Where to Take the Whole Family in September: The Famous Chicken Festival Returns to Fair Oaks
If you are looking for a fun and unusual family outing near Sacramento, save the date: September 19, 2026. That is when Fair Oaks will host the 21st annual Fair Oaks Chicken Festival, one of the most unusual and entertaining local festivals in the area. Expect live music, food trucks, activities for kids, contests, vendors, and, of course, plenty of the famous chicken atmosphere that has made Fair Oaks known far beyond the neighborhood.
The festival will take place on Saturday, September 19, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Fair Oaks Park, 11549 Fair Oaks Blvd., Fair Oaks, CA 95628. General admission is free.
Why chickens? For Fair Oaks, they are more than just a funny festival theme. The community’s history goes back to the late 19th century. The area was once home to citrus and olive orchards, farms, and backyard poultry. Over time, free roaming chickens became a true local attraction. Even today, you can spot them around businesses and other locations in Fair Oaks Village. Festival organizers describe the chickens as part of the history and local folklore of Fair Oaks.
That unusual local tradition is exactly what the Chicken Festival celebrates. In 2026, the event returns for its 21st year. Organizers have planned a full day of activities designed not only for adults, but also for families with children.
Live music will fill the Main Stage throughout the day. From 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM, All Hat No Cattle will perform country favorites. After one of the festival’s biggest contests, the music will continue from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM with Sunset River.
Kids will have their own special area called Rocky’s Community Kids Zone. The program includes free games and activities, carnival games, a small petting zoo, a coloring area, and other entertainment. Some additional attractions will require payment. For example, an unlimited inflatable wristband costs $20 when purchased in advance and $25 on the day of the festival.
Food lovers will have plenty to explore as well. The festival’s Feed Court will feature food trucks from the Sacramento area. Organizers list vendors serving tacos, pizza, barbecue, donuts, Hawaiian fried chicken, and other favorites. Each food truck is also expected to offer a special chicken themed dish created for the festival.
But one of the most unusual parts of the day begins at 3:00 PM.
That is when the famous Cluck n’ Crow Contest takes over the Main Stage. Adult contestants will cluck, crow, imitate the movements of chickens and roosters, and compete for the title of 2026 Fair Oaks Chicken Festival Champion. The winner will receive a $100 gift card. Participation is limited to 10 contestants, and advance registration is required.
Children get their own version of the competition. The Kids Cluck n’ Crow Contest for children ages 12 and younger is scheduled for 2:00 PM. So if your child has an exceptional talent for crowing like a rooster, this may finally be the day when that skill comes in handy.
And the unusual competitions do not stop there. The festival program also includes a decorated wooden chicken contest, a cornhole tournament, a disc golf putting competition, and an Egg Drop. Winners of the decorated chicken contest are scheduled to be announced at 4:30 PM.
If you are planning to attend, there are a few practical details worth knowing before you go.
General parking for festival visitors is free. Organizers specifically list parking near Fair Oaks Church at 11427 Fair Oaks Blvd. Spaces are available on a first come, first served basis. Limited free ADA parking will also be available, along with Preferred Parking for $15 per vehicle. Since parking is limited, organizers recommend carpooling, using a rideshare service, or arriving by bicycle. A free secure Bike Valet will be available for cyclists.
There are also several festival rules to keep in mind. Large bags and coolers, glass containers, and outside alcohol are not allowed. Smoking and vaping are prohibited in the park. Visitors are also asked to leave pets at home. Trained service animals are permitted. Guests and bags will be screened at the entrance.
One of the best things about the Fair Oaks Chicken Festival for families is that general admission is free. Many children’s activities are free as well. Visitors should expect to pay for food, certain attractions, purchases from vendors, and entry into some contests and tournaments.
Here are the main details worth saving:
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026.
Time: 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Location: Fair Oaks Park.
Address: 11549 Fair Oaks Blvd., Fair Oaks, CA 95628.
Admission: Free.
Kids Cluck n’ Crow Contest: 2:00 PM.
Main Cluck n’ Crow Contest: 3:00 PM.
The Fair Oaks Chicken Festival is appealing precisely because it is simple and fun. Not every family weekend needs to involve an expensive theme park or a major trip. Sometimes all you need is a short drive to a nearby community, something delicious from a food truck, live music, room for the kids to play, and the unforgettable sight of grown adults seriously competing to see who can cluck and crow the best.
It is also a chance to experience one of Sacramento County’s most unusual local traditions. Chickens here stopped being just birds a long time ago. They became part of the personality of Fair Oaks, and for one September day each year, that quirky piece of local history turns into a big family celebration.
✅ If you still have not decided where to take the family in September, mark September 19 on your calendar. And bring along that friend who does a suspiciously good rooster impression. This might finally be their moment to shine.
