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Celebrating 31 years
Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off
Gumbo Me.
Gumbo is back, baby.
Are you an aspiring gumbo chef or a professional that’s got this nailed down? Join in the fun at gumbo cook-off and show us what you’ve got! If you are better-suited to snacking, then come taste what our 20 gumbo chefs have cooked up in the park and vote for your favorite. Samples are a mere 75¢ each!
- Sat. February 14, 2026
- Soda Springs Park
- 75¢ tastings at 11 am
- VOLUNTEER for Free Gumbo
And why a Cook-Off?
“Gumbo” is a Cajun soup containing roux or gumbo file (dried sassafras leaves). It usually contains a variety of meats and or seafood, okra and other ingredients & seasonings served over rice.
Gumbo tasting in Manitou Springs is serious businesses and is the early-morning kick-off to the Carnivale Weekend. Professional and amateur chefs offer their best pot of gumbo for judges and snackers. Cash prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place as judged.
free smells
Best smelling place in town today!– Angel H.
gumbo Madness
What a fun event! Our family loved tasting all the gumbo and getting to vote for our favorite! – Sharon N.
2025 Live Entertainment - Tidal Breeze Hot Five
10:30am - 1:00pm
The 2025 Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-off Winners:
Ready to tackle the gumbo cook-off?
Register today
Signing up is easy, but we only have 20 spaces, and it’s first come, first served (pun intended).
We are accepting applications for 2025’s Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off, get your application in TODAY! Limited spaces still available.
No foolin'
Gumbo Rules
Gumbo is serious business in Manitou Springs, and we’ve got Gumbo Rules to live by. If you are planning on cooking up a pot, then review these rules first!
- Each team is expected to make a minimum of 5 gallons of gumbo. Cooking time is 8:00am - 10:45am.
- Judging begins at 10:45am. Public tasting starts immediately following judging.
- Contestants must provide their own gas grill, fuel, cooking utensil, chairs, booth decor, etc.
- Contestants are asked to have a minimum of 2 assistants in their cooking area during the tasting.
- Visit Manitou Springs will provide one 8-foot covered table, tasting cups and spoons, napkins, and a Popsicle stick for “People's Choice” voting purposes.
- The judges’ decision is final. Prizes: 1st ($100), 2nd ($50) and 3rd ($25) . Best showmanship receives $50 in Manitou Money, Peoples' Choice receives a trophy.
- Entries are limited to 20 chefs, both professional and amateur and are accepted on a first-come-first serve basis.
Gumbo questions, Gumbo answers
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I participate?
We have 2 divisions: Professional and Amateur. Your choice (though we’d suggest only selecting professional if your day job is being a chef). Fill out the gumbo application EARLY as we only have 20 spaces available!
Is the event free to attend?
Yes! You are welcome to walk around and smell the gumbo, but if you want to actually taste gumbo, you’ll need to get tickets, which are 1 for $0.75.
Where do we park?
Great question! Parking will be available for a fee at Hiawatha Gardens. All parking in town is paid and first come, first serve.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Dogs and food won’t mesh at this event. Please leave your pup at home or you can’t be invited into the pavilion for sampling the delicious gumbos.
Thank You to our 2025 Sponsors!
Major Sponsors
Secondary Sponsors
People's Choice Sponsors
