Organizers of the National Fried Chicken Festival (FCF) presented by Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers have announced a handful of highly-anticipated new experiences to surprise and delight festival attendees when the event takes place this fall, as well as a flyover video to showcase its new location.

Earlier this year, FCF announced its new home along the New Orleans lakefront to celebrate its fifth anniversary event. The new location will provide festivalgoers with more than one million square feet of beautiful waterfront views. Festival organizers released a video rendering of what to expect in the event’s new location and expanded footprint, which will span from Franklin Avenue to the Seabrook Bridge to ensure attendees are safe and able to socially distance themselves while enjoying the festivities.

The fifth annual event, which is set to take place Oct. 23–24, 2021, along Lakeshore Drive, has partnered with the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF) to present two new guest experiences, including a cultural marketplace where attendees can browse and shop a variety of local arts, crafts, and goods by local artisans. The cultural marketplace will include 10 carefully selected non-food vendors from various fields that represent New Orleans culture. The organization will also be presenting an experience modeled after Super Sunday during the last day of the festival including Mardi Gras Indians and a second line brass band.

“Providing a platform and supporting our city’s culture bearers and cultural institutions is the mission of our organization,” said Lisa D. Alexis, president and CEO of NOTCF. “Our partnership with the National Fried Chicken Festival will allow us to support our city’s ambassadors while also contributing to New Orleans’ cultural economy.”

Another exciting addition to this year’s festival includes a custom and classic car show. “Custom cars are historically synonymous with the New Orleans lakefront so it’s only befitting for the festival to add this new experience as a part of the move to the lakefront,” said Terence King, FCF director of event operations. The car show will be a unique mix of some of the most exquisite cars, trucks, and motorcycles in New Orleans and will feature an impressive lineup of classics, hot rods, exotics, lowriders, custom trucks, custom motorcycles and more.

“In addition to our brand new location, FCF’s fifth anniversary will provide both new and returning festivalgoers with a truly unique and immersive experience unlike anything they’ve seen before,” said Cleveland Spears, III, FCF organizer and President/CEO of the Spears Group. “From our significantly expanded and scenic site, to a variety of all-new sponsor activations and some exciting out-of-state chefs and restaurants that will be participating in this year’s fried chicken fest will truly have something for everyone.”

For more information, visit friedchickenfestival.com.