Chilli Fest fires up next weekend - Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 February - in the Willunga Recreation Park.

Its reputation as the hottest event on the Fleurieu has spread and there will be even more in ’24, with extra traders on board making more than 20 chilli stalls with an ever-increasing range of products to spice up home cooking repertoires.

Many of them will show how it’s done on the cooking demonstration stage.

Buying chilli plants at Chilli Fest has become almost mandatory and this year will feature three chilli plant providers, who can give advice on how to get the best crop.

Local horticulturist Kym Syrus will also host an information session at the demo stage on Saturday morning.

Following the success of last year’s Chilli Sauce championships, the competition has been expanded to include chilli chutney, chilli jam, chilli paste and chilli oils under the category chilli condiments. 

Competition convenor Helen Brown says she has been kept busy receiving and registering entries since early December.

“There are more than 40 sauces and condiments for our judges to sample, and even if I do say so myself – the competition will be HOT!”

As well as chillies to eat and grow, local artisans have chilli-inspired products to suit every taste. 

Choose from clothing, jewellery, paper products, kitchenware and a range of Mexican Talavera Pottery – plenty of unique products and gifts for chilli lovers. 

The shady space of the ‘Chill Garden’ offers a great place to relax and enjoy live music, local wines and beers and food from an array of vendors.

Entry to the event is $10 for adults with children under 16 free. Go to the website for more information and get tickets at the gate or via Trybooking.

Chilli Fest Willunga is one of the four major fundraising events that supports the Willunga Recreation Park, a facility owned by the community for the community.