Fried Chicken Festival Returns on October 1 and 2
The Fried Chicken Festival presented by Raising Cane's is back after its two-year hiatus. Founded in 2016, the fifth annual celebration and comeback of the festival will not only bring back all of the crispy goodness we have all missed but they have announced a new location in the New Orleans Lakefront, new sponsor-led events, a partnership with 2022 major-sponsor Heinz, and many other additions to this year's experience.
The Heinz team said, "We are excited to be partnering with The National Fried Chicken Festival for its fifth-anniversary of this event. FCF has done a great job bringing together amazing restaurants, food, and people in New Orleans and we look forward to being a part of it!"
The festival is back but with various changes in order to enhance the festival experience for everyone who attends. The festival announced that this year's festival will be cashless and tickets will be available for purchase starting at $15 dollars per day or $20 dollars for a weekend pass for those above the age of 12.
"We are working closely with our many community partners to make FCF one of the most accessible ticketed festivals in our city by keeping the entry fee as affordable as possible, offering free transportation and parking for the first time, and giving away thousands of free tickets to our first responders, teachers, students, families, and nonprofits, among others," said FCF Executive Producer Cleveland Spears III.
The festival will give access to 30 chefs and restaurants from across the United States, a lively lineup of musical performances, and cooking demonstrations across three stages, as well as the return of the Best Fried Chicken Contest, Best Use of a Chicken in Dish contest and this year's Culinary Icon Award ceremony.
One of the new additions to the festival is the Merchant Marketplace presented by the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund, where participants and attendees will be able to create crafts and purchase designs and art from local merchants.
Like in past years, the festival is offering the opportunity for attendees to upgrade their experience. Two VIP packages are available for purchase: Chicken & Champagne VIP Lounge Presented by Chandon, and the Royalty VIP Lounge presented by Crown Royal. VIP passes and regular admission tickets are now available for purchase on the website.
For more information or to get tickets, visit friedchickenfestival.com.
