Star-Studded Chefs and Expanded Experiences
The four-day celebration brings Atlanta’s culinary story to life September 10–13 with tastings, chef demonstrations, burgers, fried chicken, whiskey, live entertainment and more.
Atlanta is ready to eat, sip and celebrate. The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival presented by Invesco QQQ returns September 10–13, 2026, marking its 16th year with an expanded lineup of culinary experiences centered around this year’s theme, “The City is the Story.”
The four-day festival will bring nearly 100 celebrated chefs, restaurants, beverage partners and culinary personalities together, with most events taking place at The Home Depot Backyard in Atlanta. Organizers say the festival is designed to spotlight the people, neighborhoods and flavors helping define the city’s evolving culinary identity.
A Serious Lineup of Culinary Talent
This year’s hosts alone make AFWF worth watching. Monti Carlo, Andrew Zimmern, Shawn Osbey, Ford Fry, Kardea Brown and Kelli Potter will each take the reins for signature experiences throughout the weekend.
The culinary roster includes James Beard Award semifinalist Tana Bhamaraniyama of Tyde Tate Kitchen, cookbook author Renee Blackman, “Chopped” champion Gary Caldwell of Marcus Bar & Grille, Anthony Dudley of MICHELIN-recognized Hattie B’s, James Beard Award semifinalists Monique and Paul Feybesse of Tarts de Feybesse, James Beard Award nominee Ronald Hsu of MICHELIN-recognized Lazy Betty, Billy Kramer of NFA Burger, Duane Nutter of Southern National, Gee Smalls of Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar, Biff “MrBBQ” Smith and James Beard Award semifinalist Deborah VanTrece.
And this is not simply a walk-around tasting festival. The 2026 schedule is built to give food lovers several distinct ways to experience Atlanta.
- Thursday: The Atlanta Standard, hosted by Monti Carlo
- Friday: Flavors of Atlanta, hosted by Andrew Zimmern
- Saturday: The Southern Spread, hosted by Shawn Osbey; Stacked: The Burger Social, hosted by Ford Fry; plus Whiskey & Fire Atlanta at Guardian Works
- Sunday: The Homecoming, hosted by Kardea Brown, followed by Southern Fried: A Chicken Affair, hosted by Kelli Potter
More Than What’s on the Plate
Festival partners are adding another layer to the experience. Goya Foods returns as presenting partner of the Tasting Tents, while guests can catch demonstrations on the Publix Culinary Demonstration Stage. Mike’s Amazing presents the new Burger Social, and beverage experiences include offerings from Pernod Ricard, Caymus Vineyards, The Coca-Cola Company and Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
AFWF has also named the Event Zero Foundation its charitable partner, supporting efforts to encourage more sustainable practices throughout the events industry.
For anyone who plans trips around what they can eat, drink and discover, this weekend is essentially Atlanta serving itself on one enormous platter.
The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival presented by Invesco QQQ runs September 10–13. The Home Depot Backyard is located at 1 Backyard Way, Atlanta, GA 30313, with Whiskey & Fire taking place separately at Guardian Works. Festival events are 21+, and both single-event tickets and multi-day passes are available.
Atlanta Food & Wine Festival tickets and information