Inferno Fest
Wednesday June 26, 2024
4:30- 9:30 pm
Location: Everts Park | 111 North Ave. Highwood, Illinois 60040
Back by popular demand, Celebrate Highwood is fired up to bring back Inferno Fest after a five-year hiatus, on Wednesday, June 26, from 4:30-9:30 PM in Everts Park (111 North Avenue). 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. Live rock and pop music by the Bob & Shawn Duo of the iPOP Band will create an entertaining atmosphere while visitors sample the hottest foods on the North Shore.
Inferno Fest Eating Contest
For adults 18 years an older in for a challenge, the popular Inferno Fest Eating Contest will be back at the stage at 7:30 PM. The rules are simple…whoever can eat the most Pixca “hot taquitos” without calling for a ‘cool down drink”, wins a $200 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 can sign up HERE for a $10 entry fee and are required to complete and sign a participation waiver prior to the contest (available HERE).
“Inferno Fest will be a test of taste buds and endurance for all those who dare to compete,” says Eric Falberg, President of Celebrate Highwood and Highwood Alderman.
“Pixca will heat up the competition with their chorizo and potato taquitos packed with locally grown tiny chili pequin peppers that bring on big heat,” says Fernando Angelina, Chef-Owner of Pixca Restaurant.
Special thanks to Celebrate Highwood Inferno Fest sponsors including Hive2o, M. Brad Slavin Farmers Insurance, and Pixca Restaurant.
VENDORS BRINGING ON THE HEAT:
Alabama Boiled Peanuts: Jalapeño and Pickle Alabama Boiled Peanuts
Buffo's: Giardiniera or Pepperoni and Hot Honey Pizza
Cansino's Pizzeria: Mexican Spiced Pizza
Chocolate Moonshine: Mango Habanero Fudge
Clucker's Charcoal Chicken: Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
Culinary Gangster: Gangster Burger
Gina's Little kitchen: Spicy Churro & Spice Elote
Goodstuff Eats: Smoked Mango Habanero BBQ Sauce
La Casa de Issac: Hot Spicy Tamales with Carolina Pepper
La Cocinita: Pork Tacos on Flour Tortillas with "Stupid Hot" Salsa, Cilantro-Cabbage Slaw, and Cotija Cheese
La Plancha Loca: Diablo Taco
La Union Supermarket: Flaming Elote
Pixca: Spicy Cauliflower
Q4 Delights: Habanero Ceviche
Ralph’s Red Hots: World Famous Dragon Dog with Jalapeno Mustard and World Famous Duck Egg Sandwich with Spicy Relish
SLYCE: Hot Honey Wings
Sweet Belly: Chicken Wings & Fried Ribs with Infinite Hot Sauce
Toadstool Pub: Ghost Pepper Tequila & mango chile mix and Spicy Beer
Up in Smoke BBQ: Spicy BBQ sauce
Viper Spit Brands: Spicy Chocolate
Wooden Nickel: Spicy Shots and Spicy Margarita