The Atlanta Food and Wine Festival 2025 enters its final day on Sunday and it’s already been one of the best food events of the year.
Like last year, the main hub is Historic Fourth Ward Park. Attendees can enter at the park’s’ Northern Entrance on 665 North Ave NE across the street from Ponce City Market.
Atlanta Food and Wine Festival: Here’s What To Know Before You
– The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, presented by Invesco QQQ, is set to return to Historic Fourth Ward Park from September 11 to 14, 2025, promising a vibrant four-day celebration of Southern cuisine, wine, beer, and craft spirits.
This signature event, a staple since its inception in 2011, will bring together over 200 renowned chefs, sommeliers, mixologists, and industry insiders for a weekend of indulgence, showcasing the rich culinary traditions of the South and beyond.
Under the 2025 theme “States of Motion,” the festival explores how food connects people across regions, generations, and cultures through movement, storytelling, and tradition.
Attendees can expect a dynamic lineup of immersive experiences, walk-around tastings, and gourmet dining, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Midtown Atlanta, with the festival entrance conveniently located across from Ponce City Market.
Event Schedule and Highlights
The 2025 festival expands to four days, featuring a mix of tasting tents, intimate dinners, and a new collaboration event, all designed to ignite the senses and create lasting memories. Below is the detailed schedule of events:
- Thursday, September 11: Tasting Tents Presented by Goya Foods
- Time: VIP 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM, General Admission 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Details: Kicking off the festival, Thursday night introduces a brand-new tasting experience with unlimited bites and spirited pours from some of the South’s top culinary talents. This elevated walk-around event sets the tone for the weekend, offering first-look fun and a chance to mingle with iconic chefs.
- Friday, September 12: Tasting Tents Presented by Goya Foods
- Time: VIP 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM, General Admission 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Details: Friday night ramps up the energy with the festival’s flagship Tasting Tents, featuring over 60 tasting stations this year at the Home Depot Backyard at Mercedes Benz Stadium. Attendees can wander through dynamic tastings, sip exciting pours, and explore lively activations, all highlighting Atlanta’s vibrant culinary scene.
- Saturday, September 13: Whiskey & Fire at Guardian Works
- Time: VIP 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM, General Admission 12:45 PM – 3:30 PM
- Details: A standout addition for 2025, “Whiskey & Fire” is a collaboration between Heritage Fire and Whiskies of the World, hosted by celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern. This daytime event features sizzling open-fire stations where Atlanta’s top chefs compete for the title of Heritage Hero, paired with an impressive lineup of global whiskies. Expect bold, smoky creations and a high-energy atmosphere.
- Saturday, September 13: Tasting Tents Presented by Goya Foods
- Time: VIP 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM, General Admission 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Details: Saturday evening brings the festival to full stride with another round of Tasting Tents, showcasing dynamic tastings and interactive experiences. Guests can sample the best of the fest while exploring fairgrounds filled with bold flavors and unexpected delights.
- Sunday, September 14: Tasting Tents Presented by Goya Foods
- Time: VIP 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM, General Admission 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- Details: The festival closes with a relaxed daytime edition of the Tasting Tents, perfect for savoring under the sun. Attendees can enjoy vibrant tastings at their own pace, wrapping up the weekend with a celebration of Southern hospitality.
Additional Features and TalentThe festival will also feature the Publix Culinary Demonstration Stage, open to all ticket holders, where celebrated chefs like Andrew Zimmern, Scott Conant, Rodney Scott, Charmain Ware-Jason, Joshua Wetshtein (Tiny Lou’s), Gizzy Rawlins (Ela), Howard and Anita Hsu (Sweet Auburn Barbecue), Wil Drake (HERO Doughnuts), and Josue Pena (The Iberian Pig) will share recipes, tips, and host live Q&A sessions.
Beyond the tasting tents, the festival includes intimate dinner series and immersive hands-on experiences that reimagine Southern flavors through bold, sensory surprises. These curated events highlight the work of both rising stars and culinary icons, offering guests a chance to engage with the South’s brightest culinary minds.
AFWF: Community Impact and Sustainability
The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is proud to support Children of Conservation, providing school lunches and educational resources to children in Africa, particularly in Zambia. Additionally, the festival partners with the Event Zero Foundation to promote sustainable practices among event organizers, businesses, and communities.
Ticketing and LocationTickets for all events are all-inclusive, covering food, drinks, entertainment, and more, and are available for purchase now at atlfoodandwinefestival.com. The festival takes place at Historic Fourth Ward Park (680 Dallas Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308), with additional events at various metro Atlanta locations. Attendees must be 21 or older, and a valid photo ID is required for entry.
A Must-Attend Culinary ExtravaganzaSince its launch in 2010, the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival has gained national acclaim for spotlighting Southern culinary traditions with global influences. With its expanded four-day format, star-studded chef lineup, and a focus on sustainability and community, the 2025 edition promises to be an unforgettable celebration of food, wine, and Southern hospitality.
How Much Do Tickets Cost?
Tickets for the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival range between $85 to $125. Each ticket will include:
- Unlimited food
- Wine and beer cocktails
- All-day entertainment
Final Word
Among the city’s best festivals, the event is shaping up to be Atlanta’s premiere food festival with a focus on Georgia-grown talent.
Foodies will also get to enjoy a slate of dishes from the most beloved participating chefs around the South.
The festival is speedily approaching this year. If you’re planning on going to this year’s reimagined event, here’s everything you need to know.
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