Similkameen Sizzle 2026

Every September, Keremeos comes alive with the fiery spirit of the Similkameen Sizzle, Canada’s one and only hot pepper festival. This free, family-friendly event fills Memorial Park with flavour, music, contests, and community pride, attracting thousands of visitors who come to taste, dance, cheer, and celebrate the valley.

Good cause + chance at cash = win-win Support the Sizzle and win some cash! Click here to get your 50/50 tickets!

Thanks to our many generous sponsors, led by Valley First, along with volunteers and community partners, the Similkameen Sizzle remains free for all to enjoy. Visitors are encouraged to explore Keremeos and the Similkameen Valley during their stay, with plenty happening throughout the weekend to make the experience unforgettable.

Main Sponsor (6/6 Heat Level) 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union

Festival Partners

Aphoristic Productions, M+R Hot Stuff, Similkameen Independent Winegrowers, Tin Whistle Brewery, Go FM/Summit FM-AM, Similkameen Rentals, Vesper Transport, Beyond Hot, Keremeos Legion #192, Lower Similkameen Community Services Society

The Similkameen Sizzle is part of our service agreement with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen.

Similkameen Sizzle 2026 Schedule

• 7:00 AM — Market Set-up Begins
• 8:00 AM – Breakfast with Hixzee’s Gourmet
• 10:00 AM – Artisan Market opens & official event start.
• 10:00 AM — 50/50 Ticket Sales
• 11:00 AM – Food Truck Alley opens on Veterans Avenue
• 11:00 AM – Bouncy Castle
• 11:30 AM – Kid’s Contest
• 11:30 AM — Hot Sauce Contest – Judges Choice
• 12:00 PM – Beer Garden
• 1:00 PM — First 50/50 Draw
• 1:00 PM – Hot Sauce Contest – People’s Choice
• 1:00 PM — SIW Sip & Sizzle
• 1:00 PM – Dunk Tank (running intermittently)
• 1:30 PM – Vuya Kaya Band – Live
• 2:00 PM — Photo Booth
• 3:00 PM — Second 50/50 Draw
• 3:00 PM — Sear Factor Contest
• 4:00 PM — The Contractors Band – Live
• 5:00 PM — Final 50/50 Draw
• 5:30 PM — Market ends

CLICK HERE FOR THE FESTIVAL FLYER! Questions? Check out our FAQ on the general Similkameen Sizzle page.

Click here for our Online 50/50 Draw!  https://www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/scda