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Furnace Chicken Festival (Nathan Watson / Bham Now) — We’re counting down the days until Furnace Chicken Fest on Saturday, May 2. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Last year, Birmingham’s inaugural Furnace Chicken Festival welcomed crowds as they gathered across Sloss Furnaces, sifting through booths of local artists and sampling more chicken than you can imagine.

Now, the chicken fest is back for its second year in the Magic City—and it’s coming up on Saturday, May 2! Keep reading for what to expect at Furnace Chicken Festival 2026 and how you can get your tickets now.

Know before you go: 2nd annual Furnace Chicken Festival

Brothers Ivory and William LeShore brought Furnace Chicken Festival to Birmingham, complete with a historic location, local businesses and yes, lots of chicken. The goal was to create more than just a festival, but a gathering that honors Birmingham’s culture, creativity and community spirit.

The cultural celebration is back and better than ever. Here’s what you need to know:

When: Saturday, May 2 | 1-9PM
Where: Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, 20 32nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35222
How much:
- General admission: $15 + fees
- VIP: $40 + fees gets you in early, access to the V94.9 Signature VIP Lounge + exclusive Furnace Chicken Fest swag!
Get tickets now

What can I expect at Furnace Chicken Festival?

chicken wings — Expect tons of local vendors (not just chicken!) at Furnace Chicken Festival. (Bham Now)

Dozens of vendors are lining up for the Furnace Chicken Festival to serve you, including:

Food vendors
- La Tarasca Snacks & More
- Roll Cajun Boudin
- Pollogoyo
- A’s kitchen
- 1918 Catering LLC
- 18 Wayz Wingz & Thingz
- SUBS N GRUB
- Ivory LeShore’s GOURMET bread pudding & cheesecakes
- Sweet Treats By Meesh
- Aromas from Home
- Tis So Sweet Lemonade
- Sauce & Suds Five Points
- Frozen Rooster
- Sweet Home Foods

Art + retail vendors
- Sports Authority
- Dolce Vita Candle Co
- Toon Me Up Caricatures
- The Classy Area Inc
- Paint Party and Kits
- Magic City Apparel
- Magic City Ink Tattoos
- The Patched Panda
- Dinasti’s Divine Creations
- Big Daddy Sauces and Catering
- Hamm Farms

Plus, you can expect activities like:

Energy from Festival MC, LHUT
DJ Coca Cola, DJ Charles Rich + live music from Black Sedan Band
Festival line dancing
Classic car showcase
Kids Zone
Cornhole tournament
“Best Chicken” competition

Eat chicken + support a Birmingham nonprofit

The best part? A portion of the proceeds from Furnace Chicken Festival ticket sales will go to Disability Rights & Resources—a local nonprofit that supports people with disabilities through advocacy + services.

This Birmingham nonprofit encourages and supports people with disabilities to reach their own independent living goals. They do this through advocacy, peer support and services like: