If you like your food fiery, your weekends flavour-packed, and your festivals larger-than-life, clear your calendar now. Sydney’s biggest ever chilli celebration is officially coming in hot! On Sunday 8th March 2026, the Sydney Superhot Chilli & BBQ Festival returns to the Entertainment Quarter, and this year it’s bigger, bolder, and hotter than ever before.
This isn’t just another food festival. This is a full-blown celebration of spice, smoke, and sensational flavours, bringing together the largest collection of chilli artisans Sydney (and possibly Australia) has ever seen. Whether you’re a seasoned heat-seeker or a curious first-timer, prepare your tastebuds – because this festival is about to set them on fire (in the best possible way).
A Record-Breaking Line-Up of Chilli Artisans
This year’s festival boasts an incredible 27 artisan stalls, all offering free tastings all day long. Yes – free. From bold beginners to extreme chilli fanatics, there’s something for everyone to try.
According to festival founder Scarlett Habanero, if you attempted to sample every product on offer, it would take you around ten hours. Her advice?
“Put on your speed skates and bring a big trolley for all those irresistible goodies you’re bound to find.”
From handmade chilli sauces and infused oils to chutneys, salts, nuts, jerky, honey, and more, Hellfire Alley is where the magic happens. This vibrant marketplace showcases small family businesses and passionate producers who live and breathe chilli creativity. It’s the perfect place to stock up your pantry, discover new favourites, and chat directly with the makers behind the heat.
Seven Hours of Non-Stop Entertainment
The Sydney Superhot Chilli & BBQ Festival isn’t just about tasting – it’s about experiencing. Across seven jam-packed hours, festivalgoers can enjoy:
- Live music
- Dance performances
- Giveaways galore
- Costume competitions with prizes
- And of course… chilli challenges
This year’s chilli challenges are not for the faint-hearted. Think you can handle the heat? Step up to:
- Flaming Jerky Challenge
- Volcanic Wings Challenge
- The legendary Fiery Pod Challenge (returning by popular demand!)
Whether you’re brave enough to compete or prefer to cheer from the sidelines, these challenges bring the crowd together with laughs, gasps, and fiery applause.
Cool Down at the AfterBurn Bar
When things get a little too hot, the AfterBurn Bar is your sanctuary. Designed to soothe scorched tongues and keep spirits high, this chill-out zone serves up chilli beer, chilli cocktails, and refreshing drinks to help you recover before diving back in for more.
Because let’s be honest – no one stops at just one tasting.
Homemade Heat & Community Spirit
Got a secret chilli recipe that deserves its moment in the spotlight? The Homemade Heat Competition invites enthusiastic amateur cooks to enter their own fiery creation. It’s a fantastic way to showcase your skills, get feedback from fellow chilli lovers, and join the thriving Superhot community.
Festival founder Scarlett Habanero knows a thing or two about building that community – this event marks her 13th chilli festival since starting the Superhot movement back in 2018. Her passion has helped transform these festivals into must-attend events for food lovers across Australia.
Fun for the Whole Family (and Pets Too!)
This festival truly has something for everyone. It’s pet-friendly, so your four-legged friends don’t have to miss out on the fun. Families will love the dedicated Kids Zone, complete with:
- An animal nursery
- Craft activities
- Space to play and explore
Meanwhile, parents can relax knowing the Entertainment Quarter Market Canopy is fully weather-proof, making it easy to stroll, taste, and shop in comfort – rain or shine.
The newly refurbished turfed picnic area offers the perfect spot to roll out a blanket, enjoy mouth-watering BBQ food, ice cream, desserts, and drinks, and soak up the festival atmosphere.
Why You Can’t Miss It
This isn’t just Sydney’s biggest chilli festival – it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting food events of the year. With an unmatched lineup of artisans, free tastings, live entertainment, family-friendly fun, and fiery challenges, the Sydney Superhot Chilli & BBQ Festival 2026 promises an unforgettable day out.
As Scarlett Habanero proudly puts it, Sydney is once again proving it’s “the home of the best.”
Tickets:
- $40 Family Savers (couples with Children save $10 at the gate)
- $25 Adults
- $10 Concessions/Youth/Student
- Children 14 and under – FREE
So gather your chilli-loving crew, bring your appetite (and maybe a little courage), and get ready to feel the burn.
Sunday 8th March 2026. Entertainment Quarter. Be there – or miss out on the heat of the year.