New Orleans, Louisiana Lakefront Hosts Ninth Annual Fried Chicken Celebration
Get ready for a finger-licking good time at the National Fried Chicken Festival returning to New Orleans’ Lakefront this October!
This mouth-watering celebration brings together over 40 vendors competing for titles like “Best Fried Chicken” and “Best Chicken Sandwich.”
Beyond amazing food, festival-goers will enjoy live music across two stages featuring artists from hip-hop to soul, making this ninth annual event a true feast for all senses.
1. Restaurant Lineup and Competition
Defending champions Bonafried, Chicken’s Kitchen, Gus’s Fried Chicken, Southerns, and The NOLA Chuckwagon return to defend their titles, while first-time participants include Brennan’s, Biscuits & Buns on Banks, and Thai NOLA.
The 40-plus vendor roster spans local favorites like Ba Chi Kitchen & Bar, Bao Mi, and Eugene’s Hot Kitchen to specialty operations including Birrieria La Poblana, Fatty’s Cracklins, and Roaming Rooster. Associate Producer Tina Dixon recommends arriving early to sample the full range of preparations, from traditional frying methods to creative fusion approaches.
2. Musical Acts Across Two Stages
The Entergy stage and new Delta Utilities stage will host performances throughout the weekend, with Lloyd and Disko Cowboy closing Saturday and Tucka and Blanco Brown finishing Sunday.
The lineup includes Blanco Brown, Lloyd, Sugarhill Gang, G. Love & Special Sauce, Tucka, and recently added rapper Young Joc. Executive Producer Cleveland Spears, III emphasizes the festival’s commitment to musical diversity while honoring New Orleans’ cultural foundation.
3. New Additions for 2025
A 10-story Ferris wheel presented by Raising Cane’s debuts this year, offering Lake Pontchartrain views for $5 rides with proceeds benefiting Son of a Saint, Power Pump Girls, Inc., Roots of Music, and 18th Ward.
The inaugural FCF 5K Run/Walk presented by Louisiana Blue takes place Saturday morning, October 4, with all participants receiving free festival entry that day and the team with most registrants winning $1,000.
4. Civic Engagement Opportunity
Partnering with the Urban League of Louisiana and the Committee for a Better New Orleans, the festival provides space for attendees to meet candidates ahead of the October 11 election.
Committee for a Better New Orleans Executive Director Nellie Catzen emphasizes the value of face-to-face candidate interactions, allowing residents to hear priorities directly and share their own concerns.
5. Returning Festival Features
The Kids Coop presented by the New Orleans Achievement Foundation returns alongside the NOTCF Merchant Marketplace featuring 20 small businesses and the 4th Annual Car Show & Cruise-In curated by Drive New Orleans and Hot Cars TV.
These elements provide entertainment options beyond food and music, creating full-day experiences for families and automotive enthusiasts.
6. Ticketing and Logistics
Advance online ticket purchases offer lower prices than gate admission, with all ticket prices increasing for day-of purchases. Parking costs $5 in the UNO Lakefront Arena parking lot. The festival website provides current ticket availability, vendor lists, and schedule details for both performance stages.
