Food festivals in Atlanta worth planning a trip around, by month.
Food festivals in Atlanta worth planning a trip around, by month.
Atlanta Food and Wine Festival runs four days each September in Atlanta with Southern-focused chef stations, wine tastings, dinners and seminars. Since 2011, the city's marquee event.
Focus: Southern food, wine and spirits
Tip: The Grand Tasting tent is the festival's anchor; chef dinners across the city require separate tickets and book a month out.
Taste of Atlanta runs two days each October in Atlanta with over 80 restaurant tasting stations, chef demos and live music. Held since 2002; the city's largest restaurant showcase.
Focus: Atlanta restaurant tastings
Tip: Buy tasting tickets in advance for a discount. The chef-stage demos are the under-the-radar draw; VIP gets early entry.
Atlanta BBQ Festival runs one day each September in Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta with 30 pitmasters, KCBS competition, beer pairings and live music since 2016.
Focus: Atlanta barbecue and competition
Tip: VIP tickets get early entry and a separate covered tent. The competition results announce around 16:00.
The Georgia Peach Festival in Fort Valley, 90 minutes south of Atlanta, runs three days each June at peach harvest peak. Largest peach cobbler in Guinness records, parades, music.
Focus: Georgia peaches
Tip: Drive down for the day; the largest cobbler bake happens Saturday afternoon. Bring cash for produce stands; cards accepted at the main events.
Atlanta Greek Festival runs four days each October at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Atlanta with souvlaki, baklava, dancing and church tours. Held since 1972.
Focus: Greek food, pastry and culture
Tip: Souvlaki and gyro plates run heaviest at lunch; baklava and pastry sales run all weekend. Parking gets tight by 18:00.
Peak food season in Atlanta is year-round.
Local dining hours: lunch around 12:30, dinner from 19:30.
service is typically included; small extra is welcome but not expected.
Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Atlanta rewards trust.