HAMPTON – The Spicy Shark proudly presents the 4th Annual New England Hot Sauce Fest, benefiting The Seacoast Science Center and The Blue Ocean Society. The spicy event returns to bring the heat to Hampton on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (limited VIP starting at 10 a.m.) at Smuttynose Brewery.

After three sizzling years, the event is turning up the flame even higher in 2025. Guests can expect a full day of hot sauce tastings, fiery food challenges, '80s music, and local flavor. New food trucks and old favorites will be on hand to cool tastebuds, while your favorite local crafters showcase handmade goods and specialty items.

The fiery centerpiece of this year’s festival is the brand new SCI-FI Pepper Challenge, featuring blistering hybrid super hot peppers developed by none other than Ed Currie, the creator of the Carolina Reaper and Pepper X. These Sci-Fi peppers have never been tasted before! For the first time, the main stage contest will be open to 10 contestants (vs. previously five), giving aspiring chili heads the chance to go pepper-to-pepper with seasoned spice legends including Mike Jack, the Scorch Queen, Late for Work, and Today’s Adventure.  There will also be amateur Hot Wing, Jalapeno, and Super Hot contests.  Think you can handle the heat? We’re accepting chili head resumes now at www.newenglandhotsaucefest.com.

Adding to the excitement, Bella and Dark from Heat 101 return as the event MCs, guiding the crowd through contests, giveaways, and the day’s hot happenings. Over 30 hot sauce companies from across the Northeast will be in attendance, offering samples, products, and spicy stories from behind the bottle.

The New England Hot Sauce Fest is fun for the whole family, with kid-friendly attractions like bouncy houses, face painting, and magic shows adding to the festive atmosphere. Smuttynose Brewery’s award-winning beer will be available for adult attendees looking to balance out the burn.

This spicy celebration is made possible by generous local sponsors, including: Wells Fargo, Avery Insurance, Bangor Savings Bank, Great Island Realty, The City Beverage Centers, and Casella. The festival proudly donates the majority of proceeds to Blue Ocean Society and Seacoast Science Center, supporting marine conservation and environmental education efforts in the region.

Don’t miss the 4th Annual New England Hot Sauce Fest! Tickets are limited. Learn more and grab yours today at www.newenglandhotsaucefest.com.

DISCLAIMER: Shared on behalf of a member. This content was not created by the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth.