Chicken Boy Day, celebrated every year on September 1, marks the birthday of the iconic Chicken Boy statue in Los Angeles. This 22-foot-tall fiberglass figure, with the body of a man and the head of a chicken, was originally created in the 1960s as a roadside advertisement for a fried chicken restaurant. After decades in storage, he now stands proudly atop a building on Route 66 in Highland Park.
Recognized as the “Statue of Liberty of Los Angeles,” Chicken Boy has become a beloved local landmark with a devoted following. In this article, I will share the full story behind Chicken Boy Day, how to celebrate it, and why it still captures attention decades later.
When is Chicken Boy Day 2025?
Chicken Boy Day 2025 will be observed on Monday, September 1. This national day falls on the same date every year and honors the birthday of the Chicken Boy statue in Los Angeles. It’s not just a random pick; this is the day fans and locals mark the importance of a roadside icon that has come to symbolize the city’s love for art, kitsch, and creativity.
What is Chicken Boy Day, and why is it celebrated?
Chicken Boy Day is celebrated every year on September 1 to recognize the unusual and beloved Chicken Boy statue located in Highland Park, Los Angeles. The statue features a human body with the head of a chicken and holds a bucket of fried chicken. It was originally created in the 1960s as an advertising figure for a fried chicken restaurant along historic Route 66.
The celebration is about more than a statue. It honors public art, roadside Americana, and the community effort that saved and restored Chicken Boy after years in storage. Today, people celebrate by visiting the statue, taking photos, creating art, or simply remembering the role Chicken Boy plays in LA’s cultural history.
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History of Chicken Boy Day
The story of Chicken Boy Day begins in the 1960s, when a fast-food restaurant in Los Angeles introduced the 22-foot fiberglass figure to attract attention. The statue was built by International Fiberglass, the same company behind other iconic figures like Paul Bunyan and the Muffler Men. Chicken Boy stood tall on the restaurant rooftop on Route 66 until 1984, when the owner of the business passed away.
After the restaurant closed, artist and art director Amy Inouye took possession of the statue. It remained in storage for over 20 years until she brought it back to public view in 2007, installing it on the roof of her design studio in Highland Park. The restoration was supported by the local community and fans who purchased Chicken Boy-themed items. In 2010, Chicken Boy was awarded the Governor’s Historic Preservation Award by Arnold Schwarzenegger, making it officially recognized as part of California’s cultural heritage.
Who Created the Chicken Boy Statue?
The Chicken Boy statue was produced by International Fiberglass, a company based in Venice, California, known for creating massive fiberglass figures used for outdoor advertising. These included famous figures like the Muffler Man and Paul Bunyan.
While the original concept was for restaurant marketing, the preservation of the statue is credited to Amy Inouye, an art director who moved to LA in the 1980s. After the restaurant’s closure, she acquired the statue and led the decades-long effort to keep Chicken Boy safe, eventually placing him on her building at Future Studio. Her work turned a forgotten advertising prop into a protected piece of Los Angeles roadside culture.
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Where is Chicken Boy Located Now?
Today, the Chicken Boy statue is located at 5558 North Figueroa Street in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. He stands atop the roof of Future Studio, the design firm owned by Amy Inouye. The statue is easy to spot from the street, towering 22 feet above the sidewalk, holding a yellow bucket of chicken with a fixed stare and feathered head.
The location sits along historic Route 66, which makes it a favorite stop for road trippers, photographers, and fans of roadside Americana. The area around Chicken Boy also features other local businesses, public art, and community-driven attractions, making it a popular photo destination.
How to Celebrate Chicken Boy Day 2025?
There are many fun and creative ways to celebrate Chicken Boy Day. People across Los Angeles and beyond observe the day by taking part in lighthearted and artistic activities that reflect the quirky spirit of the statue. Here are a few popular ways to celebrate:
- Visit the statue: Go see Chicken Boy in person at Future Studio in Highland Park.
- Take photos: Pose with the statue and share your pictures online using the hashtag #ChickenBoyDay.
- Eat fried chicken: Honor the statue’s origin as a restaurant mascot with a meal that fits the theme.
- Create mini Chicken Boy art: Use modeling clay, paper, or cardboard to make your own Chicken Boy figure.
- Coloring activity: Download and color a Chicken Boy illustration (many are available online).
- Watch “Chicken Boy: The Movie”: A short, quirky film about the statue’s journey and symbolism.
- Do the Chicken Dance: Keep the celebration fun and family-friendly with this classic dance.
The day is also a chance to learn about public art, community preservation efforts, and Los Angeles’ roadside history.
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Chicken Boy Day Activities
Here are several engaging activities people enjoy during Chicken Boy Day:
- Visit the Statue in Los Angeles
A trip to Highland Park lets fans see Chicken Boy up close and take memorable photos.
- Take Photos and Share Online
Many visitors pose like Chicken Boy or bring chicken-themed props. Use the hashtag #ChickenBoyDay when posting.
- Make Art Projects
Kids and adults can create their own version of Chicken Boy using paper, clay, or digital art.
- Eat Fried Chicken at a Local Spot
Though the original restaurant is gone, fried chicken remains part of the day’s spirit.
- Hold a Chicken Dance Session
Gather friends and family and dance to keep the mood fun and silly.
These activities help preserve the joyful and eccentric culture surrounding Chicken Boy and make the day more than just a statue celebration.
Chicken Boy Fun Facts
- He Stands 22 Feet Tall
Made of fiberglass, Chicken Boy’s height makes him visible from a distance along Route 66.
- He Was Created by International Fiberglass
The same company made other roadside icons like the Muffler Man and Paul Bunyan.
- He Holds a Yellow Bucket of Chicken
A direct reference to his origin as a fried chicken restaurant mascot.
- He Was in Storage for Over 20 Years
After the restaurant closed in 1984, Chicken Boy was kept in storage until 2007.
- He’s Been Called the “Statue of Liberty of Los Angeles”
This nickname reflects the statue’s unique place in LA’s visual and cultural landscape.
- He Received a Historic Preservation Award
In 2010, Chicken Boy was officially recognized by the California Governor’s office.
- There’s a Chicken Boy Museum Collection
Amy Inouye has collected thousands of chicken-themed novelty items and displays them near the statue.
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Chicken Boy in Pop Culture and Media
Though not a mainstream figure, Chicken Boy has developed a strong presence in local and niche media over the years:
- “Chicken Boy: The Movie”: A quirky film that adds to his cult status.
- Music Tribute: A song titled The Chicken Boy Polka celebrates his uniqueness.
- Art Exhibitions: Local artists have featured Chicken Boy in paintings and photography projects.
- LA Travel Guides: Chicken Boy often appears as a recommended stop for roadside attraction lovers.
- Social Media Content: On platforms like Instagram and TikTok, people share their Chicken Boy experiences, photos, and themed art.
His role in pop culture shows how public art and nostalgia can turn an advertising figure into a cultural symbol.
Chicken Boy Day Dates: 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030
Here’s a table showing upcoming dates for Chicken Boy Day:
| Year | Date | Day |
| 2026 | September 1 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 1 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | September 1 | Friday |
| 2029 | September 1 | Saturday |
| 2030 | September 1 | Sunday |
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FAQs about Chicken Boy Day
Is Chicken Boy real?
Yes, Chicken Boy is a real fiberglass statue standing 22 feet tall in Los Angeles.
What is the significance of the Chicken Boy statue?
He began as a restaurant mascot in the 1960s and now serves as a symbol of LA’s creative and quirky roadside art culture.
Who owns Chicken Boy?
Artist and designer Amy Inouye owns and maintains the statue. He stands on top of her studio, Future Studio.
Is Chicken Boy related to Route 66?
Yes, he originally stood on a restaurant along Route 66 in Downtown LA and still stands near that historic route today.
Why is it called Chicken Boy?
The name comes from the original Chicken Boy Restaurant, where the statue served as a promotional figure.
Can I visit Chicken Boy in Los Angeles?
Yes, the statue is located at 5558 North Figueroa Street in the Highland Park neighborhood.
What material is Chicken Boy made of?
He’s made of fiberglass, similar to other vintage roadside statues like Paul Bunyan and Muffler Man.
Did Chicken Boy ever win any awards?
Yes, in 2010, he received the Governor’s Historic Preservation Award in California.
Conclusion
Chicken Boy Day on September 1 honors more than a statue; it celebrates creativity, community pride, and the preservation of roadside history. What began as a fried chicken restaurant advertisement now stands as a landmark recognized by locals and tourists alike.
The Chicken Boy statue’s journey from rooftop mascot to cultural icon is a reminder that even the quirkiest pieces of art can earn lasting admiration. Each year, Chicken Boy Day brings people together to remember the charm and character that this unique figure adds to Los Angeles.
