Guy Fieri, the charismatic celebrity chef and star of numerous cooking shows, recently sat down to discuss his highly anticipated annual event, Guy’s Flavortown Tailgate, a Super Bowl party that promises to be as lively as it is delicious. The event, which will take place in New Orleans on Sunday, February 11, from 12-5 p.m. CT, is expected to draw 10,000 guests and will feature a star-studded lineup, including a performance by the renowned DJ and music producer Diplo. This comes just days after Diplo made headlines during a live CNN interview on New Year’s Eve, where he revealed he was under the influence of LSD during the broadcast. Fieri, however, isn’t fazed by the news. “If you know Diplo, you understand what a character he is,” Fieri says with a chuckle. “He also has a very nice PG-side of himself.” Fieri and his team are confident that Diplo will bring his A-game to the family-friendly event, as the two have collaborated on numerous projects over the years, including regular appearances at Stagecoach, a popular music festival. “Diplo and I do a lot of events together,” Fieri explains. “He’s one of my favorite people in the world. I think Diplo and I have returned more to Stagecoach than anybody. He’s such a genuine person.”
In addition to Diplo’s performance, the Flavortown Tailgate will feature a dynamic lineup of entertainment, including the iconic rapper Flava Flav and the New Orleans rock band Cowboy Mouth. The event is completely free and will be held at Mardi Gras World, a venue conveniently located within walking distance of many hotels and the stadium where the Super Bowl will take place. “It’s free, and all of this is within walking distance between the hotels and the stadium, if they are going to the game,” Fieri notes. The event will also offer a wide variety of food and drinks, courtesy of major brands like Carnival, Crock-Pot, King’s Hawaiian, Tyson, Sabra, Hellmann’s, GNC, Flavortown Sauce, Pepsi, Anheuser-Busch, Natalie’s Juice, and Santo Tequila. For those looking for a more exclusive experience, the event will also offer VIP packages, complete with tables and priority access to watch the performances. “I have a lot of other people who come and say, ‘Well, wait a second, I don’t want to get into the whole mix. I want a table. I want to watch the band.’ We have a great VIP package, too,” Fieri adds.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the event is its commitment to giving back to the community. Fieri and his team have reserved 2,000 tickets specifically for active military personnel, veterans, and first responders. “We carved off 2,000 of the tickets just to make sure that our brothers and sisters who are active military and veterans and first responders are available for them,” Fieri explains. This gesture reflects Fieri’s deep appreciation for those who serve and his desire to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for all attendees. The event has become a beloved tradition for football fans and foodies alike, offering something for everyone.
When asked about the possibility of expanding Flavortown Tailgate to other cities in the future, Fieri expressed enthusiasm for the idea. “Wouldn’t that be cool?” he says. “I do have all my brothers and sisters in the Flavortown army out there. That is a damn good idea.” The concept of bringing the event to multiple cities simultaneously during Super Bowl weekend could help spread the unique Flavortown experience to even more people, while also maintaining the intimate, community-driven vibe that has made the event so popular.
However, as with any large public gathering, security is a top priority. Fieri and his team have been working closely with local law enforcement and the NFL to ensure that the event is safe for all attendees. This focus on security is especially important in the wake of a tragic terror attack that occurred in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, which claimed the lives of 15 people and injured at least 57. “Everybody dropped what they were doing at the time, and we said, ‘Let’s all focus on security now,’” Fieri recalls. The team has left no stone unturned in their efforts to create a secure environment, understanding that the safety of their guests is not just a responsibility but a necessity. “It is our responsibility to make sure that everybody is and feels incredibly safe,” Fieri emphasizes.
As the countdown to Guy’s Flavortown Tailgate continues, Fieri’s excitement is palpable. The event represents more than just a party—it’s a celebration of food, music, and community, brought together by one of the most passionate and charismatic figures in the culinary world. With its stellar lineup of performers, delicious cuisine, and commitment to safety and inclusivity, Guy’s Flavortown Tailgate promises to be an unforgettable experience for all who attend. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan, a food enthusiast, or just looking for a fun and festive way to enjoy the Super Bowl weekend, this event has something for everyone. And who knows? If Fieri’s idea of expanding to other cities comes to fruition, the Flavortown experience could soon be coming to a city near you. For now, though, New Orleans is ready to embrace the flavor, fun, and camaraderie that only Flavortown can deliver.
