Atlanta BBQ Festival runs one day each September in Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta with 30 pitmasters, KCBS competition, beer pairings and live music.
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.
Tip: Drive down for the day; the largest cobbler bake happens Saturday afternoon. Bring cash for produce stands; cards accepted at the main events.