If you’re a fan of hot and spicy, pay attention. The Pearlridge Farmers Market is bringing a popular mainland tradition to customers Saturday during its first Chile Pepper Festival and Chile Cook Off, an event that runs from 8 a.m. to noon.

“We’ll have chili roasting,” said Pamela Boyar, co-owner of FarmLovers Farmers Markets, which operates markets in Haleiwa, Kakaako and Kailua as well. “It’s a huge tradition on the mainland. The smell is unbelievable. The experience is like when bread is baking or coffee is roasting. But we probably wouldn’t want to roast habanero peppers — that would sting everyone’s eyes and noses. We’re still figuring it out, but preferably we’ll use Hawaii chilies.”

All market vendors will feature chili dishes and products that day, and customers can cast their votes in a chili cook-off involving chefs John Memering, Bob McGee (Link) and Trisha “Mama T” Gonsalves (Down to Earth Organic & Natural stores).

Even a free dessert will have zing. To celebrate the market’s second year at Pearlridge, The French Connection bakery will serve up slices of chocolate ganache ancho chili cake.

Want to grow your own chilies? The University of Hawaii Master Gardeners and folks from UH’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources will be on hand to share tips for growing healthy Hawaiian chili pepper plants, and visitors can pot their own plants to take home.

From 9 to 11 a.m., Rolando Sanchez and Salsa Hawaii will perform, and keiki can assemble their own veggie animals and enjoy complimentary face painting.

The weekly market is at the Downtown end of Pearlridge Center, corner of Kamehameha Highway and Pali Momi Street in the Sears parking lot.

Call 388-9696 or email pearlridgefarmersmarket@gmail.com.