NC Hot Sauce Contest & Festival

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.

09/09/2026

🔥🌶️ THE FUN IS TURNING UP AT THE 20TH ANNUAL NC HOT SAUCE CONTEST & FESTIVAL! 🌶️🔥

We’ve got something fun planned for BOTH days in Historic Downtown Oxford! 🎉

⛳✨ FRIDAY NIGHT — GLOW VIBE PUTT PUTT!
Grab your friends and family and hit the course under the lights! Our glowing putt-putt experience is a fun way to kick off festival weekend. 🌙🏌️

🎡🎠 SATURDAY — CARNIVAL AREA!
Saturday is all about family fun! Stop by the Carnival Area and grab your wristband:

🎟️ 5-Tab Wristband — $10
🎟️ 10-Tab Wristband — $15
💵💳 Cash or card accepted

📅 Friday, September 11 & Saturday, September 12
📍 Historic Downtown Oxford

Come hungry, bring the family, and get ready to celebrate 20 YEARS of hot flavors and BIG fun! 🔥🌶️

09/09/2026

The 20th Annual NC Hot Sauce Contest & Festival is almost here! As we prepare to welcome thousands of visitors to Downtown Oxford, please be aware of upcoming road closures within the festival footprint.

🚨 ROAD CLOSURES BEGIN FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 AT 9:00 AM

Roads will begin closing at 9:00 AM Friday to allow our event team to safely complete stage setup, vendor load-in, food truck placement, and other festival preparations.

📍 Closures will include portions of:
• Main Street
• Williamsboro Street
• Hillsboro Street
• Littlejohn Street
• Gilliam Street
• College Street
• McClanahan Street (one-way access until the festival begins)
• Wall Street
• Bank Street
• Court Street
• Watkins Street

🚗 Please plan ahead! Motorists should expect detours, limited vehicle access, and increased pedestrian traffic throughout Downtown Oxford during the festival.

🌶️ FESTIVAL HOURS
📅 Friday, September 11 | 5:00 PM–10:00 PM
📅 Saturday, September 12 | 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as we transform Downtown Oxford for an incredible weekend celebrating 20 YEARS of the NC Hot Sauce Contest & Festival! 🔥🌶️

Please share to help spread the word!

09/07/2026

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: NC HOT SAUCE CONTEST & FESTIVAL!

🔥The heat is turning up!
Here are some festival details and reminders to help you plan your weekend:
📍 Location: Downtown Oxford, NC
📅 When: Friday, Sept. 11th | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday, Sept. 12th | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🚌 Parking & Shuttle Tips: Skip the parking stress on Saturday! Catch the free continuous park-and-ride shuttle from the Oxford Revlon Facility to the festival entrance running from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Don't miss out! 🌶️

09/04/2026

THE 20TH NC HOT SAUCE CONTEST & FESTIVAL IS ONLY ONE WEEK AWAY! 🌶🔥

Stay tuned throughout the week for more updates to prepare for your visit to this year's festival!