Discovery Academy to Host Après Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser

Event to benefit school's tuition assistance program

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Big Sky Discovery Academy is hosting an Après Chili Cook-Off fundraiser on Friday, February 27th in Town Center. The event will feature chili entries from local restaurants and organizations, live music, a silent auction, and raffle prizes. Proceeds from the $35 adult tickets will support the school's tuition assistance program.

Why it matters

The Après Chili Cook-Off is an opportunity for the Big Sky community to come together, enjoy some delicious food, and support the Discovery Academy's efforts to make quality education accessible to all families in the area.

The details

The cook-off will take place from 4pm to 8pm at the Big Sky Center for the Arts, the former Choppers restaurant site. Participating restaurants include Michaelangelo's, Ousel and Spur Pizza Co., The Rocks Tasting Room, The Cabin, Riverhouse BBQ & Events, and Shedhorn Grill. Other organizations like Windy Ridge Chiropractic, Visit Big Sky, and Bluebird Boutique will also be entering chili. A group of Discovery students is considered the odds-on favorite. Attendees will receive a drink ticket with their $35 adult admission, while tickets are $15 for ages 13-20 and free for kids 12 and under. The chili competition will be judged by the Big Sky Fire Department.

  • The Après Chili Cook-Off will take place on Friday, February 27, 2026.
  • The event will run from 4pm to 8pm.

The players

Big Sky Discovery Academy

A private school in Big Sky, Montana that is hosting the Après Chili Cook-Off fundraiser.

Sam Geppert

The board chair of Big Sky Discovery Academy.

Big Sky Fire Department

The organization that will be judging the chili competition at the event.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to host a community wide event and share with Big Sky what the Discovery Academy has to offer our amazing friends, family, and neighbors.”

— Sam Geppert, Board Chair, Big Sky Discovery Academy (Email to Explore Big Sky)

What’s next

The judges from the Big Sky Fire Department will announce the winners of the chili cook-off competition at the end of the event.

The takeaway

The Après Chili Cook-Off is a great opportunity for the Big Sky community to come together, enjoy some delicious food, and support the Discovery Academy's efforts to make quality education accessible to all families in the area.