The Chicken and Beer Festival is making its return to downtown Indianapolis for the sixth consecutive year, set to take place on Saturday, August 1, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at University Park, located at 325 North Meridian Street.

Founded in 2021 by EatHere CEO Bradley Houser, the festival has grown significantly, attracting thousands of attendees each year while maintaining its commitment to supporting local food and beverage entrepreneurs. Event organizers confirmed that 100% of the revenue generated goes directly to the participating businesses.

Ticket Information

The festival has introduced changes to the ticketing structure. Instead of traditional VIP and General Admission tiers, attendees can choose between free entry tickets and tasting tickets. The free entry ticket allows access to the festival grounds but doesn’t include tastings; food and drinks can be purchased directly from the vendors.

For those interested in tastings, tickets are available which include five food samples and four drink samples during a designated tasting window from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Following this period, vendors will continue to sell food and drinks directly to attendees.

"This shift reflects the festival’s continued focus on affordability and access—removing barriers for guests while still delivering a high-quality tasting experience," a festival spokesperson stated in a news release. Unlike many events that charge separately for entry and food, the Chicken and Beer Festival aims to create an inclusive environment for all visitors.

Free and tasting tickets can be obtained online, with tasting tickets priced at $40, although early bird tickets are currently available for $25.

What to Expect

Guests can anticipate a diverse lineup of offerings from more than 30 local chefs. The list of participating vendors will be released closer to the event date. Additionally, the popular Hot Wing Challenge will return this year, complemented by live music and entertainment throughout the day.

For those looking to join the festivities, tickets and additional information can be found on the Chicken and Beer Festival website.