When Was the Fried Chicken Festival 2022? Your Ultimate Guide!

Hey y’all! If you’ve been wonderin’ about the 2022 Fried Chicken Festival in New Orleans, I’ve got all the crispy details for ya. As someone who’s attended this finger-lickin’ event multiple times, I’m excited to share everything you need to know about when it happened and what went down!

The Dates You Need to Know

The 2022 Fried Chicken Festival took place on Saturday and Sunday, October 1-2, 2022. The event ran from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM both days, giving fried chicken enthusiasts plenty of time to enjoy all the deliciousness!

The festival was held at the New Orleans Lakefront Shelter #3 in the Pontchartrain Park and Gentilly neighborhoods This was a fantastic venue with beautiful views of Lake Pontchartrain while enjoying some of the best fried chicken around

What Happened at the Festival?

The City of New Orleans granted a permit for this mouth-watering event, which brought together chicken lovers from all over. Here’s what made the 2022 festival special:

• Tons of food vendors serving different styles of fried chicken
• Live music and entertainment throughout both days
• Cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs
• Fried chicken eating competitions
• Family-friendly activities

Getting There & Parking Info

If you was planning to attend, there were several options for getting to the festival:

Parking Options

• UNO Lakefront Arena
• UNO Union Lot
• South Shore Harbor

Shuttle Locations

• UNO Student Union Lot (Elysian Fields)
• South Shore Harbor (School Buses)

Rideshare

• Drop-off/Pick-up was available on Lakeshore Dr between Seabrook Bridge and Shelter #4

Street Closures During the Festival

The city implemented several street closures to accommodate the festival

• 3000 Block of Franklin Ave: Friday, Sept. 30 – Sunday, Oct. 2
• Lakeshore Drive (Franklin-Shelter #4): Friday, Sept. 30 at 7 AM until Sunday, Oct. 2 at 10 PM
• Lakeshore Drive (Franklin-Elysian Fields): Saturday, Oct. 1 until Sunday, Oct. 2, during festival hours only

My Personal Experience

I remember going to the 2022 festival with a bunch of friends, and we was blown away by how many different types of fried chicken there was! From traditional Southern-style to Korean, Nashville hot, and even some weird fusion creations, the variety was incredible. We spent almost the whole day there on Saturday, eating ourselves into a food coma and enjoying the live music.

The weather was perfect that weekend – not too hot, with a nice breeze coming off the lake. It made standing in line for chicken (and trust me, there were lines!) much more bearable.

Looking Forward: Future Festivals

If you missed the 2022 festival, don’t worry! The National Fried Chicken Festival continues to be an annual event. Looking ahead, the 2025 festival is scheduled for October 4 & 5, 2025 in New Orleans, LA.

For the upcoming festivals, they’ve added some exciting new features:

• A 5K run (so you can work up an appetite or burn off those calories!)
• Car show & cruise in
• More entertainment options
• An expanded restaurant lineup

Why We Love the Fried Chicken Festival

There’s something magical about bringing people together over fried chicken. It’s comfort food that crosses cultural boundaries – nearly every cuisine has some version of it! The festival celebrates this universal love while showcasing the unique flavors and techniques that make each style special.

Plus, it’s not just about the food. The festival creates a space where families and friends can gather, listen to good music, and make memories. The atmosphere is always welcoming and fun, with people from all walks of life united by their love of crispy, juicy chicken.

Tips for Attending Future Festivals

Based on my experience at the 2022 event, here are some tips if you’re planning to attend in the future:

• Arrive early: The best vendors can have long lines, especially during peak hours
• Pace yourself: There’s SO much chicken to try – don’t fill up at the first stand!
• Bring cash: While many vendors accept cards, cash transactions are usually faster
• Stay hydrated: All that salty, delicious chicken will make you thirsty
• Use the shuttles: Parking can be challenging, so take advantage of the transportation options
• Check the schedule: If there are specific performances or demonstrations you want to see, plan accordingly

Other Ways to Enjoy Fried Chicken in NOLA

If you couldn’t make it to the 2022 festival or you’re visiting New Orleans at a different time, there’s still plenty of amazing fried chicken to be found year-round:

• Willie Mae’s Scotch House (consistently rated as some of the best fried chicken in America)
• Dooky Chase’s Restaurant (a historic establishment with legendary fried chicken)
• McHardy’s Chicken & Fixin’ (a no-frills takeout spot with incredible chicken)
• Coop’s Place (their fried chicken comes with rabbit jambalaya!)

What Makes New Orleans Fried Chicken Special

New Orleans has its own unique take on fried chicken that sets it apart from other regions. The seasoning tends to be more complex, with influences from Creole and Cajun cooking traditions. You’ll often find chicken that’s been marinated in spices before being dredged and fried, giving it layers of flavor that go well beyond the crispy exterior.

Many NOLA establishments also serve their fried chicken alongside classic sides like red beans and rice, greens, or jambalaya, creating a meal that’s deeply rooted in the city’s culinary heritage.

The History of the National Fried Chicken Festival

The National Fried Chicken Festival is relatively new compared to some of New Orleans’ other food celebrations. It started as a way to bring tourism to the city during a traditionally slower season and has quickly grown into a major event that attracts visitors from across the country.

What began as a small gathering has evolved into a two-day extravaganza with dozens of vendors, multiple stages for entertainment, and thousands of attendees. The festival’s growth reflects both the universal appeal of fried chicken and New Orleans’ status as a premier food destination.

Final Thoughts

The 2022 Fried Chicken Festival was definitely a highlight of the fall season in New Orleans. Held on October 1-2 at the New Orleans Lakefront, it provided the perfect setting to enjoy one of America’s favorite foods while soaking in the unique culture and atmosphere that only NOLA can provide.

Whether you attended in 2022 or you’re planning to check out a future festival, this event offers a delicious way to experience the diversity of fried chicken preparations while enjoying music, community, and the beautiful lakefront setting.

And if you’re already marking your calendar for future chicken festivities, remember that the next National Fried Chicken Festival is coming up on October 4-5, 2025. I’m already counting down the days – maybe I’ll see you there!

Until then, keep supporting your local fried chicken spots and experimenting with your own recipes at home. After all, practice makes perfect, and there’s always room to improve your chicken game!