Nashville’s Hottest Kosher Festival Is Back
11th Annual Kosher Nashville Hot Chicken & JAM Festival
Sunday, November 8, 2026 | 12:30–3:30 PM
Gordon Jewish Community Center | Nashville, Tennessee
Get ready for an afternoon filled with Nashville hot chicken, live music, Jewish arts, local vendors and community fun! The Kosher Nashville Hot Chicken & JAM Festival returns for its 11th year, bringing together two of Nashville’s greatest traditions: unforgettable food and incredible live music.
SPONSORS
Hot Chicken, Live Music and a Whole Lot of JAM
The Kosher Nashville Hot Chicken & JAM Festival is a uniquely Nashville celebration where food, music, art and community come together.
Watch amateur and professional cooking teams put their own spin on Nashville’s legendary hot chicken. Purchase tasting tickets to sample the entries, discover your favorites and see which team takes home the top honors.
While the competition heats up, the JAM—Jewish Arts & Music—Festival keeps the celebration going with live performances, artists, vendors, family-friendly activities and plenty of opportunities to connect with Nashville’s vibrant Jewish community.
You do not have to be Jewish to attend. This festival is designed for the entire Nashville community to enjoy.
The Kosher Nashville Hot Chicken Competition
Who Will Bring the Heat in 2026?
Local cooking teams will fire up their fryers and compete to create an unforgettable kosher version of Nashville’s signature dish.
Festival guests can purchase tasting tickets and sample entries from participating teams. Competitors will be serving up their own combinations of heat, seasoning and Nashville hot chicken flavor—all prepared according to the festival’s kosher requirements.
The competition welcomes creativity, but only one team can rise to the top.
What Does “Kosher Nashville Hot Chicken” Mean?
Nashville hot chicken is known for its crispy coating, bold seasoning and unmistakable heat. At this festival, participating teams prepare their recipes according to established kosher food requirements under festival supervision.
That means members of the Jewish community who observe kosher dietary practices can participate in a Nashville food tradition that is not always available in a kosher setting.
JAM: Jewish Arts & Music Festival
Come for the Chicken. Stay for the JAM.
JAM stands for Jewish Arts & Music, and the festival stage is an important part of the celebration. Guests can enjoy live performances while exploring Jewish culture, creativity and community in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
The festival has previously welcomed a diverse lineup of local, regional and nationally recognized performers. The official 2026 music schedule and artist lineup will be announced as performers are confirmed.
Shop Local Artists and Vendors
Browse booths featuring art, gifts, handcrafted products, community organizations and other local vendors. The vendor area gives guests an opportunity to shop, discover new businesses and meet the people behind Nashville’s creative and Jewish communities.
Interested in participating as a vendor? Applications for the 2026 festival will be available soon.
A Festival for the Whole Community
Bring your friends, family and appetite. The Kosher Nashville Hot Chicken & JAM Festival is a welcoming, family-friendly celebration open to people of every background.
Whether you come to taste the chicken, hear the music, shop from local vendors or spend the afternoon with your community, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.