Every September, thousands of spice lovers descend on our small town for the Similkameen Sizzle – Canada’s only hot pepper festival! This free, family-friendly event brings Memorial Park in Keremeos to life with hot peppers, live music, spicy contests, incredible food, and yes… a little sweating too.
Best part? It’s totally FREE, thanks to the support of our generous sponsors and community partners. Valley First has been our main sponsor since the beginning – without their support we wouldn’t be where we are today!
The Sizzle is the signature annual event of the Similkameen Country Development Association (SCDA). With growing attendance and popularity, it’s now a proudly funded service through our partnership with the Village of Keremeos and the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS). Since COVID, we’ve continued to expand and add new features each year – so whether you’re a first-timer or a returning chili champ, there’s always something new to discover at the Sizzle!
Help us put the ‘Ow’ in ‘Wow, That’s Hot!’
Vendor Sign-Up
Do you make, bake, grow or create something amazing? Join us at Canada’s only hot pepper festival and showcase your goods to thousands of attendees! Whether you’re selling fresh produce, spicy snacks, handmade art or anything in between – we’d love to have you at the market. Spots fill up fast, so don’t wait! Preference given to vendors selling sauces, spices, produce and preserves. The Vendor Sign up forms for 2026 are now available here!
Volunteer Sign-Up
Want to be part of the hottest crew in the Similkameen? We’re looking for fun, reliable, and friendly folks to help bring the Similkameen Sizzle to life! Whether you’ve got a few hours or a whole day to give, we’ve got a role for you – from set-up to info tents to contest helpers. Volunteers get behind-the-scenes access, a sweet thank-you gift and serious bragging rights. The link to sign up as volunteer for 2026 will be available here, starting June 1st.
Sponsor Sign-Up
Help keep the Sizzle spicy and free for the community! As a sponsor, your support helps us grow the festival, provide free family programming and shine a light on all things local. In return, we’ll give you high-visibility recognition, shoutouts in our promotions and that warm, fuzzy feeling of supporting a great community event. Let’s make some heat together! Click here to learn more about our sponsorship tiers.
Hot Sauce Competition
Think you’ve got what it takes to be crowned Similkameen’s Sauciest? Enter your best small-batch hot sauce in the Sizzle’s annual Hot Sauce Contest! Categories include Judge’s Choice (Mild, Medium, Hot) and People’s Choice (fan favourite/best-seller). Day-of registration only – spots are limited and entries are judged blind. Click here for more info.
Sear Factor Competition
Think you’ve got what it takes? The Sear Factor will be back – hotter, harder, and spicier than ever. Contestants battle through rounds of increasingly fiery peppers until one champion remains. Must be 19+ to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to attend?
It’s completely FREE! Thanks to our amazing sponsors and community partners, Similkameen Sizzle is free for all ages to attend. That said, we do recommend bringing a bit of spending money: the beverage garden is fantastic, the vendors are unique and local, and there’s always a chance to win big with our 50/50 draw. Trust us, you’ll want to stock up on treats, crafts and spicy souvenirs!
Is everything super spicy?
Not unless you want it to be! While hot peppers are the stars of the show, there’s something for everyone – including sweet treats, mild eats, and activities with no heat at all. You can choose your spice level… or take on the legendary hot pepper contest if you dare.
Is the festival family-friendly?
Absolutely! The Similkameen Sizzle is a family-friendly event for all ages. Kids can enjoy their own zone with bouncy castles and plenty of activities, while everyone can relax in shaded areas and soak up the laid-back park atmosphere. And yes: dogs are family too! Memorial Park and the Similkameen Sizzle welcome well-behaved pups on a leash, as long as you clean up after them.
Can my child participate in the hot pepper eating contest?
Sorry, spice youngsters – participants must be 19+ to enter the hot pepper eating contest. Due to the nature of the competition and our event insurance requirements, all contestants are required to sign a liability waiver on-site. But don’t worry – there’s plenty of fun for kids and teens throughout the day!
Where can I park?
Free parking is available throughout downtown Keremeos, including designated areas near Memorial Park. Volunteers and signage will help guide you to available spots. We recommend arriving early to snag the best locations!
What does the event schedule look like?
While we recommend checking out the most up-to-date details on our event calendar, each Sizzle generally follows a similar flow:
Start your day with a pancake breakfast by the Keremeos Rodeo Association, then browse our market packed with amazing vendors. The hot sauce competition kicks things off mid-morning and bouncy castles open around noon for the kids (and the kids-at-heart) until late afternoon. In the early afternoon, the Similkameen Independent Winegrowers open the popular beverage garden, just in time to cool off before the legendary hot pepper eating contest and an evening of live music in the park.
What should I bring?
We recommend bringing lots of water (or milk – you’ve been warned!), a hat and sunscreen (it’s the Similkameen, baby), lawn chairs or a picnic blanket and some cash, since not all vendors accept cards. Most importantly, don’t forget to bring your spiciest attitude!
Is the festival accessible?
The main event area is flat and wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking and washrooms located nearby. We’re committed to making the Sizzle as inclusive as possible – if you have specific accessibility needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us in advance. Our team will do our best to accommodate and ensure you have a great experience!