The Atlanta Food and Wine Festival 2026 presented by Invesco QQQ, returns for its 16th year September 10–13, 2026. It is a four-day celebration of Southern food, wine, beer, and craft spirits (with global influences), spotlighting Atlanta’s chefs, restaurants, neighborhoods, and culinary identity under the theme “The City is the Story.”
The festival (produced by a21) features signature walk-around Tasting Tents presented by Goya Foods, the return of Whiskey & Fire Atlanta, and two new events: Stacked: The Burger Social presented by Mike’s Amazing and Southern Fried: A Fried Chicken Affair. Expect 150–200+ chefs, artisans, beverage professionals, and hospitality leaders, plus live music, activations, and the Publix Culinary Demonstration Stage.
Atlanta Food and Wine Festival: Here’s What To Know Before You
Main hub: The Home Depot Backyard at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (1 Backyard Way, Atlanta, GA 30313).
Other location: Whiskey & Fire at Guardian Works (775 Echo St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318). Additional experiences may occur at various metro Atlanta spots.
This signature event, a staple since its inception in 2011, will bring together renowned chefs, sommeliers, mixologists, and industry insiders for a weekend of indulgence, showcasing the rich culinary traditions of the South and beyond.
Approximate schedule (times and details can shift—confirm on the official site)
Event Schedule and Highlights
• Thursday, September 10 | The Atlanta Standard (Tasting Tents presented by Goya Foods)
VIP: 6:30–10 p.m.; General Admission: 7:30–10 p.m.
Hosted by Monti Carlo (AJC Food & Dining editor). Celebration of Atlanta’s late-night eats, neighborhood legends, rising stars, and cultural icons with chef-driven bites, cocktails, wines, and live music. Tickets starting at ~$99.
• Friday, September 11 | Flavors of Atlanta (Tasting Tents presented by Goya Foods)
VIP: 6:30–10 p.m.; General Admission: 7:30–10 p.m.
Hosted by Andrew Zimmern. Focus on Atlanta’s international influences (Latin, Asian, Caribbean, and more) with high-energy tastings. Tickets starting at ~$109.
• Saturday, September 12 | The Southern Spread (Tasting Tents presented by Goya Foods)
VIP: ~12–3:30 p.m.; General Admission: ~1–3:30 p.m.
Hosted by Chef Shawn Osbey. Afternoon gathering of Southern hospitality, classics, and innovative takes with live music. Tickets starting at ~$109.
• Saturday, September 12 | Stacked: The Burger Social presented by Mike’s Amazing
Early Access: ~6:30–9:30 p.m.; General Admission: ~7:15–9:30 p.m.
Hosted by Ford Fry. Creative, over-the-top burgers paired with cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits. Tickets starting at ~$89.
• Saturday, September 12 | Whiskey & Fire Atlanta (at Guardian Works)
Collaboration between Heritage Fire and Whiskies of the World. Open-fire cooking stations with chefs, wood-fired bites, and hundreds of global whiskies. (Official event page lists Saturday; earlier announcements varied—verify current details.)
• Sunday, September 13 | The Homecoming (Tasting Tents presented by Goya Foods)
VIP/GA roughly midday–afternoon (around 12–3:30 p.m. range in prior listings).
Hosted by Kardea Brown. Bold, smoky, savory bites with Sunday Funday vibes and Atlanta hospitality. Tickets starting at ~$99.
• Sunday, September 13 | Southern Fried: A Fried Chicken Affair
Early Access/GA in the late afternoon/evening (around 4:30–7:30 p.m. range).
Hosted by Kelli Potter. Classic Southern and global fried chicken interpretations. Tickets starting at ~$89.
Hosts of the Tasting Tents also lead live cooking demos at the Publix Culinary Demonstration Stage. Multi-day passes are available. Additional intimate dinners or experiences may be announced.
Attendees can expect a dynamic lineup of immersive experiences, walk-around tastings, and gourmet dining, all set against the vibrant backdrop of downtown Atlanta, with the festival entrance conveniently located across from Ponce City Market.
How Much Do Tickets Cost?
Tickets for the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival range between $89 to $109. 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.
Atlanta has just about everything you need for a fun time in a big-city. If you love to laugh, you should check out the best comedy clubs in Atlanta.
For those who feel like dancing or vibing to some music, Atlanta’s got some of the best clubs in the South.
Want to get out of the house during the day? Why not get some shopping in the city by patronizing local vendors with handmade goods, arts, crafts, candles, soaps, vintage and more.