for the first time, we’re bringing the Mountain Chile Cha Cha to Yamaguchi Park, with stunning mountain views, more space, better parking, and even more fun. This food-drink-and-music event happens tomorrow, Saturday, September 27 from 11am to 5:30pm.
Admission to the event is $10 at the gate. Kids 12 and under are free. IF YOU ENTERED CHILE into the tasting contest, YOUR ENTRY IS INCLUDED! You will get a wristband at chile drop-off.
More than just a festival, the Mountain Chile Cha Cha reflects a deeper purpose. The mission of the Patty Aragon Green Chile Classic is to build community in Pagosa Springs and the Southwest while celebrating our Hispanic cultural heritage through local cuisine and music. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Patty Aragon Memorial Fund, which provides hand-picked scholarships and support to deserving local recipients.
This is a rain or shine event.
At the heart of the Cha Cha is the Patty Aragon Green Chile Classic, where nearly 50 passionate competitors — from seasoned chefs to talented home cooks — will serve up their best green chile recipes, featuring New Mexico’s famed Hatch variety and Grand Junction’s Big Jim’s. Prizes, trophies, and bragging rights are on the line in this fiery culinary showdown. Tasting trays are just $15 — come hungry and ready to vote for your favorites!
New this year: A Salsa Competition featuring creative and flavorful entries from local restaurants. Sample all of them and help crown the best salsa maker.
The day is packed with high-energy fun for all ages, including kids’ activities and games; a lively Mexican beer garden; Margarita tasting; food vendors serving up local favorites, freshly roasted local green chiles from Kerrigan Farms will be available for purchase.
And of course, the music lineup is on fire:
Sangre Joven will ignite the stage with their dynamic Latin sound, and Str8 Shot will keep the party going with their high-energy performance.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this day-long celebration of flavor, culture, and community is not to be missed.
For cook-off registration and more event info, visit ilovegreenchile.com
For those interested in working up an appetite, PagosaFun.com is hosting the scenic Mountain Chile Cha Cha 5K and 10K Trail Race at Cloman Park, with a starting time of 10am. Learn more here.