The First Course: Elevated Dining presented by AT&T, Moet, & Veuve Clicquot

Before the gates open and the 10th anniversary weekend officially begins, experience the National Fried Chicken Festival like never before.

Join us Thursday, October 1, from 6–9 PM for The First Course, an intimate chicken and champagne dinner beneath the stars on the New Orleans Lakefront. Created as an elevated opening to the Festival’s 10th-anniversary celebration, this one-night-only experience brings together acclaimed culinary talent, premium champagne and live entertainment for an unforgettable evening on the festival grounds.

Guests will enjoy a four-course, chef-crafted dinner, with each course showcasing the distinctive style and creativity of a featured chef:

Vlad Kogan, Executive Chef, The Windsor Court
Allison Birdsall, Executive Chef, Rosedale
Edgar “Dook” Chase IV, Renowned Restaurateur & Chef
Jeremy Fogg, Acclaimed Pastry Chef

Each course will be thoughtfully complemented by premium Moët & Veuve Clicquot champagne pairings, creating a dining experience designed to celebrate the many possibilities of chicken and champagne.

As the evening unfolds, enjoy live entertainment and dancing beneath the stars, along with an exclusive sneak peek of the National Fried Chicken Festival grounds before gates officially open to the public on Friday.

Elegant, intimate and created exclusively for the Festival’s milestone anniversary, The First Course is your invitation to experience a different side of the National Fried Chicken Festival—and raise a glass to the weekend ahead.

Seating for this exclusive experience is extremely limited. Secure your place at the table while reservations remain.