Keith Lee brought his viral food platform to life with FamiLee Day, a one-day event that was held on May 16 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the UNO Lakefront Grounds in New Orleans, in which tickets started at $69.50. What began as TikTok food reviews has now turned into a real-world experience with thousands of people showing up to watch performances, play games, and take part in a live experience of the food content they usually see online.
Throughout the day, the festival drew thousands of attendees who came to try a wide range of viral and local food vendors hand-picked by Lee himself. The overall setup reflected his usual focus on highlighting small businesses with a lineup that mixed New Orleans staples with restaurants that have gained attention through his platform. Instead of people discovering these spots one by one online, FamiLee Day brought them together in a single location for a limited food experience.
The event also featured musical performances throughout the day with artists such as Kirk Franklin and Andra Day, which helped turn the festival into more than just a food festival, blending live entertainment with food and culture.
The vendor list was extensive, featuring Absoulety Edible Cakes, Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, Jamaican Jerk House, Trill Burgers, Sun Chong, The Puddery, and many more. Each booth represented a different style of food, from comfort meals to viral dishes that have circulated on TikTok, reflecting Lee’s focus on flavor and value.
A vegan corner by food influencer Tabitha Brown, who is also known on social media for her popular vegan recipes, added plant-based options featuring vendors like Aww Shucks, Ital Garden, Miki Bowls, Maya Cookies, and Nana’s Kitchen, expanding accessibility and variety.
The event also included curated tasting experiences, such as a bluefin tuna breakdown and tasting with Chef Megan Sky, sponsored by Terra Mae restaurant. This limited spots experience, priced at $39.99 per person, offered a more structured and educational moment within the larger festival.
TikTok played a major role in the event, with attendees posting nonstop food reactions and reviews throughout the day. In one viral recap, @mukbangwithkay highlighted a vip tasting that included beef with roti chapati from Chef Lex Grant, which she called super tender. She also tried Matcha Magic’s purple rain drink and The Puddery’s strawberry banana pudding, which she had waited an hour for, but said it was worth it.
In another recap, @mookfrmsc and his friends tried an assortment of meals ranging from wagyu dumplings to fried fish, capturing the vibe of the festival as they did live taste tests while moving through the crowd. Meanwhile, @shanikkyworld shared a detailed breakdown of what she ate, including Orleans Brothers’ gumbo that she really enjoyed and Trill Burgers that she couldn’t stay away from. She calls FamiLee Day one of the most curated food events she’s attended, despite long lines and big crowds.
These clips circulate online in real time, meaning the event extended far beyond the festival grounds. Even those who were not present were able to follow along through social media posts that captured the atmosphere, the food, and the music. More than a festival, FamiLee Day became a live snapshot of how TikTok is reshaping the way people discover and experience food.