Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top things to know about the festival?

Please read all FAQs for more detailed information.

  • This festival is ticketed. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the gate. Gates close an hour before the festival ends.
  • Children 12 and under get in free and do not need a ticket.
  • This festival is cashless. No cash of any kind will be accepted.
  • No outside food or drink is permitted.
    Parking is free but limited to the designated areas.
  • Shuttles are available from the main UNO campus free of charge.
  • All VIP lounges are 21+ only. VIP access is only for the selected lounge on each ticket.
  • Folding, festival-style chairs are permitted.
  • No wagons, ice chests, or coolers of any kind are permitted on-site.
  • The festival is rain or shine, so please plan accordingly.
When is the next festival?

The National Fried Chicken Festival (FCF) presented by Raising Cane’s will return sometime during the fall of 2024. Be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our mailing list for updates.

Where is the festival located?

FCF is held at the scenic New Orleans Lakefront along Lakeshore Drive at Franklin Avenue (in the greenspace directly behind the UNO Lakefront Arena located at 6801 Franklin Ave., New Orleans, LA 70122

*see directions here*

What is the cost of the National Fried Chicken Festival?

Ticket prices begin at $15 for single-day admission, with weekend and VIP options available. Additional fees may apply to tickets purchased on the day of the event. We recommend buying online in advance to guarantee your spot!

All children 12 and under get in FREE.

How can I get tickets to the festival?

Tickets for FCF 2024 will go on sale sometime during the spring or summer. Be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our mailing list to be notified.

I just bought my ticket. When will my digital tickets be emailed to me?

Ticketholders will receive an order confirmation email immediately upon purchase. Digital tickets will then be emailed out to all ticketholders 24-48 hours before the event begins.

What do I do if I have an issue with my ticket?

For ticket issues, please contact us at https://friedchickenfestival.com/contact. You can also go to Box Office on event day, and we’ll be happy to assist there as well.

What methods of payment will be accepted at the festival?
This year’s festival will be 100% CASHLESS. The only acceptable forms of payment on-site will include credit cards, debit cards, and/or cash app.
Is outside food or drink permitted?
No, there is no outside food or drink permitted inside the festival.
What is permitted to bring to the festival?

APPROVED ITEMS:

  • Foldable chairs
  • Small, personal hand-held umbrellas
  • Sunscreen in non-aerosol containers up to 3.4 ounces or less
  • Personal-sized hand sanitizer
  • Sealed plastic water bottles or empty reusable water bottles
  • Picnic blankets
  • Cameras/video cameras: consumer-grade point-and-shoot, polaroid, Go Pros without detachable lenses and other accessories (monopods, selfie sticks, tripods, Go Pro mounts, and other attachments are not allowed)
  • Handbags
  • Binoculars
  • Factory-sealed eye drop containers
What is not permitted at the festival?

PROHIBITED ITEMS

  • Outside food or beverages
  • Tents, large umbrellas
  • Wagons
  • Ice chests and coolers of any kind
  • Weapons of any kind, including firearms, pocket knives, box cutters, pepper spray (or any dangerous chemical compound), box cutters, sharp objects
  • Illegal substances
  • Drugs or drug paraphernalia
  • Massagers
  • Pets (with the exception of service animals)
  • Professional photo, video, or audio recording equipment (no detachable lenses, tripods, big zooms, selfie sticks, or commercial-use rigs unless pre-approved media guest)
  • Laser pointers
  • Air horns, megaphones, whistles or noisemakers
  • Drones, remote-controlled aircraft, or toys
  • Toy guns, water guns, slingshots
  • Projectiles such as balls or frisbees
  • Any explosives, including fireworks

All bags will be checked upon entering the event.

How do I get to the festival?

EVENT PARKING

  • Available first come, first serve at the UNO Lakefront Area (6801 Franklin Ave.)

SHUTTLE LOCATION

  • Pick-up/Drop-off from the UNO Student Union Lot

RIDESHARE DROP/PICKUP

  • Pick-up/drop-off near East Entrance on Lakeshore Drive between the Seabrook Bridge and Shelter 4 (16160 Lakeshore Dr.)

2023 FESTIVAL PARKING MAP

What are the times of the festival?

FCF 2023 was held Saturday, September 30, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, October 1, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Stay tuned for updates and additional date/time details for next year’s event. 

Please note: The Box Office and Entrance will close one hour before the festival’s scheduled end time. Those arriving after may not be able to enter, nor will they be eligible for a refund.

Can I bring my pet to the festival?
Pets are not allowed inside the festival grounds, except for service animals.
Are there things to eat besides chicken?

Of course! FCF strives to be as inclusive as possible with its food lineup, having proudly offered vegan options, vegetarian options, gluten-free options, and more in 2023.

What entertainment can I expect to see at the festival?

FCF always features a diverse music lineup with some of the state’s top talent and a wide variety of acts representing all genres, from hip-hop and R&B to brass bands, country, pop, and more – there’s truly something for everyone.

Does my ticket include food once inside the festival?

General Admission tickets only gain entry into the festival. Once inside, all food and beverages will be purchased separately.

Those with VIP tickets will enjoy a complimentary fried chicken meal and beverage options as part of their ticket package.

What are the VIP options at the festival?

The National Fried Chicken Festival is an accessible event, and we are dedicated to continually improving our efforts to ensure all guests have access to all the event amenities. Please see our Accessibility accommodations here.

Is re-entry allowed?

Only VIP ticket holders will be permitted re-entry to the festival.

What is the rain policy?

The festival is rain or shine, so please plan accordingly. Attendees are allowed to bring a small handheld umbrella. If bad weather is predicted for the day of an event, attendees will be allowed re-entry.

Please note: Re-entry will NOT be permitted in good weather conditions.

Are tickets refundable?

As stated in our Terms and Conditions upon purchase, all sales are final and non-refundable.

How do I become a vendor at the festival?

Thank you for your interest in being a vendor. Applications will open in 2024. We are not currently accepting submissions. Please check back later for more information