NEW ORLEANS — As New Orleans celebrates its tricentennial, the city's reputation continues to grow, and the National Fried Chicken Festival (FCF) is only adding to the culinary cache of the Crescent City. After hosting more than 166,000 guests in its sophomore year in 2017, organizers are planning for over 200,000 guests along the Mississippi River in New Orleans Sept. 22-23.
When festival organizers created FCF, it was based on a simple premise, "Everyone Loves Fried Chicken." This year's National Fried Chicken Festival presented by Raising Cane's will feature top chefs and restaurants from across the country, all tasked with the challenge of creating their unique twists on fried chicken. All 35 restaurants will compete for bragging rights in the festivals two highly coveted tasting contests, "Best Fried Chicken" and "Most Creative Use of Fried Chicken in a Dish."
"Festival attendees can expect a lot of the festival's namesake dish prepared in countless ways and used in countless different ways, and its New Orleans, so there will also be a lot of great music," said FCF organizer and President/CEO of the Spears Group Cleveland Spears, III. "In a city like New Orleans, the music never takes a backseat to the food. This year's festival will feature three music stages and a collection of great musicians."
The "Rouses Sizzle Shack Cooking Demo" stage will host a variety of celebrity chefs showcasing how they prepare their famous fried chicken dishes to the audience. A full list of celebrity chefs will be announced in August. Also returning for the second year, the Direct TV football fan zone will provide College and NFL Football viewing for all festival goers. New additions will include a beer tasting garden presented by Miller Coors, featuring craft beer selections from around the world.
In partnership with Capital One Bank and its "Future Edge" initiative aiding the support of small businesses. The festival will provide the opportunity and platform for an aspiring chef to introduce themselves to an audience of over 200,000 foodies.
FCF is a free outdoor festival in New Orleans that brings the community together to celebrate and indulge in one of America's favorite dishes. There will also be a variety of experiences for all ages including a kids pavilion, the Sweet Spot for dessert enthusiast, the GoNOLA Mist and Chill Lounge, the return of the Moet Chicken and Champagne VIP Lounge and more.
