Get ready, spice enthusiasts and food lovers! The Chilli Fest Willunga returns on 22 and 23 February, at Willunga Recreation Park, promising a weekend full of fiery flavors, vibrant entertainment, and an exciting new attraction. Known as the Fleurieu Peninsula’s hottest event, Chilli Fest is set to deliver more spice, more fun and more reasons to attend this year.

In a thrilling addition to the program, the festival will host the inaugural SA Chilli Championship, a 15-round competition where ten brave contestants will tackle increasingly fiery chillies, starting with jalapeños and ending with the notorious Carolina Reapers. The showdown, hosted by Chilli Philli of Burnin Bites Down Under, takes place on Saturday at 2pm. The last person standing will be crowned Chilli Fest Willunga Champion and earn the title of SA Chilli Champion.

The festival offers much more than just spice, making it an event for everyone. Visitors can explore more than 20 stalls showcasing hot sauces, pickles, and gourmet treats from local stars like White’s Valley Jalapeños, Grunds Gourmet, and Salt Gang, as well as interstate favourites like Hot Chilli Mama and Edible Alchemy. For green thumbs, two plant stalls will provide expert advice and chilli plants to take home, with gardening tips from experts such as Kym Syrus and Sophie Thomson.

Cooking enthusiasts can enjoy live demonstrations from local legends Norma of Whites Valley Jalapeños and Sarmi of Origin of Taste, who will share creative ways to incorporate chillies into everyday meals. Whether you’re looking to add heat to your cooking or grow a thriving chilli crop, there’s plenty to learn and experience.

Food lovers will also be spoiled for choice with a mouth-watering array of options, including pizza, tacos, chilli biscuits, ice cream, and chocolates. For those needing a break from the heat, the Chill Garden offers a serene spot to relax with a refreshing drink from local brewers and wineries like Shifty Lizard, South Coast Brewing, and DogRidge Wines. The festival’s signature sangria will also be on offer, all accompanied by live performances from talented local musicians.

Chilli Fest Willunga isn’t just a celebration of spice; it’s a community event with a purpose. Proceeds from the festival support the Willunga Recreation Park, a treasured community-owned facility. Funds raised go directly toward maintaining and developing this venue.

The event will run on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 February 23 at Willunga Recreation Park, located at 5 Main Road, Willunga. Entry is $10 for adults, with children under 16 free, and a weekend pass available for $15.