The French fry festival is back! On April 18, 2020, the world’s favorite side dish takes center stage once again at the second annual FRIED, French Fry & Music Festival at Margaret T. Hance Park in Downtown Phoenix. FRIED presents some of the Valley’s most creative culinary talent and showcases their versions of gourmet French fries for an affordable $2-$3 each. Larger portions for sharing (or not sharing) with friends and family will be available as well.  

Last year’s festival was a French fry-topia. The 20-plus participants included Frites St., The American Poutine Co., the French Me truck, Chula Seafood, Hibachibot, Handlebar Diner, Los Compadres, Sr. Ozzy’s, Provecho, Dang Brother Pizza, and Trapp Haus BBQ. They collectively made everything from carne asada and pulled pork fries to kimchee, chorizo, lobster, and even Bolognese fries. There were Cali burritos with fries, French fry tacos, and even pizza fries. It was basically heaven on earth. On stage, the music line-up included local indie-rock bands like Fairy Bones, Weird Radicals, and decker. Expect similar line-ups this year, with announcements regularly being made on festival social media. 

Attendees can ride bikes to the festival and valet their wheels with Phoenix Spokes People. Also, be on the lookout for Lyft discount codes, should you imbibe at the on-site Gracie’s Tax Bar. Also part of the festivities: lawn games from AZ Board Source, local vendor marketplace, and other culinary offerings like burgers, desserts, and of course, more fried foods.  

This festival is produced by PHX Fest, calorie-loving creators of the Phoenix Pizza Festival and Downtown Donut Festival, also at Hance Park. The event benefits Downtown Phoenix Inc., a community group that works to make Downtown Phoenix a vibrant, world-class city.