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2026 Atlanta Food & Wine Festival Guide: Schedule, Tickets and Discount Code

The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, presented by Invesco QQQ, attracts food and drink lovers from across the country. Returning for its 14th year, this multi-day celebration of Southern cuisine, beverages, and culture brings together award-winning chefs, mixologists, farmers, and culinary artisans from 13 different states. I've had a chance to attend the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival for years, and here are more details on why you should attend. With the "States of Motion" theme for 2025, the festival will highlight how food connects people across regions, generations, and cultures through movement, storytelling, and tradition. Expect an expanded lineup of immersive experiences, tasting tents, intimate chef collaborations, and engaging cooking demonstrations. This year’s festival will showcase more than 200 of the South’s most celebrated chefs. Featured names include Andrew Zimmern, Scott Conant, Rodney Scott, Charmain Ware-Jason, Joshua Wetshtein of Tiny Lou’s, Gizzy Rawlins of Ela, Howard and Anita Hsu of Sweet Auburn Barbecue, Wil Drake of HERO Doughnuts, and Josue Pena of The Iberian Pig, among many others. 2025 Atlanta Food & Wine Festival Dates The 2025 Atlanta Food & Wine Festival takes place September 11–14, 2025, at Historic Fourth Ward Park in Atlanta, GA. This year introduces an extra day of tasting tents. Credit Raftermen Photography How to Get to the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival  If traveling to Atlanta by plane, fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Rideshare: Apps like Uber and Lyft are widely used in Atlanta, making it easy to get to and from the festival. It's better to rideshare versus parking at the festival. Where is the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival Located? The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival's main event is held at Historic Fourth Ward Park, 680 Dallas Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, while curated events and chef collaborations are held at multiple venues across Atlanta. Atlanta Food & Wine Festival Events Tasting Tents Tasting Tents, located at Historic Fourth Ward Park with the entrance across from Ponce City Market, the Tasting Tents are the festival's main event, featuring over 60 tasting stations from local restaurants, mixologists, and more. Each ticket includes unlimited food, free-flowing drinks, and live entertainment. VIP tickets include an hour-early entrance. For tickets to the festival, click here.  AFWF Tasting Tents, Credit Raftermen Photography Whiskey & Fire Atlanta New for 2025, Whiskey & Fire Atlanta debuts as part of the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival. This dynamic walk-around tasting event featuring live-fire cooking and global whiskey pairings takes place on Saturday, September 13th, at Guardian Works, located at 775 Echo Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 Hosted by culinary personality Andrew Zimmern, the experience invites guests to roam between open-fire stations where Atlanta’s top chefs compete with bold, smoky creations, perfectly matched with curated whiskey selections. Two ticket options are available: VIP Admission (12:00 PM – 3:30 PM): Includes early access for exclusive pours along with all general admission offerings. General Admission (12:45 PM – 3:30 PM): Features unlimited tastings, whiskey pours, and a keepsake tasting glass. Purchase Whiskey & Fire Atlanta Tickets Publix Culinary Demonstration Stage Hands-on demos with live Q&A. Lineup & times Thu, Sept 11, 7:45–8:30 pm: Chefs Kevin Belton & Eleazar Fuerte (Mike’s Amazing) Thu, Sept 11, 8:45–9:30 pm: Chef Nicola Blaque (Visit San Antonio) Fri, Sept 12, 7:45–8:30 pm: Andrew Zimmern Sat, Sept 13, 7:45–8:30 pm: Chef Fernando Desa (Goya Foods) Where to stay for the 2025 Atlanta Food & Wine Festival Finding the right place to stay during the festival is essential to making the most of your weekend. Here are some nearby hotel options: The Starling Atlanta 188 14th St NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30361 This stylish hotel is located in the heart of Midtown, offering modern amenities and a convenient location close to the festival's main events. See current reviews and prices of The Starling Hotel in Atlanta Wylie Hotel 551 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308 A charming boutique hotel with a historic feel, Wylie Hotel is located near the festival's tasting tents and offers a unique, intimate experience. See reviews and current prices of Wylie Hotel Loews Atlanta Hotel 1065 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30309 A luxurious option in Midtown, Loews Atlanta Hotel provides upscale accommodations and is within walking distance of many festival events. See current reviews and prices of Loews Atlanta Hotel See my personal Review of Loews Atlanta Hotel Canopy By Hilton Atlanta 1414 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30309 This modern hotel offers a comfortable stay and easy access to the festival's activities and Atlanta's vibrant Midtown neighborhood. See reviews and current prices of Canopy By Hilton Atlanta Atlanta Food & Wine Festival Tips To make the most of your festival experience, here are a few tips to keep in mind: Purchase Tickets Early/Plan Ahead: Secure your tickets as soon as possible since they can sell out quickly. Consider buying weekend passes that give you access to multiple days. Review the themes for each day and decide which tents and flavors you're most excited about. If you want to attend a particular chef or demonstration, mark it on your schedule. Stay Hydrated: September in Atlanta can be warm and humid, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.  Dress Comfortably: The festival involves a lot of walking and standing, so wear comfortable shoes and lightweight clothing. For the outdoor events, remember to bring sunscreen and a hat. Explore Beyond the Festival: Atlanta is a vibrant city with plenty to offer beyond the Food & Wine Festival. Consider exploring local attractions like the Atlanta BeltLine, Piedmont Park, and Ponce City Market during your stay. The South’s defining festival of food & drink culture. Each year, I've tasted great food and drinks. The music and fun activations make the experience unmatched. Be sure to get your Atlanta Food & Wine Festival tickets today!

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The 2026 Atlanta Food & Wine Festival presented by Invesco QQQ returns September 10–13, 2026, bringing four days of chef-driven bites, unlimited tastings, creative cocktails, wine, beer, live entertainment, and Southern hospitality to Atlanta. Since its launch in 2011, the festival has grown into a destination event with more than 200 chefs, sommeliers, mixologists, and culinary insiders.

I’ve attended the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival for years, and the Tasting Tents are one of my favorite ways to discover restaurants and culinary talent in one lively setting. For 2026, the festival adds two new themed events—STACKED: The Burger Social and Southern Fried: A Fried Chicken Affair—alongside four signature Tasting Tents and the return of Whiskey & Fire Atlanta.

Atlanta Food & Wine Festival Discount Code

Use promo code 365ATL_AFWF26 when purchasing eligible tickets through the official ticket site.

  • $25 off Tasting Tents single-day tickets
  • $100 off the 4-Day Tasting Tents Pass and Backyard All-Access Pass
  • $50 off the Sunday Funday Pass

2026 Atlanta Food & Wine Festival Dates and Location

The festival runs Thursday, September 10 through Sunday, September 13, 2026. The four signature Tasting Tents and most special events take place at The Home Depot Backyard, 1 Backyard Way, Atlanta, GA 30313, next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Whiskey & Fire Atlanta takes place at Guardian Works, 775 Echo St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318.

Atlanta Food & Wine Festival Tasting Tents at The Home Depot Backyard beside Mercedes-Benz Stadium
The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival at The Home Depot Backyard. Photo by John Harrington.

What Your Tasting Tents Ticket Includes

The Tasting Tents are walk-around experiences with more than 60 tasting stations. Admission includes unlimited bites, free-flowing wine, spirits, beer and cocktails, live entertainment, festival activations, and access to the Publix Culinary Demonstration Stage. VIP Tasting Tents tickets include entry one hour before general admission plus access to a dedicated VIP lounge with premium bites, curated pours, and seating.

All Atlanta Food & Wine Festival events are 21 and older. Children are not permitted.

2026 Atlanta Food & Wine Festival Schedule

Thursday: The Atlanta Standard

Thursday, September 10 at The Home Depot Backyard
VIP: 6:30–10 p.m. | $175
General admission: 7:30–10 p.m. | $125

Hosted by Monti Carlo, The Atlanta Standard opens festival weekend with the neighborhood legends, chef-driven bites, spirited pours, and creative energy that define Atlanta’s food scene.

Friday: Flavors of Atlanta

Friday, September 11 at The Home Depot Backyard
VIP: 6:30–10 p.m. | $195
General admission: 7:30–10 p.m. | $145

Hosted by Andrew Zimmern, Flavors of Atlanta celebrates the cultures, communities, and culinary traditions shaping the city. Expect globally inspired dishes, creative drinks, and live entertainment.

Saturday Afternoon: The Southern Spread

Saturday, September 12 at The Home Depot Backyard
VIP: noon–3:30 p.m. | $195
General admission: 1–3:30 p.m. | $145

Hosted by Shawn Osbey, The Southern Spread highlights comforting classics, modern interpretations, fresh ingredients, and the stories that continue to shape Southern cuisine.

Saturday Evening: Whiskey & Fire Atlanta

Saturday, September 12 at Guardian Works
Early access: 5–8:30 p.m. | $159
General admission: 5:45–8:30 p.m. | $119

Whiskey & Fire Atlanta returns for its second year with unlimited wood-fired bites, open-flame culinary experiences, and hundreds of whiskies from around the world. Early-access guests enter 45 minutes before general admission.

Saturday Evening: STACKED—The Burger Social

Saturday, September 12 at The Home Depot Backyard
Early access: 6:30–9:30 p.m. | $145
General admission: 7:15–9:30 p.m. | $109

Hosted by Ford Fry, this new event lets chefs put their own spin on the burger, from perfectly smashed classics to over-the-top creations, with unlimited food and beverage pairings.

Sunday Afternoon: The Homecoming

Sunday, September 13 at The Home Depot Backyard
VIP: noon–3:30 p.m. | $175
General admission: 1–3:30 p.m. | $125

Hosted by Kardea Brown, The Homecoming closes the signature Tasting Tents with comforting flavors, seasonal dishes, live entertainment, and plenty of Atlanta hospitality.

Festival guest enjoying a taco at the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival Tasting Tents
Atlanta Food & Wine Festival Tasting Tents. Photo courtesy of Atlanta Food & Wine Festival.

Sunday Evening: Southern Fried—A Fried Chicken Affair

Sunday, September 13 at The Home Depot Backyard
Early access: 4:30–7:30 p.m. | $145
General admission: 5:15–7:30 p.m. | $109

Hosted by Kelli Potter, Southern Fried explores one of the South’s most beloved foods through classic recipes and globally inspired interpretations, paired with cocktails and wine.

Multi-Day Festival Passes

  • 4-Day Tasting Tents Pass: Access to all four Tasting Tents. General admission is $459; VIP is $619.
  • Backyard All-Access Pass: Access to all six experiences at The Home Depot Backyard. General admission is $629; VIP/early entry is $759.
  • Sunday Funday Pass: Access to The Homecoming and Southern Fried. General admission is $199; VIP/early entry is $269.

Check the official ticket page for the latest options, then enter 365ATL_AFWF26 at checkout for the eligible savings listed above.

Getting to the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival

Rideshare is recommended. Festival parking is limited, and The Home Depot Backyard is easy to reach by Uber or Lyft. If you’re flying into Atlanta, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the city’s primary airport. Wear comfortable shoes because the event involves plenty of standing and walking.

Where to Stay for the Festival

Hotels Near Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Use the interactive Stay22 map below to compare hotels and accommodations around Mercedes-Benz Stadium and The Home Depot Backyard for festival weekend.

Atlanta Food & Wine Festival Tips

  • Buy early: Popular sessions and discounted passes can sell out.
  • Plan by theme: Each event has a distinct focus, so review the schedule before choosing tickets.
  • Stay hydrated: September in Atlanta can be hot and humid. Drink water between tastings.
  • Dress comfortably: Choose lightweight clothing and supportive shoes. Bring sunscreen for daytime events.
  • Arrive hungry: Tickets include generous tastings, so give yourself time to explore before returning for favorites.
Crowds enjoying the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival Tasting Tents outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium
A lively evening at the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival Tasting Tents. Photo by John Harrington.

The combination of great food, free-flowing drinks, chef demonstrations, music, and fun activations makes this one of Atlanta’s standout culinary weekends. Choose your 2026 Atlanta Food & Wine Festival tickets and remember to use code 365ATL_AFWF26.

Save up to $100 on AFWF ticketsUse code 365ATL_AFWF26
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