Festivals, Fairs & Special Events
Tenderfest 2026 October 10, 2026
The world’s largest chicken tender festival, is coming to Chicago for the first time ever on Saturday, Oct 10th.
The CEO behind Prince Street Pizza, and Founder of h.wood (Delilah, Nice Guy) is bringing a little scene, a lot of humor and seriously good tenders to the Navy Pier for an all-you-can-eat chicken tender party. Nick Turturro & Foodgod host the ConTENDER Cup, where local chefs David Choi, Jeff Mero, Lamar J. Moore, and Manny’s Delicatessen go head-to-head in front of a live crowd and celebrity judges Cole Bennett and Joey Chestnut. There are stilt walkers, dancing chickens, chickens on roller skates, and a live attempt at the World’s Largest Chicken Tender with chef Josh Elkin — plus a live Chicken Tender Eating Contest.
The vendor lineup: Dave’s Hot Chicken, Harold’s Tender Crush, Fathead Chicken, Qi Guan Bakery, Portillo’s, Sir Chicken, Bub City, RJ Grunts, Do-Rite Donuts, Hattie B’s, Fry the Coop, and Roost Chicken & Biscuits are all serving up unlimited tastings, alongside the Heinz Sauce Vault and support from Cash App, E. & J. Gallo, and Bilt.
What: TenderFest Chicago 2026 — The World’s Largest Chicken Tender Festival
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: Session One 11:00am–3:00pm | Session Two 5:00pm–9:00pm
Location: Navy Pier, Chicago, IL
IG: @Tenderfest
Tickets: tixr.com
