Celebrating 20 Years of Flavor & Fire: The Chile Pepper Festival Returns to Jolly Lane Greenhouse!

August 12, 2025

Get ready to turn up the heat and fall head over heels for flavor—because the 20th Annual Chile Pepper Festival is coming in hot! From Friday, September 12th through Sunday, September 14th, join us at Jolly Lane Greenhouse for a sizzling three-day celebration of all things chile, community, and culinary creativity.

Whether you're a heat-seeker, a foodie, a gardener, or just someone who loves a good time, this beloved fall tradition is the perfect way to spice up your September.

A Legacy of Flavor: How It All Began

What started in 2006 as a small, one-day gathering inspired by founder Tim’s fascination with chile roasting has grown into one of the most anticipated events in the Black Hills. After a fateful fall trip to Colorado and a visit to Hatch, New Mexico—the chile capital of the world—Tim returned with a vision: to bring the bold, smoky magic of roasted chiles to South Dakota.

From roasting just 50 bushels in the early days to now preparing over 800 bushels with four commercial roasters, the festival has blossomed into a full-blown celebration of harvest, heritage, and heat. And now, in its 20th year, we’re honoring that journey with our biggest and boldest festival yet.

What’s On the Menu? A Feast for the Senses

Fresh & Roasted Chile Peppers: From mild and smoky to fiery and bold, our chiles are the heart of the festival. With over 14,000 pounds of peppers roasted on-site, the aroma alone is worth the visit. Buy them by the pound or by the bushel—and yes, preorders are welcome starting September 2^nd!

Farm-Fresh Produce: Celebrate the bounty of the season with a vibrant farmers market featuring:

• Sweet corn, tomatoes, and zucchini
• Crisp apples, juicy pears, and late-summer plums
• Watermelon, onions, and more – sourced from family farms locally and across the U.S.

Canned Goods & Preserves: Take home the taste of fall with handcrafted jams, jellies, pickled veggies, and salsas. These small-batch delights are perfect for holiday gifts—or just for savoring on a cozy evening.

Food Trucks Galore: From chile-infused street tacos to sweet treats and comfort food classics, our 10–12 food trucks will keep your cravings satisfied all weekend long. This year's lineup includes:

• CD’s Wings
• Chill Your Roll Ice Cream
• Grandma’s Kettle Corn & Grumpy’s Lemonade
• Kona Ice
• Mai’s Thai Café
• Nell’s Gourmet
• Old School Sliders
• Patas Azules
• Rico’s Food Truck
• Sergeant Poppers Kettle Corn & Lemonade
• The Green Chili Shack
• Yoyo Hibach

Craft Brews & Local Wines: Sip and savor at our Garden Bar, where you’ll find:

• Specialty chile pepper beers brewed just for the festival
• Local craft brews from Black Hills favorites
• Regional wines that pair perfectly with spicy fare

Live Music & Family Fun: Enjoy live performances from local musicians as you stroll through the greenhouse and market. With fun activities for all ages, it’s a festive atmosphere filled with laughter, music, and the unmistakable scent of roasting chiles.

This year's music lineup includes:

Why You Can’t Miss the 20th Annual Festival

This isn’t just a food festival—it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and the flavors that bring us together. Whether you’ve been coming for years or this is your first time, the 20th Annual Chile Pepper Festival promises unforgettable memories, mouthwatering bites, and a whole lot of heart.

So grab your friends, bring the family, and mark your calendars for September 12–14, 2025. Let’s make this milestone year the most flavorful one yet!

Location:
Jolly Lane Greenhouse
2962 Jolly Lane, Rapid City, SD

Preorder Roasted Chiles starting September 2^nd:
Call 605-393-1700

Festival Dates:
Friday, September 12 – Sunday, September 14, 2025

*We love your furry family members, but with the large crowds during the festival, we kindly ask that you leave your pets at home.

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Last Modified: 09/09/2025 12:37:52 pm MDT

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