If you’ve ever found yourself sweating through a chilli-eating challenge, browsing rows of artisan hot sauces, or simply soaking up the electric atmosphere at one of Australia’s best chilli festivals, chances are you’ve got one person to thank. Her name? Scarlett Habanero. And yes, that name is every bit as fiery as you’d expect!

Scarlett has become a beloved figure in Australia’s spicy food scene, and for good reason. She’s not just organising events, she’s building a community. A family, really. One united by a shared love of heat, flavour, and the kind of endorphin rush that only a good chilli can deliver.

So, who exactly is Scarlett Habanero? Let’s dive in and get to know the woman behind Australia’s spiciest celebrations!

From Chilli Lover to Festival Extraordinaire!

Every great story has an origin, and Scarlett’s journey into the world of chilli festivals started with a simple passion: she absolutely loves spicy food. We’re not talking about a casual appreciation for a bit of Tabasco on eggs. We’re talking full-blown, ghost-pepper-munching, Carolina-Reaper-respecting dedication.

Based in sunny Brisbane, Scarlett transformed her personal obsession into something much bigger. She saw a gap in Australia’s events scene, a need for professionally-run chilli festivals that celebrated everything from growing and fermenting chillies to the art of crafting the perfect hot sauce.

And so, she got to work. What started as a dream has blossomed into a series of festivals that now attract thousands of chilli-heads from across the country. From Queensland to New South Wales and beyond, Scarlett’s events have become must-attend occasions on the Australian food festival calendar.

What Makes a Scarlett Habanero Festival So Special?

You might be wondering: what sets her festivals apart from other food events? Great question!

First off, there’s the sheer variety. At a typical Scarlett Habanero festival, you’ll find:

• Chilli plants galore – From mild jalapeños to eye-watering superhots, there’s something for every level of heat tolerance (subject to seasonal availability)
• Chilli-infused dishes – Think chilli chocolate, chilli ice cream, spicy tacos, and everything in between
• Chilli beer and beverages – Yes, you read that right. Spicy drinks are absolutely a thing, and they’re delicious!
• Legendary chilli-eating challenges and cash prizes – For the brave souls ready to test their limits (and possibly question their life choices), she offers cash and goodies galore.
• World-class live music – luckily Scarlett’s husband is the uber-talented Sean Mullen, one of the few guitarists in the world who can actually play highly-technical music as in the Joe Satriani Tribute! Lucky patrons can enjoy some jaw-dropping, sizzling hot guitar throughout the course of the day, with Scarlett taking to the mike as well!

But it’s not just about the products. It’s about the vibe. Scarlett creates spaces where families, friends, and solo adventurers can come together, try new things, and share in the joy of all things spicy. The atmosphere at her events is always warm, welcoming, and wonderfully chaotic in the best possible way.

A Voice for the Chilli Community!

Scarlett’s influence extends well beyond festival grounds. She hosts a fortnightly podcast called “Share the Chilli Love,” and it’s become essential listening for anyone serious about their spice.

Each episode features guests from all corners of the chilli community. We’re talking growers who’ve dedicated years to perfecting their superhot varieties. Fermentation experts who turn humble peppers into complex, flavour-packed sauces. Competitive eaters who’ve stared down the world’s hottest chillies and lived to tell the tale.

The podcast captures everything that makes the chilli community so special: the passion, the knowledge, and the genuine camaraderie between people who just really, really love heat. It’s informative, entertaining, and surprisingly heartwarming. Of course, there’s plenty of chat about Scoville ratings and capsaicin content too!

If you haven’t tuned in yet, do yourself a favour and check it out. You’ll learn heaps, laugh plenty, and probably add a few new hot sauces to your shopping list.

Expanding the Heat Across Australia!

While Brisbane will always be home base, Scarlett has big plans for spreading the chilli love nationwide. And she’s already making serious moves!

In May 2025, she brought her festival magic to Sydney for the very first time. The inaugural event was a smashing success, proving that Sydney-siders are just as keen for quality chilli content as their Queensland counterparts.

Building on that momentum, Scarlett is now gearing up for the Sydney Superhot Chilli & BBQ Fest 2026, scheduled for March 8th, 2026. This event promises to be bigger, bolder, and spicier than ever before. Mark your calendars, folks, you won’t want to miss it!

The expansion into new states shows Scarlett’s commitment to making chilli festivals accessible to as many Australians as possible. Whether you’re in Queensland, New South Wales, or beyond, she wants to bring the heat to you.

More Than Just Festivals – It’s About Community!

What truly sets Scarlett apart is her genuine love for the people who attend her events. She’s not a distant organiser sitting in an office somewhere. She’s on the ground, chatting with vendors, high-fiving attendees, and probably sneaking in a few chilli samples herself.

Her vision for chilli festivals goes beyond just selling products and putting on a show. She wants to create inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome, whether you’re a seasoned chilli veteran who eats reapers for breakfast or a curious newbie who’s never ventured beyond sriracha.

Families are especially welcome at Scarlett’s events. There’s always plenty for kids to enjoy, and the atmosphere is friendly and safe. It’s not about proving who can handle the most heat (though there’s certainly space for that if you want it!). It’s about sharing experiences, trying new flavours, and having a genuinely great time.

Quirky, Passionate, and Absolutely Unforgettable!

Let’s talk about what makes Scarlett, well, Scarlett.

For starters, there’s the name. “Scarlett Habanero” is the kind of moniker that sticks with you. It’s bold, it’s playful, and it perfectly captures her personality. She doesn’t take herself too seriously, but she takes chilli culture very seriously indeed.

She’s known for her infectious enthusiasm. Spend five minutes talking to Scarlett about any topic to do with chillies, and you’ll walk away wanting to grow your own superhots, enter a eating competition, and maybe start your own hot sauce brand. Her energy is contagious in the best possible way.

And she’s always learning. The chilli world is constantly evolving: new varieties, new techniques, new flavour combinations: and Scarlett stays right at the forefront. She’s genuinely curious, always asking questions, and forever looking for ways to make her festivals even better.

What’s Next for Scarlett Habanero?

The future is looking incredibly spicy! With successful events under her belt and more planned for 2026 and beyond, Scarlett shows no signs of slowing down.

Her goal? To make Australia’s chilli festival scene the envy of the world. She wants to connect chilli-heads across the country, support local growers and sauce makers, and introduce countless newcomers to the wonderful world of heat.

If you want to stay updated on upcoming events, be sure to check out My Chilli Festival for all the latest news and announcements. Trust us: you’ll want to be in the loop!

Come Join the Chilli Family!

Whether you’re a hardcore heat-seeker or just someone who appreciates good food and great vibes, Scarlett Habanero’s festivals have something for you. It’s more than an event: it’s a celebration of passion, community, and the simple joy of sharing delicious (and sometimes dangerously spicy) food with others.

So next time you see a Scarlett Habanero festival popping up in your city, do yourself a favour and grab a ticket. Say hello to Scarlett if you spot her. Try something new. Maybe enter a chilli-eating challenge if you’re feeling brave.

One thing’s for certain: you’ll leave with a smile on your face, a bit of sweat on your brow, and probably a bag full of hot sauces you didn’t know you needed.

Welcome to the chilli family. Scarlett can’t wait to meet you! 🌶️