Inferno Fest
Wednesday June 25, 2025
4:30- 9:00 pm
Location: Everts Park | 111 North Ave. Highwood, Illinois 60040
The City of Highwood is heating up as Celebrate Highwood gets fired up for Inferno Fest on Wednesday, June 25, from 4:30-9 PM in Everts Park (111 North Ave.). Showcasing a plethora of the hottest and spiciest foods and beverages, Inferno Fest will test the taste buds of the most fearless food enthusiasts. For those worried they may not be able to handle the heat, have no fear, the event will take place in conjunction with all the fabulous vendors at the weekly Highwood Evening Gourmet Market.
The fun, fiery Inferno Fest will feature a variety of hot twists on traditional America, Italian and Mexican dishes, spicy sweets and creative cocktails. Fabulous live music by Wall Of Denial, Chicago’s Premier Stevie Ray Vaughan Tribute band, and an assortment of unique spicy foods will create an entertaining atmosphere while visitors sample the hottest foods on the North Shore.
Inferno Fest Eating Contest
For adults 18 years and older in for a challenge, the Inferno Fest Eating Contest will be take place from the stage at 7:30 PM. The rules are simple…whoever can eat the most La Casa de Isaac “Carolina Reaper Empanadas (the hottest pepper 🌶️ of the world)” without calling for a Lifeway Kefir Cool Down, wins a $100 gift card! Not all who dared enter this competition in the past walked away the same ever again. This is truly a challenge for those with iron stomachs. All venturesome competitors are required to register online prior to the contest.
“Inferno Fest will be a test of taste buds and endurance for all those who dare to try all the hot and spicy food and drinks,” says Jessica Ortega, President of Celebrate Highwood. “Thankfully, Lifeway Kefir Kids will be on hand to rescue sweltering mouths with as much Kefir non-dairy smoothies to cool down their palates after the competition.”
For those not in the know, milk interacts with spices to cool taste buds in a way that water or soda cannot. Dubbed as ‘the champagne of dairy’, Lifeway Kefir will be on site with cool down samples to share with anyone who is coming out to Inferno Fest to expand their culinary horizons!
Special thanks to Celebrate Highwood Inferno Fest sponsors, Arbor Terrace, Lifeway Kefir, La Casa de Isaac, Leafguard, and Face Foundrié.
