General Festival Questions
When is Pepper Fest?
Pepper Fest is typically the third full weekend in August.
Pepper Fest 2024 is August 16 - 18
Pepper Fest 2025 is August 15 - 17
How much does it cost to get into the festival?
A Pepper Fest Button is required for entry for those ages 12 and older (under 12 is free). Buttons are $5 at the gate or $4 if purchased prior to the Festival. Pre-sale button sales begin August 1st at select North Hudson and Hudson businesses. A Pepper Fest Button provides access to the entire Pepper Festival Grounds as well as the Live Entertainment.
Please have CASH available when purchasing a button at the gate during the festival.
Once inside the festival grounds, there is an ATM available.
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash is needed at the gate entrances to purchase a Pepper Fest button for entry. Cash is also required for Bingo.
Tickets are used at all booths at Pepper Fest. Each Ticket is $2. Tickets can be purchased at the Ticket Booth. The Ticket Booth accepts cash and credit card payments.
New: Credit Card payment will be accepted at the Ticket Booth, the Main Food Booth and the Merchandise Tent.
Where can I park? Is it free?
Free street parking is available on the residential side streets surrounding Pepper Fest. Please watch for No Parking Signs located on residential streets.
Handicap Parking is available near the North and South Gate Entrances.
The North Hudson Residential Community surrounds Pepper Fest so please be courteous to our residents if parking in front of their homes.
Is Pepper Fest Family Friendly? What is there for Kids to do?
Yes! Pepper Fest is a family-friendly event! Besides great food and entertainment, Pepper Fest also has events specifically for kids. The Inflatables run all weekend. On Saturday, join us for the Pepper Fest Grand Parade at 11:00am. And don’t miss as teams of five eat a pound of Spaghetti or Hot Peppers in timed eating contests . Sunday is Pepper Fest Family Fun Day. Start the morning with the 1 Mile Family Fun Walk/Run where the finish line brings you right to the Pancake Breakfast and Craft Sale. At 10:30am is the kids Mini Medallion Quest (kids 12 and under) and the Tractor Pull at 11:00am. Future Queens, Princesses and Pepper Kings will enjoy the Queen Coronation on Sunday afternoon at 3:00pm.
Can I bring my own food or beverage into the festival?
No outside food or beverages are allowed into Pepper Fest.
Can I bring a bag into the festival?
Yes, but all bags are subject to search.
Are pets allowed?
No pets are allowed unless they are a certified service pet.
Are bikes allowed?
No bikes are allowed inside the festival grounds however bike racks are available outside the gates. Please bring your own lock.
Where is First Aid Located?
First Aid is available inside the North Hudson Village Hall.
Where can I buy Pepper Fest Merchandise?
Pepper Fest Merchandise is available Pepper Fest weekend in the South Tent. Purchase Merchandise with tickets or credit card. Cash or credit card is accepted during the Visiting Royalty Pre-Parade Brunch (invitation only).
Event Questions
How do I enter the contests?
Bean Bag Tournament, Championship Spaghetti Eating and Championship Hot Pepper Eating Contest Registrations can be done onsite at Pepper Fest prior to the Event start time.
2023 Foot Race Registration will be available Summer of 2023. Registration closes mid-August. No day-of registrations.
How do I register for the Parade?
2023 Parade Registration will be available in mid-late June 2023.
What is the prize for winning the Championship Spaghetti and Hot Pepper Eating Contests?
Championship Spaghetti Eating Contest: Teams of 5 compete by eating 1 pound of spaghetti each. The fee is $25 per team. First place is $150 plus Championship T-shirts. Second place is $50.
Championship Hot Pepper Eating Contest: Teams of 5 compete by eating 1 pound of hot peppers each. The fee is $50 per team. First place is $300 plus Championship T-shirts. Second place is $100.
How can I be part of the Craft Sale?
Submit your application online or return via mail. All potential crafters must apply and be approved. All applicants will be notified of final approval. Space is $25 for an 8-foot table space. Please send pictures of your item(s) with your application.
How do I volunteer?
Send us an email telling us if there is a specific area or event you’d like to volunteer as well as the day and time you are available. If you are with a group or organization, let us know what area or event your group is interested in helping with, approximately how many volunteers you have and what days and times your group or organization is available.
Pepper Fest Royalty
How do you become a member of the Pepper Fest Royalty?
First you become a Pepper Fest Royalty Candidate. Candidates are sophomore girls in the Hudson School District who are interested in becoming members of the North Hudson Pepper Fest Royalty. The candidates participate in a variety of events over the summer leading up to Pepper Fest weekend. A panel of judges observes and interacts with the Pepper Fest Candidates at all or some of the summer events and conducts an interview with each Candidate prior to the Queen Coronation. The judges select the Queen and Princesses and they are crowned at Coronation.
Why does Pepper Fest have a King?
A “King” has always been a part of the Pepper Fest tradition. In the early years of Pepper Fest, the King was called the Godfather. Not only is the King an ambassador for the Pepper Fest, but he is also a mentor for the young ladies representing the Pepper Fest. The Pepper Fest King is an adult male over the age of 30, who lives in the Hudson School District.
Who picks the Pepper Fest King?
The King is chosen confidentially by the Pepper Fest Board. He is then revealed at the Queen Coronation.
Where can I see the Pepper Fest Royalty?
View the Current Royalty Event Schedule.
About Pepper Fest
Who selects the members of the Pepper Fest Board?
Members of the Pepper Fest Board are nominated prior to the Annual Meeting. An election occurs at the Annual Meeting. Those who have attended 2 public Pepper Fest meetings during the immediate past 12-month period is eligible to cast a vote at the Annual Meeting. Board Members are selected by majority vote and serve a two-year term. Send an email to nominate an individual for the Pepper Fest Board of Directors.