Hot Sauce Festival and Orting Rock Festival  FAQs

General Hot Sauce Festival Information

When are the Hot Sauce Festival hours? The Hot Sauce Festival runs from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM both days. At 5:00 PM, the hot sauce vendors close and the Rock Fest begins.

How much does it cost to attend the Hot Sauce Festival? Admission is completely FREE thanks to our sponsors Overhead Door Company of Puget Sound and Rainier Garage Door!

Why does the Hot Sauce Festival end at 5 PM? The hot sauce portion of the event wraps up at 5:00 PM to make way for the Rock Fest concerts. This gives vendors time to secure their products and allows our crew to prepare the venue for the evening entertainment.

Can I still buy hot sauce after 5 PM? No, hot sauce vendors close at 5:00 PM when the Rock Fest begins. Make sure to make your purchases before then!

I don’t like super spicy food. Will I enjoy the festival? Absolutely! Many of our vendors specialize in mild, flavor-focused craft sauces. You’ll find fruit-based sauces, herb blends, smoky BBQ sauces, and much more. The festival celebrates all heat levels, not just the extreme ones!

Can I sample before buying? Most hot sauce vendors offer samples! Just ask. This is perfect for finding your heat level preference.

What types of hot sauce will be available? Our 25+ vendors offer everything from:

• Mild, flavor-forward sauces with herbs and fruit

• Medium heat with complex spice blends

• Traditional hot sauces with authentic recipes

• Extreme heat challenges for thrill seekers

• BBQ sauces and marinades

• Spice rubs and seasonings

What time should I arrive to see all the vendors? We recommend arriving by 2:00 PM at the latest to have enough time to visit all vendors, sample sauces, and make purchases before they close at 5:00 PM.

Hot Wing Competition

When is the Hot Wing Competition? Saturday, July 26 at 4:00 PM. This gives you one hour after the competition before hot sauce vendors close.

How do I enter the Hot Wing Competition? Registration is open from 11 AM – 4 PM on Saturday at the registration tent. Must be 18+ to participate.

Is there a fee to enter the competition? No, participation is free!

How spicy is the hot wing competition? Very spicy! Wings progressively increase in heat level. Not recommended for those with low spice tolerance. Participants must sign a waiver.

Vendor Awards & Voting

How do I vote for vendor awards? Pick up a voting sheet at the info tent or scan our QR code to vote digitally on your phone.

What awards can I vote for?

• Best Hot Sauce

• Best Vendor Booth

• Best Bottle Artwork

When does voting close? Voting closes at 4:30 PM on Sunday, giving you time to vote before vendors pack up at 5:00 PM.

When are winners announced? Award winners will be announced at 4:45 PM on Sunday, just before the Hot Sauce Festival portion ends.

Rock Fest FAQs

Rock Fest Information

When does the Rock Fest start? Rock Fest begins at 5:00 PM each evening (right when the Hot Sauce Festival ends) and runs until 9:00 PM.

IMPORTANT: What should I know about arriving at 5 PM? If you’re arriving right when the Rock Fest starts at 5:00 PM, please be patient! Many people from the Hot Sauce Festival will be leaving at this time. Expect traffic delays and allow extra time for parking. We recommend arriving early to avoid congestion.

Is there a separate admission for the Rock Fest? No! Both the Hot Sauce Festival and Rock Fest are included in the free admission.

Can I leave after the Hot Sauce Festival and come back for the Rock Fest? Yes! Your admission is good for the entire day. Just make sure to get your hand stamped if you plan to return.

Who’s performing at the Rock Fest? Saturday: Atrocity Girl, The Astrotecs, Social Etiquette Sunday: 21 Rails, Cherry Dragon, Mattlock & The Keys

What happens between 5:00 PM when hot sauce vendors close and when bands start? There will be a brief transition period as the hot sauce vendors pack up and we prepare the stage area. DJ music may continue during this time. This is also when many attendees leave and new ones arrive, so expect congestion.

Can I bring chairs for the concerts? Low-back chairs are permitted in designated areas. No chairs allowed in front of the stage.

Will food be available during the Rock Fest? Yes! Some food vendors may stay open during the Rock Fest hours (5-9 PM). Check with individual vendors for their hours.

Can I still buy drinks during the Rock Fest? Yes! McMillin Farm Brewery and the beverage tent remain open during the Rock Fest. Last call for alcoholic beverages is at 8:00 PM.

When is last call for drinks? Last call for all alcoholic beverages is at 8:00 PM. Plan accordingly!

Are the concerts family-friendly? While the daytime festival is very family-friendly, the evening Rock Fest may be louder and more crowded. Parents should use their discretion.

Is the Rock Fest standing room only? There are both standing areas near the stage and areas where you can bring low-back chairs. Arrive early for the best spots!

General Festival FAQs

Getting There & Parking

Where is the festival located? McMillin Farm Collective 12517 WA-162, Puyallup, WA 98374

IMPORTANT: Which entrance should I use? The front gates will be CLOSED during the festival. All attendees must use the main back entrance:

• If driving south on 162, the farm is on your LEFT

• Turn LEFT on 128th St E

• Use the main back entrance and exit

• Signs will be posted on the fence line to guide you

What about traffic at 5 PM? Please note that around 5:00 PM there will be significant traffic as Hot Sauce Festival attendees leave and Rock Fest attendees arrive. Plan accordingly and be patient.

Is parking available? Yes, there is ample free parking at McMillin Farm Collective.

Is the venue accessible by public transportation? Limited public transportation is available. We recommend checking Pierce Transit routes or arranging rideshare.

Is the venue ADA accessible? Yes, the festival grounds and facilities are ADA accessible.

What to Bring & Rules

What should I bring?

• Sunscreen and hat (IMPORTANT: Late July is typically very sunny, and we have limited shaded areas)

• Comfortable shoes

• Reusable water bottle

• Cash and cards (vendors may have varying payment options)

• Appetite for trying new flavors!

Can I bring my own food or drinks? No outside food or beverages are permitted, except for water bottles. This policy helps support our vendors and ensures food safety.

What items are NOT allowed?

• Outside food or beverages (except water)

• Weapons of any kind

• Illegal substances

• Professional photography equipment (without prior approval)

• Large bags or coolers

Pets

Are dogs allowed at the festival? Yes, dogs are welcome at the event as long as they are kept on leash at all times.

What are the rules for bringing dogs?

• Dogs must be leashed at all times

• Dogs must be well-behaved

• Owners must clean up after their pets

• If a dog becomes aggressive or disruptive, you may be asked to leave

• Please be respectful of other attendees who may not be comfortable around dogs

• Bring water and supplies for your pet

Are dogs allowed during both the Hot Sauce Festival and Rock Fest? Yes, dogs are allowed during both portions of the event, but be aware that the Rock Fest (5-9 PM) will be louder and more crowded.

Are other pets allowed? For safety reasons, we ask that only dogs be brought to the festival. Service animals are always welcome.

Food & Beverages

What food options are available?

• Birria Taco Truck

• Hot Dog Vendor

• Additional Food Truck (TBA)

• Some vendors may stay open during Rock Fest hours (5-9 PM)

Are food trucks open all day? Food trucks open at 11:00 AM. Some may stay open during the Rock Fest (5-9 PM), but check with individual trucks for their specific hours.

What beverages are available? McMillin Farm Brewery serves craft beer, wine, cider, and hard seltzer. Non-alcoholic beverages also available.

Do I need drink tickets? Yes, drink tickets must be purchased for alcoholic beverages at the beverage tent. Must be 21+ with valid ID.

When is last call? Last call for all alcoholic beverages is at 8:00 PM.

Are there vegetarian/vegan options? You’ll need to check with each individual vendor about vegetarian/vegan options, as offerings vary by vendor.

Health & Safety

Is there shade available? We have limited shaded areas available. It’s likely to be very sunny in late July, so please bring sunscreen, a hat, and dress appropriately for sun exposure.

Are there medical services on-site? Basic first aid will be available. For emergencies, call 911.

Are there restrooms? Yes, portable restrooms are available throughout the venue.

What happens if it rains? The festival is rain or shine! The event is mostly outdoors, so dress accordingly.

Are there handwashing stations? Yes, handwashing stations are located near food areas and restrooms.

Vendor Information

How can I become a vendor? Call (253) 434-5149 for vendor information and applications.

Are vendor spots still available? Please contact us to check current availability.

What hours are vendors expected to operate? Hot sauce vendors operate from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Food vendors may choose to stay open later during the Rock Fest.

Purchases & Payment

What forms of payment are accepted? Varies by vendor. Most accept cash and card. We recommend bringing cash as there is no ATM on site.

Can I return hot sauce if I don’t like it? Return policies vary by vendor. Ask before purchasing. We encourage sampling first!

Is there an ATM on site? No, there is no ATM on site. Please bring cash or be prepared to use card payment where accepted.