Eat. Rock. Repeat. Your Guide to Wing & Rock Fest 2026

Mar 17, 2026

Get ready to lick your fingers clean and crank up the volume, because the Annual Wing & Rock Festival is back at Canton's scenic Etowah River Park on March 21 and 22! Now in its 19th year, this free, family-friendly weekend is the ultimate mash-up of the region's tastiest chicken wings, high-energy rock tributes, and good vibes in the heart of North Georgia.

Recognized as one of the Top Regional Festivals by Georgia Business Journal, and the third-largest chicken wing festival in the country, Wing & Rock Fest draws thousands of wing lovers and music fans every year. Expect over 20,000 attendees, more than 50,000 wings devoured, and non-stop fun for all ages.

75+ Flavors from Over 25 Wing Vendors

You've never tried wings like these! At Wing & Rock, over 25 local restaurants and food trucks will be slinging grilled, fried, and smoked wings in more than 75 bold flavors (a full, up-to-date list of participating vendors can be found on Wing & Rock's website.) At the end of the Festival, bragging rights are up for grabs! Awards will be given to the booths with the Best Buffalo Wing Sauce and Best Overall Wing, as well as a People's Choice Award (stop by the Info Booth to vote for your favorite.)

Wings not your thing? Don't worry, there will be plenty of other vendors serving up barbecue, burgers, hot dogs, and other festival favorites and desserts. Whatever you end up getting will pair perfectly with an ice-cold beer or craft cocktail (must be 21+ with ID) from one of the many on-site beverage vendors.

Keep in mind that some vendors might only accept cash. Although ATMs will be on site, be sure to plan ahead!

Rock the Park All Weekend Long

Killer wings with a side of Rock & Roll - that's how it's done at Wing & Rock! The open-air stage at Etowah River Park bursts to life with an all-star music lineup that will have you singing and dancing to from throughout the decades.

Saturday, March 21

11:00 a.m. – School of Rock West Cobb
12:15 p.m. – M.E.R.M.E.R. (R.E.M. Tribute)
2:15 p.m. – Ozzy Crue (Ozzy Osbourne Tribute)
3:30 p.m. – ATL Crue (Mötley Crüe Tribute)
5:15 p.m. – TORN, Six Feet From the Edge, A Salute to CREED

Sunday, March 22

11:00 a.m. – School of Rock Woodstock
12:15 p.m. – Can’t Drive 55 (Sammy Hagar Tribute)
2:15 p.m. – Born Ready (Great Music Tribute)
4:30 p.m. – Velcro Pygmies (High Energy Rock)

Enter the Famous Wing-Eating Contest!

Think you can handle the heat? Step right up for Wing & Rock's signature wing eating contest, taking place once per day at approximately 1:45 p.m.

How does it work? It's completely free to sign up and participate! The first 12 people to sign up at the Info Booth before 1 p.m. compete for glory (you can also pre-register here.)

Each contestant gets 15 sauced wings in one minute - finish early and you get 10 more! Bones go back in the receptacle, and the Executive Judge weighs the remains.

Prizes: 1st Place gets a medal + gift certificate; 2nd & 3rd get gift certificates. Everyone receives a festival T-shirt and contest sponsor shirt. (Full official rules on the Wing & Rock site.)

Last year’s champion will surely be back to guard their title. Do you have what it takes to dethrone them?

Family Fun, Arts and Crafts, & More

You thought Wing & Rock was just about great food and a rockin' soundtrack? Think again! While those are certainly worth making the trip for all on their own, Wing & Rock has so much more to offer.

Art lovers can lose themselves in a one-of-a-kind arts & crafts fair, where they can meet the local makers behind the masterpieces. Looking to get creative in the kitchen? Swing by the farmers market for the freshest "just-picked" local produce that'll inspire your next meal. Meanwhile, the little ones will have a blast in the Kids Zone - an oversized wonderland packed with inflatables, amusement rides, and activities to keep them entertained all day long.

Don't "Wing" your Weekend Plans

Art lovers, foodies, families, music fans - you're in for a rockin' weekend at Wing & Rock.

The best part? Admission and parking are completely free! So bring your appetite and show up ready to have a good time.

Coming from out of town? Find and book your stay in Canton right here.

We can’t wait to celebrate one of the country’s largest wing festivals with you! Share your pictures with us by tagging us on Instagram and Facebook and use the hashtag #ExploreCantonGA for a chance to be featured on Explore Canton!

Author

Michael Loizou

Digital Content Specialist; City of Canton, GA

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