09/20/2026
The World Chicken Festival is returning next week, featuring live music, contests, amusement rides, magic shows, and the world’s largest skillet.
The family-friendly event will span from Thursday, September 24, through Sunday, Sept. 27. Kicking off festivities on Thursday, the world’s largest skillet opens from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Vendors and registration for the Col. Sander’s Look-A-Like Contest open at 5 p.m., with gospel singer and Whitley County native Peggy Inks performing. The Col. Sander’s Look-A-Like Contest will then commence around 5:30 p.m., followed by entertainment from Escape the Fire and registration for a karaoke contest at 6 p.m.
At 7 p.m. Thursday, the karaoke contest begins, along with entertainment at the Stage of Stars. The Stage of Stars will feature bluegrass bands Cold River and Bourbon Revival.
The fun continues on Friday, September 25, with vendors opening and the Egg Drop Contest on Main Street at 10 a.m. The skillet will be open from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. At the Sanders Stage, the Cluckin’ Struttin’ & Crowin’ Contest is at 12 p.m., followed by musical acts Robert Micheal Havard, Wh**ky Ridge, Studio London, and Mackinleigh Anglin.
As for the Stage of Stars, Ida Clare will bring a blend of country, folk, and bluegrass at 6 p.m., followed by country artists JD Shelburne and Kentucky Headhunters.
Saturday brings the skillet and vendors again, along with the Hot Wing Eating Contest registration at 11 a.m. and the contest itself at 12 p.m. The Whiskers & Beard Contest and Mullett Contest will follow, with music at the Sanders Stage including Pet That Yeti, Troy “Carlois” Burchett, and Jake Vanover.
The Stage of Stars lineup will include Joseph Clark at 6 p.m. with rock and pop, The Voice’s own Austin Ellis at 7:30 p.m., and legendary rock band Firehouse at 9 p.m.
Sunday’s activities will bring another year of the beloved event to a close. In the afternoon, the world’s largest skillet and vendors open for the final time. Live music begins at 1 p.m. with The Franklins, followed by Tim Lovelace, Fair Haven Quartet, and Jeff & Sheri Easter.
Kiddie World will feature Magic Mike’s Magic Show for Kids and Grandpa Cratchet’s Kid’s Show each day. The festival closes at 5 p.m. Sunday.
To learn more about this year’s World Chicken Festival and view a map for activities, visit https://chickenfestival.com.
