Spice Up Your Life: Hot & Spicy Fest Entertainment

Katie Coy, Managing Editor | Jun 13, 2025 4:30 pm | Add a comment | 156 reads

Hot & Spicy Fest 2025 is only one week away! Spicing up the capital from next Friday (Jun 20) until Jun 22, it's going to be one chili-fueled weekend you don't want to miss! It's not only the 40+ food vendors serving up 100+ spicy dishes that will be heating things up this weekend, though. We also have some phenomenal entertainment in store to really fire things up!

**鱼头泡饼 x the Beijinger Night**

To start the festival with a bang on Friday, the Beijinger has teamed up with DJ duo 鱼头泡饼 (Fish Head Pancake). Comprised of Pancakelee and Mario Yu they are a gem in the electronic music scene, blending 20 years of expertise with cultural roots and modern beats. Since co-founding TRUST in 2017, they've organized major festivals, boosting the genre's popularity in China. Passionate about innovation, they continue to craft a unique musical legacy, captivating fans worldwide. You can read more about their musical journey here.

Chili Pepper Eating Contest

Our legendary Chili Pepper Eating Contest is back, happening at 5pm on Sat, Jun 21, and Sun Jun 22. It will see ten brave volunteers devouring increasingly hotter chili peppers round by round until they can't take the heat anymore and only one victor remains. If you think you've got what it takes to outlast the competition and walk away a spice-slaying champion, then you can see details on how to sign up here.

012

Born from the rhythmic soul of South Africa, 012 is named after the iconic area code of Pretoria. The group channels the spirit of their homeland into a sound that's both explosively danceable and soulfully resonant – a tribute to the streets, stories, and sonic traditions that shaped them. 012 fuses the hypnotic pulse of Amapiano, the gritty drive of Gqom, and the lush harmonies of Afro-house, while weaving in the fiery spontaneity of live horns. Their mission is to keep the world moving – one saxophone-driven hook, horn-laced rhythm and bassline from home at a time.

The Riot Club

A Beijing-based pop punk cover band, The Riot Club specializes in playing your favorite songs way too fast and way too loud. It was formed when Isaac (bass/vocals), Felipe (drums), and Solo (guitar) realized they had nothing better to do. The Riot Club was built on three things: power chords, bad ideas, and the dream of free beer.

Influenced by pop punk legends like Blink-182, Green Day, Sum 41, and Good Charlotte, they take perfectly good classic songs and recklessly smash them into pop punk bangers – like a musical car crash you can't look away from. Come watch them on stage for the nostalgia, stay for the questionable jokes, poor life choices, and the occasional song that sounds suspiciously like Blink-182 if they forgot how to tune their guitars. If you're lucky, you might even catch a flawless performance. (Statistically unlikely, but anything's possible.)

DJ Fay

DJ Fay, who you might remember from her great tunes at this year's Taco Fest will be bringing her explosive energy to the stage with her dynamic sets. A veteran of countless events, she masterfully blends diverse musical styles to keep the crowd moving – let the beats begin!

DJ Lolly

Closing out Hot & Spicy Fest on Saturday and Sunday night is DJ Lolly. The newest sensation in the music scene, she embarked on her musical journey in 2023. DJ Lolly has quickly become a rising star in the industry, captivating audiences with her infectious beats and undeniable passion for music. Inspired by the pulsating rhythms of dancehall, DJ Lolly brings a fresh and dynamic energy to every set, transporting you to a world where the music moves your body and soul.

JINDAFIT® Afrobeats Workout

If you're not already sweating enough from all the spicy food, then the JINDAFIT® interactive dance session and get you sweating, smiling, and dancing your heart out! JINDAFIT® is a full-body AfroBeats dance workout inspired by vibrant African moves and rhythms. It's fun, energising, and easy to follow, let the up-tempo music lift your spirit and carry you through a joyful, feel-good workout!

JINDAFIT® was created by Romuald Tchinda, also known as D'Jack, a passionate dancer, DJ, and professional fitness instructor from Babadjou, Cameroon. With deep roots in music, movement, and sport, D'Jack combined his heritage and experience to create a uniquely powerful workout experience. The name JINDAFIT® comes from his own family name “Tchinda,” meaning “faithful servant” in African Mbouda – a reflection of both his commitment to community and the heart-led spirit behind every JINDAFIT® class.

Latin Hot

Another dance session to get you up on your feet and energized will be led by Latin Hot. Founded by Tatico, a former principal dancer of Cuba’s National Grand Theatre, he was invited to China as a lead performer and choreographer, eventually making it his home. A sought-after dance instructor, he has worked with top clubs across the country, bringing fiery Latin energy and infectious rhythms to the stage. He is the creative force behind Latin Hot, Wuzhuang Club, and TS CLUB, where he shares his passion for dance. A master of multiple styles—from Zumba and salsa to reggaeton and hot Latin—he moves with effortless flair, inspiring dancers of all levels.

Leading the session alongside Tatico will be Xiaoxi, an experienced lead dancer at Latin Hot, she excels in diverse dance genres. A dedicated advocate for dance philanthropy, she has spearheaded more than 1,500 dance fitness parties and community events in the last ten years.

You can check out the full stage schedule below so that you don't miss a thing!

Hot & Spicy Fest will be taking place at FFC South Square on Jun 20 from 4pm to 9pm and on Jun 21 and 22 from 11am to 9pm. Standard Early Bird Tickets are RMB 25, Magnet Early Bird Tickets are RMB 35, VIP Tickets are RMB 100 and Standard/On-Site Tickets are RMB 35. You can purchase tickets by scanning the QR code in the poster above.

FFC South Square 北京财富金融中心(FFC)南广场
5 Sanhuan Zhonglu, Hujialou Jiedao, Chaoyang District
朝阳区呼家楼街道东三环中路5号

A Word From Our Sponsors

Sprite

"Live refreshing! Pair Sprite with spicy food for a HURTS REAL GOOD experience.

Why Sprite goes well with Spicy: Spicy food lovers don't need relief of spice—they crave for the thrill of spice! And Sprite is your ultimate spicy food pairing choice! Sprite's refreshing burst of lemony-lime bubbly refreshment enlivens your tastebuds, maximizing the thrill in every spicy bite to make that moment intensely fresh. Hurts real good with Sprite.

GenZ Connection: Sprite, with its core of ultimate refreshment and bold flavor, sparks a genuine connection with young consumers. Sprite empowers the next generation to find their own path, push boundaries, and make every moment with ultimate refreshment."

iCAR

“iCAR is a new energy vehicle brand for young people. Their mission is to provide aspirational, cool, fun and sophisticated electric vehicles that offer urban functionality. They believe youth is about staying curious, embracing individuality, and pursuing passion – using joy to redefine everyday life.”

The Venue

Hot & Spicy Fest will be taking place at FFC South Square. Situated next to the East Third Ring Road and one street away from CCTV Headquarters, the South Square of Fortune Financial Center is an excellent location for events. Line 10's Jintaixizhao station exits onto the square, making it super convenient to get to. The square itself was designed by internationally renowned landscaping company ACLA of Hong Kong and features over 60 different kinds of green plants, including ginkgo, magnolia, and cherry trees. The square has hosted a multitude of cultural and artistic activities.

FFC South Square 北京财富金融中心(FFC)南广场
5 Sanhuan Zhonglu, Hujialou Jiedao, Chaoyang District
朝阳区呼家楼街道东三环中路5号

If you're a lover of spicy food and would like to stay up to date with everything spice-related in the capital, join our dedicated Spicy Food Lovers group chats! Simply add TBJButler on WeChat by scanning the QR code below and request to become a member.