2023 will be Boston’s hottest year yet, and we’re talking spice! The return of the annual Boston Hot Sauce Festival for its second year brings over 20 vendors and a whole new bout of crazy fun challenges to put your taste buds to the test! This festival is for those who love all things wicked hawt and spicy, and this year’s lineup features some of the best hot sauce purveyors in the country in addition to spicy judges who aren’t afraid to turn up the heat.
Boston Hot Sauce Festival judges
Two judges will determine who has the fieriest sauce to match the spicy energy of Boston. Hot sauce king Anthony Merenda– an expert on all things spicy and arguably one of the most diverse palettes in the hot sauce world. Anthony’s years of experience and tolerance of heat make him an incredibly qualified judge for this hot sauce faceoff.
Merenda will be joined by “Cast Iron Kyle” aka Kyle Seip. Kyle, named by Bon Appétit as the “Instagram king of vintage skillets,” has done fun flavorful projects and recipes alongside some of the biggest names in the food industry. His love of hot sauce floods over from his family’s heritage in agriculture.
Known for his rare selection of vintage skillets and glassware, you’ll be able to shop some of Cast Iron Kyle’s rare finds at the festival! Both judges be on site for the 2-day festival to personally connect with all visitors! Snap a pic and ask for a sauce recommendation or just chat up your shared love of hot sauce.
2023 events at Boston’s spiciest festival
There will be taste tests, cooking demos, a spicy marshmallow contest and a classic spicy wing eating contest. The hot sauce champion will be crowned with the “Wicked Pissah” Boston Spice Award for Best of Show Hot Sauce! Tickets are $10 for a 2-hour window to the event on Saturday or Sunday.
Many award-winning sauce companies will also be in attendance including Family Band, Hook & Arrow, Hell’s Kitchen, Defcon Sauces and Whitehouse Station just to name a few!
Find the Boston Hot Sauce Festival at Garage B at The Speedway: 1420 Soldiers Field Rd, Boston MA 02135
All day April 29 and 30