Maryland's Chicken Wing Festival Returns This Weekend

The 12th annual event features wing-eating contests, live music, and more at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:55pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen illustration featuring a repeated pattern of a single chicken wing in bright neon shades, conceptually representing the lively energy and culinary focus of a community food festival.The Maryland Chicken Wing Festival celebrates the state's love of this beloved comfort food with a weekend of competitions, live music, and local flavor.Crownsville Today

The 12th annual Maryland Chicken Wing Festival is taking place this Saturday and Sunday at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds in Crownsville. The family-friendly event will feature a variety of activities including axe-throwing, archery, pepper eating contests, a best wing sauce competition, and live music performances.

Why it matters

The Maryland Chicken Wing Festival has become a beloved annual tradition, drawing thousands of visitors to the region to celebrate the state's love of chicken wings. The festival highlights local food vendors and small businesses, providing an economic boost to the community.

The details

Tickets for the festival start at $18.77 for Saturday and $13.12 for Sunday, with free admission for children under 12. In addition to the wing-focused competitions, the event will host axe-throwing, archery, and musical performances by artists like Daphne Eckman and the Naptown Brass Band. More than a dozen vendors will be set up in 'wing alley' for attendees to sample a variety of wing sauces and flavors.

  • The festival will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • The festival will continue on Sunday, April 27, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The players

Daphne Eckman

A musical performer scheduled to take the stage at the Maryland Chicken Wing Festival.

Naptown Brass Band

A musical group scheduled to perform at the Maryland Chicken Wing Festival.

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The takeaway

The Maryland Chicken Wing Festival is a must-attend event for wing enthusiasts and families looking for a fun-filled weekend. The festival's mix of food, activities, and live entertainment makes it a unique celebration of the state's culinary culture and community spirit.