Believe it or not, this will be ZestFest’s 17th year. This fest/exhibitor trade show for restaurant owners, and literal taste makers from all over the country attracts 1,000s a year. Foodies, spice junkies, professional food contest participants, and those that are just curious about hot sauce fire and flavor innovation attend.

1. WingStop’s Atomic Wing Challenge Eating Contest – You can participate or just watch. This is what it sounds like it is. WingStop has an “Atomic” heat index you might be familiar with if you live in Texas and have frequented one of their fine wing-making establishments. This event happens on Saturday at 1pm.

2. Puckerbutt’s Jalapeno Eating Contest  - Puckerbutt is a company name. Apparently they are the ones sponsoring the jalapeno eating contest. For both contests, participants must sign a waiver beforehand. This event happens on Sunday at 1pm.

3. Samples, Samples, and more Samples – There will be no shortage of hot sauce makers trying to get you to try his or her unique concoction. This will be happening all weekend.

4. Eddie Deen’s Pig Roast Dinner – Depending on your ticket level and which day you go, you can experience the once a year treat of Eddie Deen’s full pig roast with all the fixings you’d think possible and more. This event happens on Saturday at 6pm.

5. Celebrity Chef Shows – Watch Chefs Loreal Gavin “The Butcher Babe,” Jon Bonnell, Eddie Deen, Shaun O’ Neale, Peter Mollett, and Eduardo Alvarez perform demos talking their way through preparing fine dining dishes. This happens Friday through Sunday. Check the website for times.

When:

January 26th – 28th

Where:

Irving Convention Center

Admission:

$11 – $33

More Info:

https://zestfest.net/