Mark your calendars, Nashville! The Music City Hot Chicken Festival is making a fiery return to East Nashville this July. As a regular fixture of the city’s Fourth of July celebrations, the spice-filled festival is set to grace East Park again this year, thrilling both local foodies and visitors from all around.

The 18th Annual Music City Hot Chicken Festival, taking place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at East Park, promises a day crammed full of sizzling hot chicken, cold beer, and live music. Keeping admission free, the event offers a chance for all to sample the culinary offerings of some of Nashville’s finest hot chicken vendors, including revered names like Prince’s Hot Chicken, Hattie B’s Chicken, Chicken Shack Express, and Party Fowl. Joining them will be newcomers like Hurts Hot Chicken and Eugene’s Hot Chicken, exciting food trucks and restaurant pop-ups such as Nashville Chicken & Waffles and Momma Joy’s Hot Chicken.

Of course, the festival is not all about chicken; it’s a celebration of Nashville’s unique food and drink culture. Accompanying the chicken vendors will be a range of other culinary delights. From the refreshing brews of Yazoo Brewery to comfort food from Loveless Café, refreshing treats from Retro Sno Food Truck, refreshing beverages by The Lemon Spot, and delicious bites from Buns on the Run.

The festivities begin at 10:30 a.m. with the Fire Truck Parade at Woodland Street and 9th Street, delivering a blaze of color, sound, and excitement just before the main event. It’s an iconic sight that only adds to the vibrant atmosphere of the day.

For those with a flair in the kitchen, the festival also features an Amateur Cooking competition where you can showcase your own take on hot chicken. It’s a fantastic opportunity to share your culinary creativity with the city and challenge the traditional recipe with personal twists.

For more details or to get involved in this year’s festival, stay tuned to festival updates on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok. Mark the date, bring your taste buds ready, and join the Music City Hot Chicken Festival this July in East Nashville. Let’s celebrate the fiery flavor and bold spirit of Nashville together.