Atlanta Food & Wine Festival: Your Complete Guide to Atlanta’s Fall Flavor Showcase

The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is one of the city’s signature culinary events, bringing together chefs, mixologists, farmers, and food lovers to celebrate Southern food and drink. If you live in Atlanta—or you’re planning a visit in the fall—it’s a major festival to have on your radar.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to what it is, when it happens, what to expect, and how to make the most of it.

What Is the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival?

The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is an annual multi-day event that focuses on:

• Southern cuisine and regional ingredients
• Wine, beer, and spirits from around the South and beyond
• Tasting tents, chef demos, and classes
• Special dinners and curated experiences across the city

Unlike a typical neighborhood fall fair, this is a food-and-drink–centered festival that appeals to both serious food enthusiasts and casual tasters. It typically features:

• Renowned Atlanta chefs and restaurants
• Guest chefs and drink experts from across the South
• Hands-on or demonstration-style classes and seminars
• Walk-around tasting experiences with many small bites and sips

You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy it—just someone who likes trying new foods and flavors.

When Does the Festival Take Place?

The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is typically held in the fall, often in September or October. Exact dates change year to year.

Because dates, times, and locations can shift, it’s wise to:

• Check the current year’s schedule before planning travel
• Confirm which days feature tasting tents vs. classes vs. dinners
• Look for weekday vs. weekend offerings if you live locally and want to avoid peak crowds

⏰ Tip: Many Atlantans choose a single festival day or one tasting session plus one special dinner, rather than trying to attend everything.

Where Is the Festival Held in Atlanta?

The festival has used different venues over the years, but it usually anchors itself in central or intown Atlanta areas that are easy to reach, such as:

• Midtown Atlanta
• Westside / West Midtown
• Event spaces or hotels in and around the Downtown–Midtown corridor

Common types of festival locations include:

• Outdoor tasting areas (large open lots, park-style areas, or event greens)
• Hotels and event venues for classes and seminars
• Atlanta restaurants that host special dinners and pop-up experiences

Because venue details can change, plan to:

• Note the exact address for each ticketed session
• Check parking or rideshare guidance (some venues are easier by MARTA or rideshare than by car)
• Allow extra time for traffic if your session is near major hubs like Peachtree Street, the Midtown entertainment district, or the Mercedes-Benz Stadium / State Farm Arena area

What Happens at the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival?

1. Tasting Tents

The tasting tents are usually the main attraction for many attendees. These are walk-around sessions where you can sample:

• Small plates and bites from Atlanta and Southern chefs
• Wine, beer, and spirits from a range of producers
• Desserts, coffee, and non-alcoholic options

What to expect:

• Dozens of tasting stations in a large outdoor or indoor space
• Unlimited or “as-you-go” bites and sips within your ticketed time block
• Live music or entertainment at some sessions

These sessions are popular with groups of friends and couples who want a fun, social fall outing in the city.

2. Classes, Seminars, and Demonstrations

The festival often includes educational components, such as:

• Cooking demonstrations with local and visiting chefs
• Wine and spirits tastings, often focusing on a theme or region
• Talks on Southern food history, sustainability, or local sourcing

These sessions are usually smaller and more structured than tasting tents and may require separate tickets or reservations. They’re a good fit if you:

• Want to learn more about pairing food and wine
• Enjoy watching chefs break down techniques
• Prefer a seated, guided experience over a walk-around festival feel

3. Special Dinners and Events Around Town

The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival frequently partners with local restaurants and bars to offer:

• Chef collaboration dinners
• Multi-course tasting menus with wine pairings
• Limited-seat chef’s counter experiences
• Cocktail-focused events with Atlanta mixologists

These are typically:

• Held in existing Atlanta restaurants or event spaces
• Separately ticketed
• Smaller and more intimate than the main festival tents

For Atlanta residents, these can be an appealing way to experience the festival vibe without spending an entire day at a large event site.

Types of Tickets and Pricing Basics

Ticket options evolve from year to year, but you’ll commonly see:

• Single-day tasting tent passes
• Session-based passes (e.g., afternoon or evening session)
• Add-on tickets for classes, demos, or seminars
• Special event / dinner tickets
• Sometimes, VIP or early-access options

Before you buy:

• Decide if you want a social tasting day or a more educational, seated experience
• Check whether alcohol tastings are included or require separate wristbands
• Confirm what your ticket does not include (parking, tips for restaurant dinners, certain premium pours, etc.)

Because this is a major regional festival, tickets can sell out, especially for:

• Peak weekend sessions
• Small, high-demand dinners
• Exclusive classes with well-known chefs

Is the Festival Family-Friendly?

The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is generally geared toward adults, especially because alcohol tastings are central to many events.

Typical patterns:

• Some sessions are 21+ only, especially tasting tents and alcohol-focused seminars
• Certain daytime or demonstration events may be more relaxed, but still mainly adult-oriented

If you’re in Atlanta with kids and looking for a fall festival:

• This may not be the best fit as a full family outing
• Consider making this an adults’ day or date night and planning a separate kid-friendly fall activity at places like Atlanta Botanical Garden, Zoo Atlanta, or local pumpkin patches

Always confirm the age policy for the specific event or ticket type you’re considering.

What to Wear and Bring (Atlanta-Specific Tips)

Atlanta fall weather can vary widely, especially between early fall heat and cooler late-October evenings. For outdoor tasting tents:

• Dress in light layers you can add or remove
• Choose comfortable shoes for walking and standing on grass, gravel, or pavement
• Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for daytime sessions
• Pack a light jacket or sweater for evening or breezy conditions

Other practical items:

• A small crossbody bag or belt bag (large bags may be restricted)
• Reusable water bottle, if allowed, to stay hydrated between tastings
• Portable phone charger for digital tickets, rideshare apps, and photos

Most festival-style setups are casual; there is no need for formal wear unless you’re attending a more upscale chef’s dinner at a restaurant.

Getting There: Transportation Tips for Atlanta

Driving and Parking

If you plan to drive:

• Check whether the main event site has official parking lots or decks
• Look up nearby public parking garages in Midtown, Downtown, or Westside depending on the venue
• Expect heavy traffic around major intersections and event hubs, especially near:
  • Peachtree Street NE in Midtown
  • North Avenue, 10th Street, 14th Street
  • Northside Drive near major attractions

Factor in time for:

• Finding parking
• Walking from the lot or deck to the entrance
• Lines for security or check-in

Because alcohol is central to the event, many Atlanta locals choose rideshare over driving.

MARTA and Rideshare

For central Atlanta festival locations, MARTA can be convenient:

• The Red and Gold rail lines run through Midtown Station, Arts Center Station, Peachtree Center, and Five Points, which are often close to hotels and event sites.
• From MARTA stations, you may be able to walk, grab a short rideshare, or take a scooter or bike share to the venue.

Rideshare (Lyft, Uber, etc.) is widely used in Atlanta:

• Plan for surge pricing after major sessions end
• Confirm the pick-up/drop-off zone recommended by the festival to avoid confusion

Food, Dietary Needs, and Allergies

The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival showcases many different styles of cuisine, including:

• Traditional Southern comfort food
• Modern takes on regional dishes
• Seafood, grilled meats, vegetarian options, and desserts

If you have dietary preferences or restrictions:

• Expect some vegetarian, pescatarian, and gluten-conscious options, but offerings will vary by vendor
• It helps to scan station signs or ask staff about ingredients before tasting
• For severe allergies, you may want to be especially cautious, as cross-contact can be harder to control in festival settings

You are not required to try everything—most attendees sample selectively based on their tastes and comfort level.

Alcohol, Safety, and Identification

Because wine and other alcoholic beverages are a major part of the festival:

• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID if you plan to drink
• Don’t rely on digital copies—Atlanta events typically require physical ID
• Expect ID checks at the entrance or at designated wristband stations

For safety and comfort:

• Alternate alcohol with water and food
• Plan your transportation home (rideshare, designated driver, MARTA) in advance
• Pace your tastings; you can always skip certain pours if you’ve had enough

How the Festival Fits into Atlanta’s Fall Event Scene

Atlanta’s fall calendar is packed, and the Food & Wine Festival is often part of a broader season of festivals, which can include:

• Neighborhood fall festivals (e.g., in Cabbagetown, Inman Park, or Old Fourth Ward)
• Arts and music festivals in Piedmont Park or along the BeltLine
• Harvest-themed events in nearby areas like Stone Mountain or North Georgia

The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival stands out as:

• More culinary-focused than a typical craft or neighborhood fair
• A chance to explore many Atlanta restaurants and chefs in one place
• A convenient way for visitors to get a snapshot of the city’s dining scene in a single weekend

If you’re scheduling a trip or planning your fall, it can pair well with:

• A meal at a local restaurant you discovered at the festival
• A day exploring the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside or Westside trails, with stops at markets and breweries
• A visit to the Atlanta Botanical Garden or Piedmont Park to round out a fall weekend in the city

Practical Planning Checklist

Use this quick reference as you plan your visit:

Attending the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival can be a standout way to experience the city’s culinary side, especially in the backdrop of fall weather and Atlanta’s lively festival season. With a bit of planning around tickets, transportation, and the types of events you enjoy most, you can tailor the experience to fit how you like to eat, drink, and explore the city.