Indulge in a Fiery Food Experience

One of the Largest Culinary Events in the Country

ZestFest 2026 Heats Up Fort Worth – May 29–31, 2026 The countdown is on for ZestFest 2026, returning to Fort Worth as America’s premier spicy food festival. After a record-breaking 2025 event, this year promises to be even bolder, hotter, and more flavorful than ever before. Thousands of heat-seekers from across the globe will gather to experience a fiery celebration of taste—from small-batch hot sauces and gourmet salsas to fiery snacks and next-level BBQ rubs. Attendees can look forward to sampling the hottest new products, meeting the makers behind the heat, and testing their limits in iconic competitions. Back by popular demand, the Celebrity Chef Stage will once again serve up mouthwatering demos and spicy small plates from top culinary talent. Fan-favorite contests like the PuckerButt Jalapeño Eating Challenge and Eddie Deen’s Fiery Wing Eating Contest—hosted by Brent Deen—will light up the stage with blazing energy and crowd cheers. And don’t miss the return of the Fiery Food Challenge, where the best of the best go head-to-head for the coveted Golden Chile Awards. Whether you’re a casual spice lover or a certified chilihead, ZestFest 2026 is your ultimate destination for all things hot and delicious. Mark your calendars now – May 29–31, 2026 – and get ready to feel the burn in Fort Worth!

ZestFest 2026 - May 29-31 - Fort Worth, TX

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ZestFest 2026 Heats Up Fort Worth – May 29–31, 2026

The countdown is on for ZestFest 2026, returning to Fort Worth as America’s premier spicy food festival. After a sizzling 2025 event, this year promises to be even bolder, hotter, and more flavorful than ever before. It will be the 25th Anniversary of the Fiery Food Expo.

Thousands of heat-seekers from across the globe will gather to experience a fiery celebration of taste—from small-batch hot sauces and gourmet salsas to fiery snacks and next-level BBQ rubs. Attendees can look forward to sampling the hottest new products, meeting the makers behind the heat, and testing their limits in iconic competitions.

Back by popular demand, the Celebrity Chef Stage will once again serve up mouthwatering demos and spicy small plates from top culinary talent. Fan-favorite contests like the PuckerButt Jalapeño Eating Challenge will light up the stage with blazing energy and crowd cheers.

And don’t miss the return of the Fiery Food Challenge, where the best of the best go head-to-head for the coveted Golden Chile Awards. Whether you’re a casual spice lover or a certified chilihead, ZestFest 2026 is your ultimate destination for all things hot and delicious.

Mark your calendars now – May 29–31, 2026 – and get ready to feel the burn in Fort Worth!

VIEW ZESTFEST 2025 PHOTO ALBUM with a big selection of event photos CLICK HERE!

Stay in touch with the Zesty community of spicy food lovers and get the news on the upcoming 25th Anniversary of the ZestFest Spicy Food Expo. Flavor this bold only comes once a year—don’t miss your next chance to turn up the heat!

By: Spicy Food Productions, Inc.

2025 Fiery Food Challenge Winners List (click here)

Facebook Photo Gallery of Winners (click here)

Fiery Food Challenge | ZestFest.net

Experience the pinnacle of spicy cuisine at the Fiery Food Challenge, the longest-running and most prestigious blind tasting competition in the fiery food industry. Hosted annually at ZestFest in Fort Worth, Texas, this event attracts entries from hot sauce makers, salsa artisans, and spicy food producers worldwide. Culinary experts conduct blind tastings across over 85 categories, awarding the coveted Golden Chile to the best in flavor and heat. Winners gain industry recognition and receive 1,000 FFC winner labels for their products, signaling excellence to consumers globally. Join us at the Fiery Food Challenge to celebrate bold flavors and culinary innovation.