1st Annual • Huntington Beach, California
About the Fest
A day of peppers, sauce, and fire on the California coast — with every dollar going to Best Buddies Citizens ~ Southern California.
Who We Are
Waves & Flames Pepper Fest
Waves & Flames Pepper Fest is a first-year, family-friendly chilihead festival on the Huntington Beach coast — free to enter, open to everyone, and built around the people who grow, make, and eat the hottest things on earth.
The day brings professional pepper eating under League of Fire rules, eating contests anyone can enter, craft hot sauce makers, free tasting, food, drinks, music, and a kid zone — all in one spot, all day long.
EDIT ME: a few sentences here on how the fest started and why Huntington Beach.
Why We're Doing It
Every Dollar Goes to Best Buddies
Click here for more info
About Best Buddies Citizens~SoCal
The BBCSC program is a 501(c)(3) that promotes inclusion for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), providing community events, hangouts, and opportunities for all members.
BBCSC supports the development of one-to-one friendships between adults with and without IDD in corporate and civic communities.
Many people with IDD have limited opportunities for social interactions after they leave the school environment. This program helps people with IDD become part of mainstream society and creates an inclusive and diverse community for all.
All proceeds for Waves & Flames Pepper Fest 2026 will benefit Best Buddies Citizens~Southern California (BBCSC)!!!
Behind the Fest
Who's Putting It On
EDIT ME: one or two lines introducing the team, then the cards below.
Annee "The Reaper Teacher" Boyer
OrganizerThree-time League of Fire chili eating champion and one of only two people worldwide holding three belts. Guinness World Record co-holder with Carmelo Francavilla. Ten-plus years making craft spicy products, Best of Show at the 2023 Orange County Fair, and a collection of over 400 hot sauces.
Shahina Waseem
Celebrity International HostessUKCQ — hosting the day from the main stage.
Carmelo "Gladiatore" Francavilla
International LOF CompetitorTravelling from Solento, Italy for the Huntington Beach Belt Match.
Britney "Spicy Creatch" Amber
Local Blogger • LOF GuestCovering the fest and stepping into the guest competitor seat.
Get Involved
Compete, Sell, or Sponsor
Sign-ups are open for both eating contests and for vendors who want a booth. Spots are limited and close as they fill.
Partner With Us
Collaborative Sponsorship Opportunities
Contact Annee Boyer by email to discuss sponsorship levels & perks and customized opportunities to support Waves & Flames Pepper Fest, benefiting Best Buddies ~ Southern California. BBCSC is a 501(c)(3) charity.
