PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — The 5th Annual New England Hot Sauce Fest brought approximately 2,000 ticketed guests to Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth for a day of hot sauce, food, music, family fun, and some seriously intense pepper challenges — while raising a record $18,546 for two local marine conservation organizations.
The festival, presented by The Spicy Shark, distributed $9,273 each to Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation and Seacoast Science Center, marking the highest amount the event has raised for each organization in its five-year history.
“We couldn’t be more thankful for the spicy support from the greater Seacoast Community, helping us raise the most amount of funds we ever have in five years for Blue Ocean Society & Seacoast Science Center,” said Spicy Shark owner and New England Hot Sauce Fest founder Gabe DiSaverio. “We had a major curveball thrown in January with needing to change venues, and couldn’t have found a better new home than Strawbery Banke in our hometown of Portsmouth. We can’t wait to be back in 2027.”
The festival featured approximately 30 Northeast hot sauce companies offering samples of their spicy products, eight food trucks, specialty local Seacoast crafters, beer, an all-day ’80s music soundtrack from DJ Kevin, bouncy houses, face painting, a kids magic show, and appearances by Bella and Dark from Heat 101 as event MCs.
The festival also welcomed some familiar and unexpected faces, including Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern, U.S. Senator Scott Brown, Katie Sampson of CBS13 and FOX23, and James B. Jones and Shelley Wolfee of Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum, who have become regular New England Hot Sauce Fest attendees. Their appearances added to the community spirit and fun of the day.
“We are incredibly grateful to the New England Hot Sauce Festival and everyone who attended for their generous support,” said Jennifer Kennedy, Executive Director of Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation. “Community support like this makes a real difference. These funds will have a meaningful impact on our research program, helping us study whales and other marine life while also supporting student interns who are gaining important hands-on experience in ocean research and education.”
Ashley Stokes, Senior Director of Science & Administration at Seacoast Science Center, added, “We are incredibly grateful for the continued support and partnership that make this event such a meaningful part of our community. Bringing the community together while raising funds and awareness for our Marine Mammal Rescue Program is vital to advancing the health, conservation, and enjoyment of our coastline. We are proud to be part of this effort and look forward to continuing our partnership next year!”
