Food vendors participating in Keith Lee‘s inaugural FamiLee Day festival in May will do so at no cost, as the popular TikTok food critic and influencer has announced he’s waiving vendor fees.
In a TikTok shared Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Lee said he “finally got approved.”
“On what, you might ask?” he continued, explaining that the festival is now “a complete marketing platform for small businesses, local businesses, and staples of the community.” He added that “all vendor fees [are] completely waived” in what he described as a “first-of-its-kind” move — at least based on his experience.
Lee said vendors will keep 100% of their sales, with the only cost being rental equipment.
“Show up, sell your product, sell your food, market your business, market your social media, market where they’re going to see you at, market your location and everything, and make your money,” he said.
@keith_lee125 Keith Speaks 💕 now let’s see what media talks about this 🫡 💕 @Familee Day ♬ original sound – Keith Lee
Lee has over 17 million followers on TikTok, where his food reviews have driven national attention to local restaurants and small businesses throughout the country, AFROTECH™ previously reported. He said FamiLee Day has been over a year in the making, as he aims to scale impact beyond individual restaurant visits.
“FamiLee Day is rooted in creating real opportunities for local businesses,” Lee said, WVUE Fox 8 reports. “By eliminating vendor fees, we’re prioritizing the success of our partners and ensuring they can fully benefit from the exposure, community engagement, and economic impact the festival is designed to generate.”
Built Over A Year Of Intention
FamiLee Day is set for May 16, 2026, at the UNO Lakefront Arena festival grounds in New Orleans. The event is marketed as a single-day experience centered on food, music, and family-friendly programming, AFROTECH™ noted.
At its core, the festival aims to create sustained visibility and economic opportunity for small and underrepresented restaurants. It focuses especially on those that often struggle to break through traditional marketing channels, according to AFROTECH™.
FamiLee Day was designed to give small businesses a recurring opportunity for national exposure and long-term growth.
“This is the most I’ve been excited about something when it comes to business, because it is a true passion of mine. I want everybody to show up and have an amazing time,” Lee shared in the March 24 TikTok.
Citing a press release, AFROTECH™ reported that NAACP Image Award-winning comedian Kevin “KevOnStage” Fredericks will host the experience. The event will feature a multi-genre lineup of Louisiana-based and nationally recognized artists spanning multiple generations.
Performers include Kirk Franklin, Mannie Fresh, Andra Day, La Reezy, Subtweet Shawn, DJ RBD, Rude Jude, Ha Sizzle, DJ Keith Scott, Neace Robinson, DJ Arie Spins, and Shamar.
Beyond food and music, FamiLee Day will feature carnival rides and interactive experiences, including a prize-winning family obstacle course competition, where Lee said his own family will participate alongside attendees.
Why FamiLee Day Matters For The Culture
Social media users have widely documented Lee’s ability to turn digital influence into real-world economic impact. Many restaurants featured in his TikTok reviews have experienced notable increases in visibility, foot traffic, and revenue, AFROTECH™ noted.
The event is anticipated to bring together thousands of attendees and generate national media exposure. Lee hopes that, in return, it will create consistent opportunities for businesses that often operate without large marketing budgets.
“FamiLee Day is a rendition of a family union,” Lee told AFROTECH™. “It highlights small businesses, highlights the community, and highlights family fun. This is just that personified.”
Backed by Live Nation Urban and rooted in Lee’s community-first approach, the festival helps advance his goal of reimagining what a food festival can be. Together, Lee and his partners see the event as the start of a broader cultural movement.
“FamiLee Day is not just a festival; it is a movement where creators, cuisine, and community collide,” said Brandon Pankey, Live Nation Urban’s vice president of business development and operations, per AFROTECH™.
