Every September, Keremeos comes alive with the fiery spirit of the Similkameen Sizzle, Canada’s one and only hot pepper festival. This free, family-friendly event fills Memorial Park with flavour, music, contests, and community pride, attracting thousands of visitors who come to taste, dance, cheer, and celebrate the valley. Visitors are encouraged to explore Keremeos and the Similkameen Valley during their stay, with plenty happening throughout the weekend to make the experience unforgettable. The SIP & SIZZLE portion of the event will run from 1pm – 3pm. Visit the event website for more details and FQA. See you there!

Similkameen Sizzle 2026 Schedule

• 7:00 AM — Market Set-up Begins
• 9:00 AM – Breakfast with Hixzee’s Gourmet
• 10:00 AM – Artisan Market opens & official event start. Pool opens.
• 10:00 AM — 50/50 Ticket Sales
• 11:00 AM – Food Truck Alley opens on Veterans Avenue
• 11:00 AM – Bouncy Castle
• 11:30 AM – Kid’s Contest
• 11:30 AM — Hot Sauce Contest – Judges Choice
• 12:00 PM – Beer Garden
• 1:00 PM — First 50/50 Draw
• 1:00 PM – Hot Sauce Contest – People’s Choice
• 1:00 PM — SIW Sip & Sizzle
• 1:00 PM – Dunk Tank (running intermittently)
• 1:30 PM – Vuya Kaya Band – Live
• 2:00 PM — Photo Booth
• 3:00 PM — Second 50/50 Draw
• 3:00 PM — Sear Factor Contest
• 4:00 PM — The Contractors Band – Live
• 5:00 PM — Final 50/50 Draw
• 5:30 PM — Market ends