It's Getting Hot (Chicken) in East Nashville on July 4th

It's Getting Hot (Chicken) in East Nashville on July 4th

The hottest festival in Nashville is back!

The 15th Annual Music City Hot Chicken Festival brings together the local community and visitors to celebrate the uniquely Nashville dish, Hot Chicken. We asked Rebecca Ratz, the executive director of Friends of Shelby, for all of the mouth-watering details. If you can't make it to the festival and want to bring the heat home, check out these Nashville Hot Chicken gifts.

What do you expect to be hotter at the Music City Hot Chicken Festival - the temperature or the chicken?

Even when the temperature reaches 98 and the humidity is at 100% there is nothing hotter than Nashville Hot Chicken.

What is the goal of the festival?

The celebrate the uniquely Nashville, not to be replicated cuisine that is Nashville Hot Chicken. The festival first introduced the masses to hot chicken 15 years ago, and thanks to the original vendors like Prince’s and Bolton’s, hot chicken has grown into an international phenomenon.

Can you tell us who will be judging 15th annual Hot Chicken Festival Amateur Cooking Competition?

Vice Mayor Jim Shulman, Davidson County Clerk Brenda Wynn, Register of Deeds Karen Johnson, Former Mayor Bill Purcell, Deputy Mayor Brenda Haywood, NewsChannel 5’s Tuwanda Coleman. The contest will be broadcast on Talk of the Town on June 1.

Will there be anything to put out the heat? Are there other vendors at the Festival?

We’ve got some great treats for those looking to beat the heat including ice cream, snow cones, lemonade and peaches!

What about the Music City part of the festival? What musical acts are planned?

The festival will have a great lineup this year to keep your feet tapping through the afternoon including Doug Seegers, Whoa Dakota, The Ragcoats, Matt Gaylord

Whoa Dakota
Tell us about Friends of Shelby.

Friends of Shelby a community based nonprofit dedicated to preserving, enhancing and advocating for Shelby Park and Bottoms. We lead volunteer efforts, incest in park improvements, and out on events that get neighbors active and engaged with each other. We are humbled to have been part of the festival for so many years and to bring such a fun event to the people of Nashville.

Friends of Shelby

How much does it cost to attend?

Absolutely nothing! Entry to the festival is free. Everyone is welcome to listen to music, enjoy the kids area hosted by Warner Elementary, and have fun. Food and beverages are available for purchase though the festival.

Anything else we should know before we go?

This year’s festival is dedicated to the memory of Bolton Matthews, founder and owner of Bolton’s spicy chicken and Fish who passed away on June 2, 2021