Sriracha Festival, Phoenix

It can get hot in the desert—but you can't use the Arizona sands to spice up your meals. For that, you'll need the spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet taste of sriracha, the versatile Thai hot sauce made from chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt. The first annual Sriracha Festival, held in Phoenix's Heritage Square, celebrates sriracha's many uses with an evening of unlimited tastings of dishes and desserts that incorporate it into their recipes.

To match its lively flavors, the festival also includes activities such as games of bags and mixology competitions, live performances from local bands, and an array of local vendors and exhibitors.