The 12th Annual Michigan Chicken Wing Festival Returns to Lansing’s Adado Riverfront Park This Labor Day Weekend

Aug 9

2 min read

LANSING, MI — August 3, 2026 — The Michigan Chicken Wing Festival is officially returning to downtown Lansing for its 12th annual celebration on Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6, 2026. The highly anticipated community event will take over Adado Riverfront Park (300 N. Grand Ave.) from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily, offering a weekend filled with food, music, and family entertainment.

This year’s festival features more than 30 unique wing flavors served by premier local and regional food trucks and vendors. Attendees will have the opportunity to cast their votes in the competitive People’s Choice Wing Vendor Contest to crown mid-Michigan's top wing master.

Beyond the food, the festival boasts a packed entertainment lineup, including live music acts across multiple genres, a community open mic, a festival line dance competition, and the legendary, crowd-favorite Wing Eating Contest taking place at 4:30 PM both days. Adults aged 21 and older can enjoy the VIP Beer, Wine, and Hard Cider Tent, or VVIP Experience with Food Network chef – “The Mayberry Man” Goober; while families can take advantage of the Kids Zone featuring giant inflatables and youth activities.

More than just a food festival, the event serves a vital community purpose. A portion of all proceeds directly benefits the Against All Odds Foundation, a local non-profit organization dedicated to supporting underserved communities, disabled veterans, and cancer survivors across mid-Michigan. In alignment with this mission, the festival offers free general admission to children aged 14 and under, senior citizens aged 65 and older, military veterans, and cancer survivors.

"We are thrilled to bring the community together once again at Adado Riverfront Park for a weekend of great food and entertainment that directly gives back to those who need it most in our community," said the festival organization committee.

General admission tickets and premium tiered VVIP Experience packages can be purchased in advance online. Food truck vendor registration and volunteer applications are also currently open.

For ticket purchases, vendor applications, or more information, visit the official website at michiganchickenwingfestival.com or follow the official Michigan Chicken Wing Festival page on Facebook for main stage lineup announcements.