The 2026 Daegu Chimaek Festival will run for five days beginning July 1.
According to the city of Daegu on Monday, this year's festival slogan is "Chimaek 26 (Takeoff)," reflecting the city's ambition to promote "chimaek" — the Korean pairing of fried chicken and beer — to the world following the festival's selection as a "preliminary global festival" by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
The festival grounds will be divided into four zones within Dalseo-gu's Duryu Park: the 2·28 Freedom Plaza, the 2·28 Memorial Tower parking lot, Duryu Park Road and the Kolon Outdoor Music Theater.
A large "Chimaek 26 Gate" modeled after an airport immigration checkpoint will greet visitors at the entrance.
Attendees will pass through "Chimaek Street" as they enter the festival grounds.
The 2·28 Freedom Plaza, where the main events will be held, will be developed as a multi-experience space under the concept of "Daeprica Watopia," blending Daegu's sweltering summer heat with cool water, EDM performances and chimaek culture.
The venue is designed around a 360-degree circular stage to bring performers and the audience together and heighten the sense of immersion.
The 2·28 Memorial Tower parking lot will host "Chimaek Sing-Along Club," where DJs and festivalgoers enjoy the music together.
Duryu Park Road will feature "K-Chimaek Culture Street," a zone blending chimaek with K-culture.
The Kolon Outdoor Music Theater will be transformed into "Chimaek Paradise EGG Island," designed to let visitors enjoy the festival comfortably even in rain or extreme heat.
Kim Jong-sik, head of Daegu's agricultural products and retail division, said the city will "continue to raise the festival's quality and content competitiveness so that it can grow into a global festival where people from around the world come together through chimaek."
kbj7653@heraldcorp.com
