The Chile Pepper Festival returns to downtown Phoenix 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, in the lot at the intersection of 2nd and Roosevelt streets.

The annual festival is a community-building event hosted by Roosevelt Row Community Development Corporation (CDC). By presenting the best local restaurateurs, chefs, and gourmet food trucks in Phoenix, Roosevelt Row CDC will highlight the most delicious chile pepper-inspired and infused cuisine the city has to offer. Onsite chile roasting, live music, a local talent show, a Deschutes Beer Garden and a margarita station also will be on the menu. Announcement of the festival’s best salsa and chile pepper dish competition winners and crowning of this year’s Chile Pepper Champion will cap the festivities.

The admission fee of $5 covers entrance, live music and dancing and the kids zone. Food and beverages are available for purchase; save time and pre-purchase your tasting tickets in advance online.

For more information and to pre-purchase tickets, visit https://www.chilepepperfest.org. You also can follow them on Facebook at Chile Pepper Festival.