One of the hottest (and most delicious) nights in the DMV is back this October!
Mark your calendars and join us for our Annual Hot Sauce Contest & Pig Roast—a bold, smoky, family-friendly evening dedicated to great food, fierce competition, and a fantastic cause.
This year, all proceeds once again benefit the incredible work of the D.C. Firefighters Burn Foundation. So bring your appetite, your family, and your competitive spirit. Let’s turn up the heat for our community
Event Details:
- Date and Time: Thursday, October 2, 2025, 5PM
- Location: Rocklands Arlington, 3471 Washington Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201
- Who: All proceeds benefit the D.C. Firefighters Burn Foundation.
- Tickets: $15 for kids, $40 in advance; $50 at the door
The event takes place outdoors under tents (rain or shine!)
The Main Event: Pork, Pints and People’s Choice
Get ready for a feast for the senses. Your ticket gets you:
All-You-Can-Eat Rocklands: Dive into piles of our legendary slow-smoked pulled pork and a selection of hearty, delicious sides.
Beer & Wine: A selection will be available to cool your palate (or fuel your fire!).
The Hot Sauce Contest: The main event! Taste and vote on sauces from the area’s best amateur sauce-makers as they battle it out for trophies and bragging rights.
Who will be crowned the Judge’s Winner and who will take home the coveted People’s Choice title? You decide!
Want to Compete? Bring the Heat!
Think your homemade hot sauce has what it takes to wow the crowd and the judges? This is your moment to shine! Entry is limited, so don’t wait to throw your hat in the ring.
- Entry is limited to the first 25 contestants.
- You must provide 20 oz of your sauce in a clearly labeled container.
- Sauce drop-off is by 4:30 PM on the day of the event.
- Contestants must be present to win.
- Bring the Heat – Sign Up Now!
Fun for the Whole Family
This is a kid-friendly event! We’re thrilled to have our friends from Arlington Public Safety on-site. The Arlington Fire Department will have a fire truck display and will be doing safety gear demos. It’s a perfect chance for the little ones to meet local firefighters, check out the gear, and explore while you enjoy the bold flavors.
Get Your Tickets!
Don’t miss out on this incredible evening. Buy your tickets in advance to save!
- General Admission: $40 in advance / $50 at the door
- Youth Tickets: (15 and under): $15
Behind the Spice: A Cause That Matters
This event is about more than just great food—it’s about community. All proceeds benefit the D.C. Firefighters Burn Foundation, supporting burn survivors—especially children and injured firefighters—through every step of their recovery. Since 2004, the DCFFBF has provided over $1.25 million in funding for emergency support, peer programs, firefighter retreats, and the Children’s Burn Camp.
By joining us, you’re helping turn up the heat and turn it into hope.
Know Before You Go
- Attire: Casual and comfortable. This is an outdoor event, so please dress for the weather!
- Parking: Limited parking is available at the restaurant. We highly encourage using a rideshare service or public transit.
- Rain or Shine: We’ll be celebrating under tents, so the party goes on no matter the weather.
Photos From Past Host Sauce Contest Events
