Largest Hot Sauce And Taco Festival Returns To Largo

Calling all hot sauce enthusiasts and taco lovers! Get ready to spice up your taste buds and indulge in a fiesta of flavors at the highly anticipated 23rd Annual Hot Sauce & Taco Festival in Florida.  I Like it HOT! Hot Sauce Festival in Largo is the largest event of its kind in the state; this festival promises a sizzling experience with a wide variety of mouthwatering hot sauces, delectable tacos, and a vibrant atmosphere that will leave you craving for more. What's even better? Admission is absolutely free! So mark your calendars and get ready for a fiery adventure like no other.

The Hot Sauce & Taco Festival has been a staple event in Florida's culinary scene for over two decades, and it continues to grow in popularity yearly. Spanning across a weekend, this festival truly celebrates all things spicy and delicious. From mild to scorching, you'll find an impressive array of hot sauces from local vendors and renowned national brands, each boasting unique flavors and heat levels that cater to all palates.

But the festival is not just about hot sauce; it's also a taco lover's paradise. Sink your teeth into an assortment of traditional and fusion tacos, ranging from classic street-style tacos to inventive creations that push the boundaries of flavor. Whether you prefer meat, seafood, vegetarian, or vegan options, there's a taco to satisfy every craving.

Beyond the culinary delights, the Hot Sauce & Taco Festival offers various activities and entertainment for attendees of all ages. From live music performances by local bands to captivating cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, there's never a dull moment at this vibrant event.

For those seeking a challenge, the festival often hosts exhilarating eating competitions that test participants' endurance and tolerance for heat. From fiery pepper-eating contests to speed taco-eating showdowns, these competitions are thrilling to watch and participate in. Think you have what it takes to handle the heat? Sign up and put your taste buds to the test!

The Hot Sauce & Taco Festival prides itself on creating a family-friendly atmosphere that caters to all age groups. Children can enjoy designated play areas, face painting, and interactive games, ensuring a fun-filled experience for the whole family. The festival also features local artisans and vendors offering unique crafts, hot sauce-themed merchandise, and other souvenirs, allowing attendees to bring home a taste of the festival.

While celebrating the culinary wonders of hot sauce and tacos, the festival also aims to positively impact the local community. The event partners with various charitable organizations, donating some of its proceeds to support worthy causes. By attending the festival, not only will you satisfy your taste buds, but you'll also contribute to the greater good.

When: Saturday, September 9 from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, September 10 from 11 am to 4 pm.

Where: Largo Event Center — 6340 126th Ave. Largo, FL 33773

How Much: Free parking and admission; any cash you decide to spend will be on vendors and experiences at the festival.

Here's a video covering the festival from 2019... THIS year is shaping up to be bigger and better in every way!

When you step into the world of backyard barbecues, the grill is the centerpiece, and the atmosphere is a blend of excitement and relaxation. Barbecues are the epitome of laid-back summer gatherings, where friends and family come together to enjoy good food and great company. At barbeques, you'll encounter an eclectic mix of characters that add a touch of charm and quirkiness to the festivities. From the seasoned grill masters to the snack enthusiasts, the life-of-the-party individuals to the spirited athletes, and the zen-like chillaxers, each person brings their unique flavor, transforming the BBQ into an unforgettable experience.

With tongs in hand, the grill masters take charge of the fiery domain. But it's not just about the grill. You also have snack enthusiasts who appreciate the art of pre-grill munching. And with every barbecue gathering comes the party energizers who inject the air with laughter, stories, and jokes. Of course, you have those who like to turn a simple BBQ into a playground of friendly competition. Sometimes, you have those who enjoy quiet amongst the grilling chaos.

As you prepare to fire up the grill and gather your loved ones, keep an eye out for these characters at your next backyard barbecue. Embrace their quirks, savor their charms, and let them add their unique touch to your core summer memories. The backyard BBQ is not just about food and drinks. However, it's about celebrating the spirit of togetherness, laughter, and the joy of life's simple pleasures.

Let's dig a bit deeper into the types of people you usually spot at a barbecue.

The master of the grill. The Grill Guru confidently flips burgers and searing juicy steaks, armed with secret seasonings and a passion for grilling. The grill guru is so passionate that they probably won’t let you near the grill. And if they do, prepare to be schooled on how to properly grill.

Prepare to witness the self-proclaimed sports superstar of the barbecue. This person takes every opportunity to showcase their athletic ability in the simplest of backyard games. Whether it's a casual game of horseshoes or a friendly round of cornhole, they approach it with a level of intensity that rivals professional athletes. They may not have a trophy cabinet to show off, but their exaggerated victory celebrations and constant reminders of their "unbeatable" skills make them an, um, "entertaining" addition to the barbecue festivities. You’ll pretty much be exhausted by the time their competitive edge comes down.

This person is notorious for loading their plate with excessive food, showing no restraint when it comes to enjoying the barbecue feast. It’s okay, dude, the food isn’t going anywhere.

A relentless snacker, always on the hunt for the tastiest pre-grill treats, conquering every chip, dip, and appetizer in sight. They may even snag a bite or two from the food fresh off the grill.

The person who possesses the magical ability to remain firmly planted in their seat while effortlessly acquiring a full plate of food. With impeccable timing and a keen eye, they navigate the food line from their comfortable spot, expertly signaling for others to fetch them their food. Their plate always seems to be mysteriously overflowing with an assortment of meats, sides, and desserts, as if they have a secret connection to the kitchen.

There is almost always one person who has perfected the art of unwinding and chilling out. They can be found in their designated relaxation spot, whether it's a hammock, a comfortable lawn chair, or a cozy nook with a book. With a serene smile on their face, they embody a sense of tranquility, fully immersing themselves in the laid-back ambiance of the barbecue.

This person is always on the lookout for empty glasses, constantly checking if anyone else would like another beer, showcasing their generous and attentive nature. They effortlessly navigate between guests, effortlessly balancing their own glass while refilling others, ensuring that everyone's drink preferences are catered to. Their dedication to keeping the drinks flowing is unmatched. Need a refill? Well, they’ve got you covered.

This person seizes every opportunity to take control of the music, eager to showcase their DJ skills and create a vibrant atmosphere at the barbecue. Leave it to this person to connect to the Bluetooth speaker without being asked. Sometimes, it may actually be something you want to hear.

The life of the party, spreading laughter and good vibes, leading impromptu dance-offs, and keeping the BBQ lively with their endless repertoire of jokes and stories. Their big personality and natural charisma captivates everyone around them. Typically, this person is the loudest at the barbecue.

This person consistently shows up empty-handed, relying on the generosity and preparations of others without contributing any food, drinks, or supplies to the barbecue gathering. One thing they do remember to bring is their appetite.

With a strong belief in their dietary choices, they proudly advocate for plant-based living. While their commitment to a vegan lifestyle is commendable, their enthusiasm can sometimes come across as obnoxious. They can't resist taking every opportunity to remind everyone about the ethical, environmental, and health benefits of a vegan lifestyle. Whether it's passionately discussing the horrors of factory farming or offering unsolicited advice on meat alternatives, they can sometimes become overbearing.

There's always one person dedicated to keeping the barbecue area spotless. Armed with cleaning supplies and an unwavering commitment to tidiness, they ensure that every surface is sparkling clean. It's best to just step back and let them do their thing.