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.
Tip: VIP tickets get early entry and a separate covered tent. The competition results announce around 16:00.
Address: Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta, GA 30313
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.
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.
Tip: Souvlaki and gyro plates run heaviest at lunch; baklava and pastry sales run all weekend. Parking gets tight by 18:00.
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.
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.
Tip: Buy tasting tickets in advance for a discount. The chef-stage demos are the under-the-radar draw; VIP gets early entry.
