Atlanta Food & Wine Festival returns with 150+ chefs and new format

The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival (AFWF), presented by Invesco QQQ, returns Sept. 10-13 for its 16th year with a refreshed format that places Atlanta’s diverse culinary scene at the center of the experience.

Built around the theme, “The City is the Story,” this year’s four-day festival will transform The Home Depot Backyard into a celebration of the chefs, restaurants, neighborhoods and cultural influences that have made Atlanta one of the nation’s premier food destinations.

Tickets are now on sale at atlfoodandwinefestival.com.

Produced by experiential event agency a21, the 2026 festival will feature more than 150 chefs, artisans, beverage professionals and hospitality leaders. Organizers have also reimagined the festival’s signature Tasting Tents presented by Goya Foods, with each day highlighting a different aspect of Atlanta’s food culture.

“AFWF is consistently the finest culinary event in the South, and we are proud to showcase the burgeoning culinary talent from throughout the region,” said Brett Friedman, founder and CEO of a21.

Since launching in 2010, the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival has grown into one of the South’s premier culinary events, drawing food lovers from across the country while spotlighting the region’s chefs, restaurants and beverage makers.

Festival Schedule

Thursday, Sept. 10 — The Atlanta Standard
The festival opens with an evening celebrating Atlanta’s signature restaurants, neighborhood favorites, emerging chefs and cultural icons. Guests can enjoy chef-driven tastings, cocktails, wines and live entertainment.
Tickets start at $99.

Friday, Sept. 11 — Flavors of Atlanta
The second evening highlights the city’s international culinary influences, featuring dishes inspired by Latin American, Asian, Caribbean and other global traditions that have helped shape Atlanta’s food scene.
Tickets start at $109.

Saturday, Sept. 12 — The Southern Spread
Southern hospitality takes center stage during this afternoon event, where chefs will showcase classic Southern dishes alongside modern interpretations paired with beverages and live music.
Tickets start at $109.

Saturday, Sept. 12 — Stacked: The Burger Social
Held Saturday evening, this specialty event spotlights inventive burgers from local chefs alongside beer, wine, cocktails and spirits.
Tickets start at $89.

Sunday, Sept. 13 — The Homecoming
The festival concludes with a Sunday gathering featuring grilled specialties, comfort food and community-focused dining experiences celebrating Atlanta’s culinary culture.
Tickets start at $99.

Sunday, Sept. 13 — Southern Fried: A Fried Chicken Affair
This walk-around tasting explores fried chicken traditions from across the South and around the world, including Nashville hot, Korean and Japanese-inspired preparations.
Tickets start at $89.

Sunday, Sept. 13 — Whiskey & Fire Atlanta
Returning for its second year, Whiskey & Fire Atlanta will be held at Guardian Works, 775 Echo St. NW. The event combines open-fire cooking from acclaimed chefs with tastings of hundreds of whiskies from around the world.
Tickets start at $99.

Invesco QQQ returns as the festival’s presenting sponsor, while Event Zero Foundation will once again serve as the festival’s charitable partner, supporting its mission to promote sustainability within the events industry.

Additional chefs, restaurant partners, sponsors and programming will be announced in the coming months. Multi-day passes are also available.

The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival takes place at The Home Depot Backyard, 1 Backyard Way, Atlanta. All guests must be 21 years of age or older.

For tickets and more information, visit atlfoodandwinefestival.com or follow @atlfoodwine on Instagram.

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