NC Hot Sauce Contest & Festival

10/23/2026

ONLY FIVE DAYS REMAIN to purchase remaining inventory of 2024, 2025 or 2026 NC Hot Sauce Festival Merchandise. We have a limited number of shirts, hats and koozies left for purchase so you can keep the celebration going until next year (just 322 more days until we get to see you all again, but who is counting?).

If you see a fiery pepper there may be only one or two shirts left, so don't wait to stop by!

Looking for a 20th Annual NC Hot Sauce Contest and Festival souvenir and don't see your size listed or looking for a creative festival gift for the holidays? Reach out to Winks Design Studio for special orders!

Sale ends October 30th at 4:30 PM.
Open Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

*Discounted pricing applies to existing inventory at City Hall only*

09/17/2026

That was insane amount of heat!!

Late posting! But BIG congratulations to the 2026 Bailey Farms Pepper eating champ
Aucensio Cruz! And runner up Sam Hartford!
Thanks to all who came out! Till next year! 🔥🌶️

09/17/2026

🔥 NC HOT SAUCE FESTIVAL MERCH—50% OFF! 🔥

Stock up on official festival merchandise while supplies last!

🌶️ 18th & 19th Annual Merchandise: $5
🌶️ 20th Annual Merchandise: $10

Hats, youth and adult shirts, koozies, and more are available!

📍 Purchase at the City of Oxford Finance Department inside City Hall
🕣 Monday–Friday | 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
📅 Sale ends October 30!

Don’t miss your chance to grab a piece of NC Hot Sauce Contest & Festival history! 🌶️🔥

09/14/2026

What an incredible way to celebrate the 20th Annual NC Hot Sauce Contest & Festival! 🔥

Congratulations to our 2026 award-winning sauce makers! From BBQ rubs and sauces to mild, verde, and seriously HOT creations, this year’s competition brought some amazing flavors to Historic Downtown Oxford.

And a special congratulations to our 2026 People’s Choice Award Winner — Fadoo Gourmet Hot Sauce! 🏆❤️ You were chosen by the people!

👏 Congratulations to all of our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners!

09/13/2026

And just like that… 20 YEARS of the NC Hot Sauce Contest & Festival! 🌶️🔥🎉

What an incredible weekend celebrating the 20th Annual NC Hot Sauce Contest & Festival in Downtown Oxford!

09/11/2026

🌶️❤️ WE LOVE OUR OXFORD COMMUNITY! ❤️🌶️

We are so grateful for the incredible businesses that make Downtown Oxford such a special place!

While you're enjoying the 20th Annual NC Hot Sauce Contest & Festival, be sure to stop by our downtown businesses and check out the specials, deals, and treats they have happening throughout festival weekend! 🎉🌶️🛍️

Come for the hot sauce, stay for everything Downtown Oxford has to offer! ❤️

📍 Shop local. Eat local. Support local.
And don't forget to tell them the Hot Sauce Festival sent you! 🔥

09/10/2026

We're bringing fashion to the 20th Annual Hot Sauce Contest and Festival!

These amazing shirts from Winks Design Studio will be available for purchase at the Hot Sauce Festival this weekend! 🌶️🔥

09/10/2026

🤯🤯🤯🤯🥵🥵🥵

🥵🔥 WELL… THAT ESCALATED QUICKLY! 🔥🥵

The response has been AMAZING, and all spots for the Bailey Farms Hot Pepper Eating Contest are officially filled! 🌶️

Thank you to everyone who jumped in and accepted the challenge.

Now it’s time to find out who has the toughest taste buds in town! 😈🔥
See you this weekend NC Hot Sauce Contest & Festival in Oxford NC!

09/10/2026

🌶️ WE’RE ALMOST THERE! 🌶️

We are so excited for the 20th Annual NC Hot Sauce Contest & Festival, when thousands of visitors will pour into Downtown Oxford for an unforgettable weekend! 🔥

Even more exciting is the opportunity to welcome our incredible vendors — both those returning year after year and those joining us for the very first time! ❤️🌶️

Our vendors are such an important part of what makes this festival special. From hot sauce and delicious food to unique products, local businesses, and one-of-a-kind finds, we can’t wait for festivalgoers to see everything you’re bringing to Oxford!

To all of our returning vendors — welcome back! And to our new vendors — welcome to the Hot Sauce family! 🔥

📅 Friday, September 11 | 5 PM–10 PM
📅 Saturday, September 12 | 10 AM–6 PM

Get ready, Oxford… it’s about to get HOT! 🌶️🔥

09/10/2026

♿ACCESSIBLE PARKING♿

Planning your route to the Hot Sauce Festival? 🔥
Accessible parking is available at 107 E McClanahan St. in the EmergeOrtho parking lot.