Our four gents chowing down for the win (although Brian looks like he may be reconsidering entering altogether). Credit: Photo by Katie Machol Simon

Each year, spice lovers and daredevils across Tampa Bay head to Largo Event Center for I Like it Hot! Fest, a celebration of all things spicy and eye-watering. Over the course of two days, attendees enjoy a variety of local vendors slinging their best wares, in addition to a range of entertainment on the big stage, like live music and homemade hot sauce, salsa and barbecue sauce competitions.

While some of the more entertaining aspects of the festival—like its spicy lollipop challenge and jalapeño eating contest— are for adults only, both kids and pets are welcome to attend (but make sure they don’t eat anything off the ground.) Like always, attendance and parking for this year’s rendition of the I Like it Hot! Fest is free.

And if you don’t have the palette to stomach anything spicier than a Hot Cheeto, don’t worry, because there will be tons of food trucks and other vendors to browse, too.

There’s no cover for the I Like it Hot! Fest happening Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 9-10 at Largo Event Center in Largo. Subscribe to Creative Loafing newsletters.