September in Atlanta still feels like summer, but the calendar has turned toward fall food season. Labor Day weekend delivered soul-food tastings, a first-time FoodieLand stop at EchoPark Speedway, and neighborhood cookouts. The month’s headliner is next: the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival at The Home Depot Backyard (Sept. 10–13). After that come whiskey-and-fire dinners, matcha and vegan festivals, JapanFest bites, Grant Park food trucks, and the inaugural West Midtown Restaurant Week (Sept. 20–26).Whether you want unlimited chef tastings, cheap neighborhood tastings, or prix-fixe dinners, there’s something left on the plate. Grab tickets early.
Whether you’re craving unlimited tastings, themed brunches, or weekend prep dinners, this month offers a feast for every palate and a good many food deals. We’ve rounded up some highlights—grab your tickets before they’re gone!
Check Out the Best Atlanta Food Events for September 2026
Early September highlights:
Taste of Soul Atlanta
Saturday–Sunday, September 5–6 in downtown Atlanta (location confirmed at registration). Noon–9 p.m. both days.
Soul food from local restaurants, vendors, and chefs — fried chicken, mac and cheese, desserts — plus music, art, and family activities. Marketed as a celebration in the “Soul Food Capital of the World.” Check the official page for tickets and the exact downtown site.
Labor Day Weekend Highlights
FoodieLand Atlanta
Friday–Sunday, September 4–6 at EchoPark Speedway, 1500 Tara Place, Hampton.
Friday 3–10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 1–10 p.m.
A first-time Atlanta stop for this large multicultural food festival, with hundreds of food and merch vendors, live music, games, and drinks. Tickets are sold online only; kids 5 and under are free. Expect a long, snack-heavy day more than a sit-down tasting.
Austell BBQ Blues and Brews
Saturday, September 5 in downtown Austell.
Barbecue, blues, local vendors, drinks, and family-friendly extras. A smaller Labor Day option if you want to stay closer to the west side.
Food & Street Art Tour on the Atlanta BeltLine
Saturdays in September (Sept. 5, 12, 19, and 26), 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m., Eastside Trail.
Guided walk with tastings at five restaurants plus mural stops and a cocktail. About $95; 18+. Good if you want a structured, smaller-group afternoon instead of a festival crowd.
The Big One: Atlanta Food & Wine Festival
Thursday–Sunday, September 10–13 at The Home Depot Backyard at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 1 Backyard Way.
The 16th year of Atlanta’s signature Southern food-and-drink festival, presented by Invesco QQQ, with the theme “The City is the Story.” Expect 150–200+ chefs and beverage pros, Goya Foods Tasting Tents, live music, the Publix Culinary Demonstration Stage, plus new events this year: Stacked: The Burger Social and Southern Fried: A Fried Chicken Affair. Whiskey & Fire also returns (see Saturday below).
Approximate public tasting windows (confirm before buying):
• Thursday, Sept. 10 — The Atlanta Standard, hosted by Monti Carlo VIP 6:30–10 p.m.; GA 7:30–10 p.m. Atlanta late-night eats, neighborhood legends, rising stars.
• Friday, Sept. 11 — Flavors of Atlanta, hosted by Andrew Zimmern VIP 6:30–10 p.m.; GA 7:30–10 p.m. The city’s international and neighborhood mix.
• Saturday, Sept. 12 — The Southern Spread, hosted by Shawn Osbey Daytime tasting tent (VIP around noon; GA around 1 p.m.).
Individual event tickets have been listed in the roughly $89–$109 range and up for VIP. Buy through atlfoodandwinefestival.com. AtlantaFi already has a dedicated festival explainer if you want the full schedule in one place. atlantafi.com
Mid-September Tastings and Neighborhood Festivals
Heritage Fire x Whiskies of the World (Whiskey & Fire Atlanta)
Saturday, September 12 at Guardian Works, 775 Echo St. NW, West Midtown.
Early entry 5–8:30 p.m. (~$159); general admission 5:45–8:30 p.m. (~$119). 21+ with ID.
Open-fire cooking from local chefs and pitmasters paired with hundreds of whiskeys. Food and pours are included. Ride-share is the smart move.
MatchaFest Atlanta
Saturday, September 12, 12–5 p.m. at Piedmont Park (Active Oval). VIP earlier.
Matcha tastings, food, wellness vendors, limited drops, and brand activations. Tickets have been listed from the mid-$50s. Not a free park day — it’s a ticketed festival inside the park.
Taste of Smyrna
Saturday, September 12 at Smyrna Village Green.
Free admission. Sample 25+ local restaurants; tasting tickets typically $1–$10. Beer and wine garden, kids zone, live music. One of the easiest, cheapest “taste of the town” days this month.
International Taste of Snellville
Saturday, September 12 at Snellville Towne Green.
Free admission; food tasting tickets about $1 each. Kids activities with a paid armband. Good eastside option the same day as Smyrna.
Tastes and Brews Festival (Taste & Brews Music Fest)
Saturday–Sunday, September 12–13 at Etowah River Park, Canton.
Free admission. Southern-style food vendors, local beer and cocktails, farmers market, and crafts. Worth the drive if you want a park-day festival without downtown parking.
Bats & Bites Ballpark Tour
Friday, September 11 at Truist Park.
Early ballpark tour, Outfield Market bites and a drink, a former Braves player meet-and-greet, then batting practice. A one-off food-and-stadium hybrid if you’re already Braves-minded.
Late September
JapanFest
Saturday–Sunday, September 19–20 at Gas South Convention Center, Duluth.
Japanese food stalls plus crafts, martial arts, games, and vendors. One of the most reliable international-food weekends on the fall calendar. Confirm hours and tickets on the official JapanFest site.
Atlanta Foodie Festival
Saturday–Sunday, September 19–20, noon–10 p.m. at Grant Park, 840 Cherokee Ave. SE.
Free general admission (VIP upgrades available). Food trucks, desserts, drinks, DJs, and vendors. A casual two-day park festival rather than a chef-tasting ticket.
The Veggie Taste — 16th Annual
Saturday, September 19, 2–7 p.m. at the Shrine of the Black Madonna, 946 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. SW.
Atlanta’s largest outdoor plant-based / vegan tasting festival: chef samples, speakers, marketplace, music. Complimentary tickets have been offered in limited numbers; otherwise expect a modest entry fee. Family-friendly.
Sippin’ Safari at the Zoo
Saturday, September 19 at Zoo Atlanta.
Wine tasting on zoo grounds. A different kind of Saturday night if you want pours with a giraffe backdrop. Check Zoo Atlanta for ticket tiers and age rules.
Original Collard Greens Cultural Festival
Saturday–Sunday, September 26–27.
Collard-focused cooking, collard green ice cream, cook-off, music, wellness, and marketplace. Confirm the 2026 venue on the festival site before you plan around it.
Gluten Freedom Festival Atlanta
Sunday, September 27, noon–6 p.m. at Monday Night Garage, 933 Lee St. SW, West End.
Free admission and on-site parking. The kitchen is fully converted for dedicated gluten-free prep. Expect GF pizza, wings, burgers, beer-battered onion rings, baked goods, Monday Night’s Big Idea GF IPA and Placebo Pils, live music, and lawn games. Bring canned or dry gluten-free goods for the Atlanta Community Food Bank if you can.
Food & Street Art Tour on the Atlanta Beltline — Guided tastings from multiple restaurants + art along the Eastside Trail (check for May dates). exploregeorgia.org
Smorgasburg Atlanta — Weekly Saturday open-air market with diverse street food vendors, live music, and crafts in South Downtown.
Happy Hours & Deals — Many spots (e.g., Battery Atlanta, Chattahoochee Food Works, Bulla Gastrobar, The Optimist) run ongoing specials on tacos, oysters, tapas, and apps.
Food Trucks & Markets — Check Uptown Market ATL, neighborhood night markets, and pop-ups for casual bites.
FIFA Fan Festival
Photo credit: Atlanta Brunch Festival
FIFA Fan Festival at Centennial Olympic Park and various community watch parties (free or low-cost fan zones with music, activities, food vendors). Ongoing throughout the tournament.
National Hot Dog Day
Happening July 15, National Hot Dog Day brings the best writer deals out front at some top food places.
Pro tip: Many deals require apps, loyalty programs, or reservations—check restaurant websites, apps, or call ahead as promotions can change or sell out quickly. Atlanta’s food scene is heating up this winter—enjoy the savings and stay hungry, ATL!
Team Hidi
Happening Sunday, March 15 at Truist Park, Team Hidi is a standout charity event benefiting food service workers, featuring tastings from nearly 100 top Atlanta restaurants (including James Beard winners and neighborhood favorites), cocktails, and more. It’s a delicious way to support the industry while sampling elite bites.
Gwinnett Burger Week
Photo by Obi Onyeador on Unsplash
Love burgers? Check out Gwinnett Burger Week, which takes place March 16-22. Local spots across Gwinnett County offer specialty $12 burgers with creative styles and flavors. A budget-friendly chance to explore suburban eats and find your new favorite patty.
Coming soon:
Atlanta Food + Wine Festival
Ongoing Daily Specials (Always a Win in ATL):
Tin Lizzy’s: Taco Tuesdays with $2 tacos and cheap shots.
El Super Pan (The Battery): $6 margaritas on Mondays.
Many spots like Bulla Gastrobar, O-Ku, and The Optimist have discounted tapas, sushi, or oysters during early evening hours.
Pi Day (March 14): Many spots roll out pie deals or discounted slices—watch for bakery and restaurant promos. St. Patrick’s Day (March 17): Expect green beer, corned beef specials, Irish pub discounts, and food deals at places citywide.
Best New Restaurants in Atlanta
Mirae (Brookhaven)
Best Happy Hour / Social Hour Spots
Atlanta’s “happy hours” focus on food discounts – here are standout ones:
The Optimist: Oyster happy hour M-F 5-6pm (weekends vary).
Culinary Dropout & Bastone: Great app deals 3-6pm most days.
Battery Atlanta Spots: Half-off apps at places like Blue Moon or Yard House.
Grocery & Essentials Deals
January is prime for stocking up on pantry staples:
Kroger & Publix: Promotions on coffee, olive oil, bulk produce, and essentials. Check weekly ads for BOGOs – Publix often has killer buy-one-get-one on snacks, meats, and drinks.
Whole Foods & Trader Joe’s: In-store sales on similar items – great for healthy New Year resets.
Pera Dorata at Yeppa & Co.
Buckhead’s lively Yeppa & Co. infuses Italian coastal energy into Atlanta’s dining scene, and their latest seasonal offering, Pera Dorata, captures that vibrant spirit in a refreshing winter spritz.
Bombay Sapphire mingles with fresh lemon, Bosc pear, lemon balm tea, and a lively splash of club soda, delivering a bright, nuanced profile that’s cheerfully festive without weighing you down.
For those seeking a holiday drink that’s light, uplifting, and free from rich spices or sugary overload, this golden pear-inspired sipper is an absolute gem.
Pro Tips for Atlanta Foodies
Book tickets and reservations early—popular events like Taste of Alpharetta and TASTE fill up.
Weather is typically pleasant but warm; many events are outdoors—hydrate and wear sunscreen.
Follow AtlantaFi, restaurant Instagrams, and sites like Discover Atlanta or Eventbrite for last-minute additions or changes.
Blind Spot for Food? Read This
Get a Dining in the Dark gift card that allows you to have an exciting evening on the town in Atlanta. This is the weekend to explore.
Embark on a mouthwatering journey through time in the heart of Atlanta with our Grant Park Food and Cemetery Tour! Get ready to savor the future of Southern flavors and dive into the city’s rich history. In just 2.5 hours. Book now.
Full Day Wine Country Wine Tastings From Atlanta
Embark on an unforgettable journey from Downtown Atlanta to the heart-stirring landscapes of North Georgia Wine Country. Let the scenic rolling hills and lush vineyards sweep you off your feet. Dive into the essence of Georgia’s top wine region with visits to three renowned wineries, where about 12 exquisite wine tastings await to delight your palate. After a day soaked in flavor, we’ll whisk you back to Atlanta. Get your tickets for Full-Day Wine Country Wine Tastings From Atlanta. Book this adventure.
More Atlanta Food Events
These events reflect a mix of large-scale festivals, specialized food celebrations, and ongoing dining experiences, capturing Atlanta’s vibrant food scene. Here’s more events for the foodies out there:
Karaoke Brunch At The Boiler
You can check out Karaoke Brunch at The Boiler this weekend, where you can get free mimosas from 12 to 1 p.m. 2425 Piedmont Road Northeast Atlanta, GA 30324.
Wine Down Wednesday at Citizens Market Food
Unwind at Wine Down Wednesday at Citizens Market Food Hall! Every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., enjoy great tunes from our live DJ and sip on fantastic wine specials from our market bar. Be one of the first 25 guests to receive a FREE glass of rosé and a “rosé all day” wine glass. Cheers to making Wednesdays a little brighter!
Cafe Cafe Bartique
Coffee and wine bar Cafe Bartique recently opened at 2315 Cascade Road. Tantalizing cakes and good sips as well! Bonus: Live music on Fridays starting at 6:30 p.m.
Seafood Karaoke Happy Hour
Check out Cafe Circa at 464 Edgewood Ave. SE for the very best in seafood — and karaoke! Thursday, July 11 · 5 – 10pm EDT.
Where To Brunch In Atlanta This Month
Mimosa Me, Please | Escobar South — 1140 Mount Zion Rd, Morrow, GA 30260
Rooftop Brunch Party | Vision Restaurant & Lounge — 2520 Piedmont Road NE Atlanta, GA 30324
Atlanta is a large metropolitan city, so it stands to reason that its dining scene would cater to different cultures, influences and visitors. But you may be wondering where do the locals eat?
Atlanta natives eat at the same places that tourists dine, but they also know where the great neighborhood bars, taverns and restaurants are.
If you want to eat like a local, some great neighborhood spots are:
BBQ in Atlanta is more than food—it’s a social experience. BBQ joints are gathering spots for families, friends, and events, with communal tables, live music (e.g., at Fat Matt’s), and a laid-back vibe. Festivals like the Atlanta BBQ Festival and events at breweries amplify this, where smoked meats pair with craft beer, drawing crowds. At AtlantaFi.com, we not only show you the eateries, we often highlight the convivial atmosphere, with photos of piled-high plates and smoky aromas.
Atlanta is know for its many new Atlanta restaurants opening that it’s easy to miss the latest and greatest. AtlantaFi.com has a finely curated list of the best food events in Atlanta and where to eat in Atlanta each week for grub.
Atlanta is for foodies of all kinds. If you want to explore the palate of Georgia’s largest city, do it on your terms and check out the fun, cool and new places to eat in Atlanta this weekend and even on the weekday. You can start downtown, and get it crackin’ in Buckhead. Check out the newest Atlanta restaurants, beautiful parks and unexplored spots you’ve only heard about. AtlantaFi your experience!
