There are certain signs that fall is arriving in the Black Hills. The leaves begin to change, the mornings get a little cooler, and before long, the unmistakable aroma of roasting chile peppers starts drifting across Jolly Lane Greenhouse. That can only mean one thing: the Chile Pepper Festival is back.
Jolly Lane Greenhouse is excited to celebrate the 21st Annual Chile Pepper Festival, a tradition that has brought together food lovers, gardeners, families, and spice enthusiasts from across the region for more than two decades. What started as a small gathering inspired by a love for roasted chiles has grown into one of Rapid City's favorite fall events, drawing visitors who return year after year for the flavors, the atmosphere, and the memories.
A Festival Built on Flavor and Community
The Chile Pepper Festival has never been just about spicy food. Sure, you'll find plenty of heat if you're looking for it. From mild green chiles perfect for family recipes to fiery varieties that challenge even the most dedicated pepper lovers, there's something for every taste bud.
But the festival is really about gathering together to celebrate the harvest season. As you wander through the greenhouse and market, you'll discover farm-fresh produce, locally made goods, handcrafted salsas, jams, jellies, and specialty foods that showcase the best flavors of the season. It's the kind of event where you come for a bag of roasted chiles and end up staying for hours catching up with friends, sampling something new, and soaking in the energy of a community celebration.
The Star of the Show: Roasted Chiles
If you've never experienced freshly roasted chile peppers, prepare yourself. The roasting process has become the signature attraction of the festival, and for good reason. As thousands of pounds of peppers – over 14,000 pounds in 2025! - tumble through commercial roasters, the air fills with a rich, smoky aroma that instantly signals the arrival of fall. Jolly Lane's roasting tradition has grown dramatically over the years, with hundreds of bushels of chiles roasted throughout the festival weekend.
Many visitors stock up to enjoy all year long, freezing roasted chiles for soups, stews, breakfast burritos, sauces, and family recipes throughout the winter months.
Pro tip: Bring a cooler. You'll probably leave with more than you planned.
Come Hungry
One thing guests quickly learn about the Chile Pepper Festival is that it's not a place to arrive on a full stomach.
Food trucks will be on-site throughout the weekend serving a variety of delicious options, offering plenty of chances to discover new favorites while taking a break from shopping and exploring.
Food truck vendors that will be here include:
CD’s Wings
Chill Your Roll Ice Cream
Fork Real Café
Grandma’s Kettle Corn & Grumpy’s Lemonade
Kona Ice
Lagsdin’s – by Old School Sliders
Mai’s Thai Café
Nell’s Gourmet
Patas Azules
Ramblin Chef
Sergeant Poppers Kettle Corn and Lemonade
The Green Chili Shack
Wingnut BBQ
Yoyo Hibachi
Of course, no festival would be complete without something to wash it all down. Visitors can also enjoy local beverages while relaxing and enjoying the festive. Be sure to stop by our Garden Bar for one of Jolly Lane’s famous chile beers on tap, a festival tradition that brings together the perfect balance of craft brewing and chile pepper flavor.
Music, Memories and More
Part of what makes the Chile Pepper Festival special is that there's always something happening.
Live music will once again be part of the celebration, creating the perfect soundtrack for an autumn weekend filled with food, friends, and fresh harvest flavors.
Live Music from:
Friday 9/11:
Lucas Olson | 11am-1pm
James Van Nuys | 1:30-3:30pm
The Nervous Turtles | 4-7pm
Saturday 9/12:
Greg McDonal, Hank Harris & John Margolis | 11am-1pm
Acoustic Collision | 1:30-3:30pm
Chris Mangione's Bottle of Blues Band | 4-6pm
Sunday 9/13:
Nemo Yacht Club | 11am-1pm
Danny Thornburg's All Star Soul Band | 1:30-4pm
If you're browsing produce, shopping local vendors, or simply enjoying the sights and smells of the season, there's never a shortage of ways to spend the day.
A Tradition More Than 20 Years in the Making
The story of the Chile Pepper Festival began with a fascination for chile roasting and a vision to bring that experience to the Black Hills. Over the years, that vision has evolved into an annual event that celebrates agriculture, local businesses, great food, and the sense of community that makes Rapid City special. From its humble beginnings to becoming a three-day tradition, the festival continues to grow while staying true to what made it popular in the first place.
For many families, attending the Chile Pepper Festival isn't just a weekend activity anymore. It's a yearly tradition and a favorite way to welcome the fall season.
Join Us for the 21st Annual Chile Pepper Festival!
The 21st Annual Chile Pepper Festival promises another unforgettable weekend of flavor, fun, and community at Jolly Lane Greenhouse.
Come discover fresh and roasted chiles, farm-fresh produce, local vendors, live entertainment, delicious food, and the warm community spirit that has kept this tradition thriving for 21 years.
Click on the image below to learn more!
Bring your friends. Bring your family. Bring your appetite.
We'll see you at Jolly Lane Greenhouse this fall, where the peppers are roasting, the music is playing, and the flavors are hotter than ever.