All Your Hot & Spicy Fest 2025 FAQs Answered

Katie Coy, Managing Editor | Jun 19, 2025 4:30 pm | Add a comment | 248 reads

Hot & Spicy Fest 2025 is only one day away, kicking off tomorrow (Jun 20) at 4pm. It promises to be the spiciest event of the year, and whether you're a spicy food hothead or prefer to keep things on the milder side, this is one weekend that you don't want to miss! Ahead of the fest, here are all your FAQs answered!

What food will be at Hot & Spicy Fest?
We've got 40+ vendors serving up a whole range of offerings from across the globe. You can check out more details on the vendors in these two posts:

Will there be any non-spicy food options?
Yes, if you prefer milder dishes, there will also be plenty of non-spicy options, and many vendors will offer the option to choose your preferred spice level for dishes.

What drinks will be available at the fest?
There will be lots of refreshing alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to help cool you (and your mouth) down.

Will there be vegetarian and vegan options at the fest?
Yes, there will be vendors at the fest serving veggie and vegan options including TRIBE GARDEN, Jing-A, Las Musas, Seahey Wine Bistro, TAIBA SHAWARMA, Brownstone, Nashville, WAWABEER and Berlin Bites.

How do I buy tickets?
You can buy tickets by scanning the QR code below. Early Bird Tickets are RMB 25, Fridge Magnet Tickets are RMB 35, VIP Tickets are RMB 100 and Standard/On-Site Tickets are RMB 35.

What do the Early Bird Tickets include?
The early bird tickets include a Hot & Spicy Fest wristband and a themed bandana.

What do the Fridge Magnet Tickets include?
The Fridge Magnet Tickets include a Hot & Spicy Fest wristband and a themed fridge magnet.

What do the VIP tickets include?
The VIP tickets include:

Hot & Spicy themed bandana
Summer Dopamine Jelly Bag
Pop Art-Style Chili Pepper Fashion Pendant
Themed Fridge Magnet
Hot & Spicy Fest Premium 3-Day Pass

Can I buy tickets at the door?
Yes, you can buy tickets at the door for RMB 35 per person (however, no limited edition gifts are included).

How do I find my ticket after I've bought it, and how do I get into the festival?
If you've already bought a ticket, it's best to prepare the QR code for the e-ticket in advance by following the instructions in the poster below. When you arrive at the venue, go to the “Early Bird Ticket” entrance, show your QR code and you'll be given a bracelet to enter the festival.

What time does the festival start and finish?
Hot & Spicy Fest is running Friday through Sunday, Jun 20-22, at the following times:

Fri, Jun 20, 4pm-9pm
Sat, Jun 21, 11am-9pm
Sun, Jun 22, 11am-9pm

Will there be any interactive games or competitions at the festival?
Yes! We will have our annual Chili Pepper Eating Contest at 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. It's not too late to join, so if you're interested, you can check out this post for all the information on how to join.

There will also be the “Screw It, Just Swing It” challenge involving a chili pepper (don't worry, you don't have to eat it) happening both days at 3pm.

Is there a schedule of activities?
Yes, we've got a great line up of activities at the festival. You can check out the schedule for entertainment below and find out more about the entertainment and other activities that will be at the festival by clicking here.

Are there any interactive activities happening at vendor booths?
Yes, both of our sponsor booths Sprite and iCAR will have a range of activities where you can win some great prizes. You can see more details in this post. A number of other vendors will also be doing fun interactive games, so keep an eye out for those.

Which day is most recommended to go to the fest?
On Friday, we will be having our special collaborative night with DJ duo 鱼头泡饼 (Fish Head Pancake), so if you want to listen to some great tunes and start the weekend with one banger of a night, then we'd recommend going then! Saturday will be the peak day, so if you're looking for a less busy vibe with fewer queues, we recommend attending on Sunday.

Can I bring children to the fest?
Yes, children are welcome, and don't forget that children under 1.4m accompanied by an adult get into the fest completely FREE! We will also have a designated Fun Zone with some fun games that both kids and adults can enjoy, like pop-a-shot basketball, giant connect four, air hockey and more.

Can I bring pets to the fest?
Unfortunately, for this festival, pets are not allowed, so you'll have to leave your furry friends at home.

What should I bring to the fest?
We recommend bringing picnic blankets and folding chairs to the fest if you want to make sure you've got a place to sit down. The weather is predicted to be pretty sunny, so it would also be a good idea to bring a handheld fan or an umbrella to help you cool down, too.

Where are the toilets located at the festival?
There are toilets located right next to the venue in the FFC shopping mall on the first, second and third floors. Just look out for the signs below!

Where can I find photos from the fest?
You can find photos from the fest via our photo stream by scanning the QR code below.

Is there a dress code for the fest?
Dressing up for the Hot & Spicy Fest is all about bold, fiery fun! Go for chili-themed outfits, flame prints, or sizzling red and orange looks. Add fun touches like pepper hats, hot sauce accessories or devil horns for extra heat. Whether full costumes or just spicy accents, the goal is to turn up the heat and embrace the festival's fiery vibe!

How do I get to the festival?
Hot & Spicy Fest is taking place at the South Square of the Financial Fortune Center (FFC).

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

Here's how to get there via:

Ride-Hailing App
If you're using a ride-hailing app, simply type in FFC and select FFC Main Entrance. If you're using the Chinese version of Didi, you can also select the South Square as an exact drop-off location.

Taxi
If you're taking a taxi, you'll need to ask your driver to take you to 财富金融中心南广场 cáifù jīnróng zhōngxīn nánguǎngchǎng.

Subway
The nearest subway stop is Jintaixizhao (金台夕照) on Line 10, and you'll want to go out of exit A then turn right and walk directly north. You'll be able to see the Financial Fortune Center straight ahead of you!

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.