Premier Event News

Columbus Fiery Foods Festival Heats Things Up with Free Entry

**UPDATED ON AUGUST 9, 2023**

Organizers, MGN and CD92.9FM, share an important update that is sure to ignite even more enthusiasm for this year’s Columbus Fiery Foods Festival. 

Columbus, Ohio (July 19, 2023) –Organizers are pleased to announce that the Columbus Fiery Foods Festival taking place on Saturday, August 26 from 11 a.m.–8 p.m. and Sunday, August 27 from Noon–6 p.m. at Genoa Park along the Scioto Mile in downtown Columbus, will now be free for all guests!

“The decision to offer free admission comes from our deep-rooted passion for bringing people together through a shared love of spicy cuisine and cultural celebration. By removing the entry fee, we aim to create an even more inclusive environment, allowing more hot and spicy enthusiasts and curious food lovers to experience the thrilling array of flavors and fiery fun that the festival has to offer,” said Mike Gallicchio, festival co-organizer. 

From delectable hot sauces to tongue-tingling snacks and everything in between, the Columbus Fiery Foods Festival promises an unforgettable culinary journey that transcends borders and palates. This year’s festival will continue to feature an impressive lineup of fiery food vendors, local makers ,and exciting competitions.

In addition to experiencing a gastronomic adventure like no other, attendees will also have the opportunity to shop from local artisans and crafters as well as take in live performances. The Columbus Fiery Foods Festival remains committed to delivering an electrifying atmosphere that will leave visitors with lasting memories of this extraordinary celebration.

To further enhance the festival’s impact on the community, a portion of the proceeds from select purchases made during the event will continue to benefit CD102.5 for the Kids, a local charity dedicated to supporting children in need. By indulging in spicy delicacies and enjoying the festivities, attendees will contribute to a worthy cause and make a positive difference in the lives of children in our community.

Participating Vendors

Exceptional vendors to set palates ablaze include: 

Hot Sauce and Salsa Vendors– Angry Irishman LLC, Barney’s Frat House Chiles, Black Cap Hot Sauce, Chef Heatley’s Hot Pepper Farm, Defiant Sauce, Double Comfort, Farmer Nate’s Sauce Co., Feel the Burn Hot Sauce, Fartley Farms, Feel The Burn Hot Sauce, Flavor & Fire/Clamlube/Madstone, Gindo’s Spice of Life, Goodwood Brewing and Spirits, H&H 30 Second Salsa/Fiesta Snacks, Harmacy Hot Sauce Co, Hawaiian Hot T’s Hot Sauce, HELL’S KITCHEN HOT SAUCE, Jalapeno Joe’s, JJ’s Meat Fixins’ LLC, Lil D’s Provisions, Maletta’s Craft Hot Sauce, Mezclado Pepper Sauce, Mule Sauce by Sticker Mule, Ohi:yo Pepper Co., Petreaux’s Gourmet Hot Sauce, Ruthless Reaper Hot Sauce, Sauce Boss Gang, Shore Sauce, Spice Pepper Enterprises, The Spice Trade Outpost, Underworld Feast, and Zia Chile Traders

Spicy Food Vendors– American Nut Company, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, Cate’s Steakhouse Catering, Eiffel Tacos, Hot Dog Wally’s, Island Fusion, J-POPS, Katie’s Jerky and Snacks, OH! Boba, Rocoto Foods, Snow Sisters, Sweet P’s Handcrafted Ice Pops, Tasty Island Cuisine, The Fire Den Pretzels, and Two Fat Indians

Arts and Crafts Vendors– APS Clothing, Baylor Twine, DRAC, Femme Yogiprenur, Havana B Kinds LLC, Henna-Fashions, Leaf Home Water Solutions, LuxWear Mobile Boutique , Magic Hands Massage Bus , Marshea Butter Co., Mooberry Street , Nom Nom Nom Dog Bakery LLC, Ohio Dynasty Apparel, rubyard.com, Wicky Whisper Candle Soap, and 80 Acres

Please follow the Columbus Fiery Foods on Facebook @colsfieryfoodsfest or on Instagram @columbusfieryfoodsfest for the latest vendor information and festival updates.

Guests are encouraged to immerse themselves into the festival by participating in a variety of contests held throughout the weekend including, but not limited to, Hot Pizza Eating, Hot Wing Eating, Hot Pepper Eating and an Amateur Salsa Contest.  Guests interested in participating in the contests can sign up now via the Columbus Fiery Foods website at columbusfieryfoods.com.

Stay connected with the Columbus Fiery Foods Festival!

Website: columbusfieryfoods.com 

Facebook: @colsfieryfoodsfest

Instagram: @columbusfieryfoodsfest

About Genoa Park

Located at 303 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215, Genoa park is a 20.029-acre regional park in the Downtown community. The Scioto Trail runs through Genoa Park and provides access to the Scioto Mile.

About CD102.5 for the Kids 

CD102.5 for the Kids was designed as an avenue for WWCD 102.5 (now CD92.9FM) to better utilize the power of the airwaves. Proceeds raised go to accredited organizations that provide  support and assistance to children and families in the Central Ohio area. CD92.9FM is locally owned and operated with a strong philanthropic philosophy of giving back to the community with the help of listeners, staff and clients. 

For more information about CD92.9 and CD102.5 for the Kids, please visit cd929fm.com.

About Mike Gallicchio and MGN! 

MGN, located in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the area’s premier event firms. Led by event veteran Mike Gallicchio, the firm is responsible for some of the most notable events in the area including The Columbus Food Truck Festival, Columbus Summer Wine Festival, Whitehall Food Truck Festival and a host of other community-based festivals. 

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Media Inquires:

Sheila Rossiter