Hot Sauce Festivals & Events in Texas

Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival

Sunday, August 30, 2026, 3-9 PM
Radio/East, 3504 Montopolis Dr, Austin, TX

The 36th annual Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival runs Sunday, August 30, 2026 from 3 to 9 PM at Radio/East in East Austin. Tickets are $20 pre-sale or $25 at the door (cashless only), with free admission for kids 6 and under. Part of each ticket goes directly to the Central Texas Food Bank, which has received more than 1 million meals from the festival over its 35-year history. The contest covers commercial bottlers, restaurants, and individuals, with awards at 5 PM and 7:45 PM.

When is the next hot sauce festival near Texas?

The Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival is set for Sunday, August 30, 2026, 3 to 9 PM at Radio/East in East Austin. It is the 36th annual edition of the festival, which returns each year.

Where is the Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival held?

The festival is at Radio/East, 3504 Montopolis Dr, Austin, TX. This is a new home for the festival in 2026 after more than 30 prior years at other Austin venues. Tickets and event information are published at the organizer's online hub at austinchronicle.com/hotsauce.

How much are tickets to the Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival?

Pre-sale tickets are $20 and tickets at the door are $25, plus taxes and fees. The festival is cashless. Kids 6 and under are free.

Who benefits from the Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival?

The Central Texas Food Bank is the beneficiary. The festival has contributed more than 1 million meals to the food bank across its 35-year history, drawing more than 10,000 attendees and hundreds of entries in its peak years.

What competition categories does the Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival have?

The festival runs three competition categories: Commercial Bottler, Restaurant, and Individual. People's Choice voting runs from 3 to 7 PM, Individual and Restaurant awards are announced at 5 PM, and Commercial and People's Choice awards are announced at 7:45 PM. The festival also features a four-act live music lineup, with DJ Mahealani opening at 3 PM, Libby and the Loveless at 6 PM, Latin Dukes at 7 PM, and Lauren Lakis closing the night at 8:15 PM.