DALLAS, Texas – July 29, 2025 — From sweet bell peppers to fiery habaneros, the Dallas Arboretum’s Cultivate Series turns up the heat with Pepperpalooza, a one-day celebration of peppers, flavor, and fun. Held Saturday, August 9 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at A Tasteful Place, this indoor festival invites guests to explore the wild world of peppers through interactive STEM stops, spicy chef demos, music, tastings, and more—all in cool, air-conditioned comfort.
“Pepperpalooza is as much about curiosity as it is about flavor,” said Dustin Miller, vice president of programs and learning. “We’re inviting guests to discover peppers with all five senses—through art, aroma, gardening, and taste.”
Pepperpalooza
Saturday, August 9 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
- PepperPalooza Market (10 a.m.–3 p.m.)
Shop spicy and sweet finds from vendors including Poor Vida, Pepper and Thyme, Flipping Hot Sauces, Asian Mint, Olive Texas Ranch, CocoaVina, Charlie’s Jalapeno Salsa, Dearest Paperie, Real Honey Apple Farm.
- Live Music (10 a.m.–3 p.m.)
Enjoy acoustic guitar by Andy Sperandeo while you browse and taste.
- STEM Stops: From Mild to Wild and Seed to Spice (10:30–11 a.m. & 2:30–3 p.m.)
Families test their taste buds with spicy peppers in Mild to Wild, then explore sight, smell, and touch in Seed to Spice as they compare fresh, dried, and ground peppers. (ASL available)
- Hort Pepper Walk & Talk (10–10:30 a.m. & 2–2:30 p.m.)
Join Horticulture experts for a guided stroll and conversation about pepper varieties and how to grow them in North Texas. (ASL available)
- Garden Chef Series (11 a.m.–2 p.m.)
Enjoy three back-to-back demos and tastings—two with our in-house chef and one with a special guest chef. (12–1 p.m. demo includes ASL interpretation)
- Photo Ops (9 a.m.–5 p.m.)
ASL interpretation available for select programs.
Other Upcoming Cultivate Series Events
Java Fest
Saturday–Sunday, September 27–28 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m
Celebrate National Coffee Day with tastings from local roasters, live music, coffee-themed vendors, and educational displays on the beloved bean’s journey from plant to cup.
Previous events in the series have included an Orchid Show & Sale, Cactus & Succulent Show and Tomato Jam, drawing thousands of guests eager to learn and grow.
About the Cultivate Series
Pepperpalooza is part of the Arboretum’s Cultivate Series, a lineup of sensory-rich events designed to inspire curiosity and connection through plants, food, and learning. Past events have included Tomato Jam, the Houseplant Sale, and the Orchid Show.
Admission Information
All Cultivate Series events are included with general garden admission.
Free for members | $25.95 for adults | $21.95 for children (2–12) | Free for children under 2 |
