About the Festival
Birmingham’s sizzling celebration of food, music, and community comes alive at the historic Sloss Furnaces. The Furnace Chicken Festival brings together mouthwatering chicken dishes think fiery wings, bold flavors, and local twists alongside live performances from top-tier artists, artisan vendors, and activities for the whole family.
More than a party, it’s a vibrant tribute to Birmingham’s soul: its culture, creative energy, and communal warmth. Whether you’re here for the flavor, the beat, or the laughs under the furnace glow, the Festival promises memories that stick.
Join us in May 2, 2026 tickets available now! Don’t miss Birmingham’s most flavorful gathering.
🎶 What You Can Expect
-
30+ Food & Arts Vendors serving up mouthwatering chicken dishes, creative eats, and unique local crafts.
-
Best Wing Competition where local chefs battle it out for the crown of “Birmingham’s Best.”
-
Live Entertainment with DJs, musicians, and performers bringing nonstop energy.
-
Family Fun & Kids Zone with activities for children and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
❤️ Our Mission & Impact
More than just a festival, the Furnace Chicken Festival is a movement to celebrate community and give back. Proceeds from our inaugural event supported local organizations dedicated to strengthening Birmingham. Each year, we continue to expand our reach—creating opportunities for small businesses, spotlighting local talent, and investing in causes that matter.
👥 Meet the Organizers
-
Ivory LeShore III, Founder & CEO
“This festival is about more than food, it’s about bringing people together in a way that honors Birmingham’s history and celebrates its future.” -
William A. LeShore, COO & Event Director
“We wanted to create a signature event at Sloss Furnaces that would leave people saying: I can’t wait until next year.”
🚀 Join Us in 2026
The first year was just the beginning—2026 promises to be bigger and better!
Stay tuned for the official date and ticket release. Whether you’re a foodie, music lover, vendor, or family looking for a day of fun, the Furnace Chicken Festival is for you.
👉 [Get Tickets] | [Become a Vendor] | [Volunteer] | [Sponsor the Festival]
Meet The Organizers
Ivory has been an entrepreneur for years, building a reputation as a successful business owner with his beloved venture, Ivory LeShore’s Breadpudding and Cheesecakes. His desserts have become a staple at community events, where he learned firsthand the power of food to bring people together. That entrepreneurial journey gave him the insight, creativity, and resilience he now pours into the Furnace Chicken Festival.
As the festival’s Creative Director, Ivory is the driving force behind its identity and energy. With a background in marketing, community engagement, and festival production, he ensures that every detail reflects Birmingham’s unique spirit. From the high-energy Best Wing Showdown to the Classic Car Show, and from the music lineup to the family-friendly activities, Ivory curates experiences that keep the festival fresh, vibrant, and unforgettable.
Ivory is also proud to partner with Disability Rights & Resources, ensuring that the festival’s impact extends beyond entertainment by supporting organizations that empower independence and inclusion in Birmingham.
His vision is simple but powerful: to make every guest feel Birmingham’s pride, flavor, and fun, while positioning the Furnace Chicken Festival as one of the city’s premier annual traditions — a place where food, culture, and community all come together.
William LeShore is the organizational force behind the Furnace Chicken Festival. With a strong background in real estate leadership, large-scale project management, and community engagement, he brings the structure and vision needed to turn big ideas into successful outcomes. As COO and Event Director, William oversees logistics, sponsorship development, and vendor coordination ensuring that every detail, from permitting to programming, runs seamlessly.
His leadership experience across both the public and private sectors has prepared him to manage complex events with precision, while always keeping community impact at the center. William is committed to making the festival sustainable and inclusive, supporting local vendors, nonprofits, and small businesses that strengthen Birmingham.
Above all, William provides the framework that allows creativity, culture, and fun to thrive and, of course, he’s always ready to do whatever his big brother directs, because family teamwork is at the heart of the festival’s success.
👉 [Get Tickets] | [Become a Vendor] | [Volunteer] | [Sponsor the Festival]
Finding Inspiration in Every Event
