The hottest festival of the season is firing up just a short drive from St. Pete. The 18th annual Pinellas Pepper Fest returns to England Brothers Park (5010 Dave McKay Way) in Pinellas Park on April 12‑13, serving up a weekend of bold flavors, fiery competitions, and free family fun.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, attendees can explore an explosion of heat‑packed food trucks, specialty exhibitors, and live music that keeps the energy sizzling. Admission and parking are both free, and the event is pet‑friendly—so bring your whole crew, pups included.
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A spicy showdown in Pinellas Park
You don’t need to be a Hot Ones Champion to enjoy this event. Whether you prefer mild or wild spice, Pepper Fest has a taste test for you. Sample dozens of hot sauces, salsas, rubs, and spicy desserts from local and national vendors. You’ll also find unique pepper‑themed crafts, gadgets, and even pepper plants to take home and grow your own heat.
This isn’t just a tasting event—it’s a showdown. Saturday afternoon features a qualifier for the League of Fire’s Road to the Americas Belt Match, where contestants go head‑to‑head in a grueling heat challenge to earn the coveted Tampa Belt. Winners move on to international competition, and the spectacle is worth witnessing in person.
Pepper Fest hosts a Jalapeno Eating Contest
If you’re feeling brave, jump into the action yourself. Saturday’s Amateur Jalapeño Eating Contest at 12:30 p.m. invites fearless foodies to push their limits. On Sunday, things get wild with the Extreme Lolli Lick‑A‑Thon at 2 p.m., featuring what organizers call “the hottest lollipop on Earth.”
The competition scene gets even spicier with Annee Boyer, a world‑traveling chili champ and the only woman in the world to currently hold two League of Fire title belts. “I’ve competed at pepper fests around the globe,” Boyer says, “and I’m proud to represent the League of Fire, the official body for pro and amateur spicy eaters.”
Between the tastebud‑scorching showdowns, guests can enjoy live performances throughout the weekend. Highlights include the Gulfport Gecko Amalgamated Marching Band, Rum Syndicate, and Longneck Band, plus plenty of funky fun from Kym Kym & Scott, Temporary Sanity, and more.
A tasty event for food lovers across Tampa Bay
The full weekend schedule is packed with flavor and flair, but you can come and go at your own pace. England Brothers Park is located at 5010 Dave McKay Way in Pinellas Park—just 20 minutes from downtown St. Pete.
For a full list of vendors, contest signups, and event updates, visit SIKPromotions.com. Just don’t forget the antacids.
