Inferno Fest Contestants 2025

Celebrate Highwood is fired up to bring back Inferno Fest on Wednesday, June 25. Celebrate Highwood is fired up to bring back Inferno Fest on Wednesday, June 25, from 4:30-9:00 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. Chicago’s Premier Stevie Ray Vaughan Tribute Band, Wall of Denial, will create an entertaining atmosphere while visitors sample the hottest foods on the North Shore. 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 La Casa de Isaac “hot taquitos” without calling for a ‘ Kefir cool down drink”, wins! 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 ‘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! 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 for a $10 entry fee and are required to complete and sign a participation waiver prior to the contest. Thank you to our Inferno Fest sponsors Lifeway Kefir , Brian Lock State Farm , Leafguard , Face Foundrie , and La Casa de Isaac .

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