The Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival, which began in 1990, has become the world's largest, drawing as many as 15,000 spectators and more than 350 entries every year. This year The Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival will take place on Sunday, August 26 at Fiesta Gardens (2100 Jesse E. Segovia St.) in Austin, Texas.

In the 22 years since its inception, what started out as a small contest with a few spectators has turned into one of Austin's biggest and best-known annual parties. The event is a favorite among hot and spicy food lovers from all over the country. The Hot Sauce Festival also serves as a major fundraiser for the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas. Last year's Festival raised over $17,000 and almost 19,000 lbs. of food in a six hour period!

The outstanding musical performances and culinary exhibitions are notable attractions, but the biggest draws are the salsas. More than 100 gallons of hot sauce are consumed at the event every year. Area restaurants show off their hot and spicy foods at booths, and vendors from across the Southwest set up shop to sell hot and spicy cookbooks, fresh peppers, and chili pepper memorabilia.

If you are a commercial hot sauce bottler and are interested in securing a booth at the Hot Sauce Festival, please contact Dan.

For sponsorship or media inquiries please contact Erin.

Looking for a hot volunteer opportunity? Contact Gene Butler at hotsaucefest@gmail.com to volunteer for The Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival.