Dillon Francis and A-Trak to headline National Fried Chicken Festival

The National Fried Chicken Festival is booking its most prominent electronic music acts to date. Dillon Francis and A-Trak will headline the 2026 edition of the New Orleans event, which runs October 2-4 at the New Orleans Lakefront.

Expanded music programming for anniversary edition

The bookings signal a notable shift for a festival historically built around food, local culture and community programming. While DJs have appeared on past lineups, Francis and A-Trak mark the festival's most prominent EDM bookings to date. The 10th anniversary edition is expanding to three days and leaning harder into music, with a lineup that also includes Nelly, 2 Chainz, Ying Yang Twins, Keri Hilson, Webbie and local icon Big Freedia with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.

Three stages and 40 restaurant vendors

This year's edition will feature three stages and 40 restaurant vendors along with lounges, VIP offerings, a 5k run/walk, family-friendly activities and the Raising Cane's Block Party. Founded in 2016, the National Fried Chicken Festival has grown into one of New Orleans' more recognizable culinary events. The festival has served 2.4 million pounds of chicken to roughly 500,000 attendees over the past decade, according to its organizers.

The bigger music push also comes with higher weekend pricing. Friday general admission remains closer to previous years at $21 including taxes and fees, while single-day tickets for Saturday or Sunday are priced at $70. A three-day general admission pass is $115.