Atlanta Food & Wine Festival Celebrates 16th Year with Culinary Stars and Unique Experiences
The highly anticipated Atlanta Food & Wine Festival (AFWF), presented by Invesco QQQ, is set to return for its 16th year from September 10-13, 2026, at The Home Depot Backyard. This year's festival promises to be a remarkable celebration of culinary excellence, featuring nearly 100 acclaimed chefs, restaurants, and beverage partners. With a theme of 'The City is the Story', the festival will highlight Atlanta's vibrant culinary scene through tastings, live performances, and interactive partner activities.
Festival hosts for this special year include prominent personalities such as Monti Carlo, Andrew Zimmern, Shawn Osbey, Ford Fry, Kardea Brown, and Kelli Potter. Attendees will have the chance to meet celebrated chefs and culinary professionals, including James Beard Award semifinalist Tana Bhamaraniyama of Tyde Tate Kitchen, cookbook author Renee Blackman, and 'Chopped' champion Gary Caldwell of Marcus Bar Grille. Other notable culinary talents include Ronald Hsu from MICHELIN-recognized Lazy Betty, Billy Kramer from NFA Burger, and Deborah VanTrece of VanTrece Hospitality Group.
Invesco QQQ continues as the presenting partner, collaborating with other noteworthy sponsors like Goya Foods, who is returning as the Presenting Partner of the Tasting Tents. This partnership will further elevate the festival's offerings, which encompass culinary demonstrations, signature experiences, and vibrant social events. Guests can also enjoy a range of wines and spirits from Pernod Ricard and Caymus Vineyards, as well as signature cocktails from The Coca-Cola Company.
Not to be missed are the unique festival events planned throughout the four days, including 'The Atlanta Standard' hosted by Monti Carlo, and 'The Southern Spread' hosted by Shawn Osbey. Each event is designed to showcase different flavors and stories that define Atlanta's diverse culinary landscape. Additionally, on Saturday, 'Whiskey Fire Atlanta' will be held at Guardian Works, providing a perfect setting for whiskey enthusiasts.
AFWF also emphasizes its commitment to sustainability through its partnership with Event Zero Foundation. With a mission to guide event organizers towards more sustainable practices, this collaboration highlights the festival's dedication not only to great food and experience but also to our environment.
Located at The Home Depot Backyard, attendees must be 21 or older to participate, ensuring a sophisticated atmosphere for adult guests. Tickets for individual events and multi-day passes are available through the festival's official website.
Brett Friedman, founder and CEO of a21, reflected on the festival's impact, stating, 'The strength of the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival comes from the incredible partners who share our passion for showcasing the South's culinary community.' With every detail thoughtfully curated, this festival promises to offer a memorable experience for food lovers and culinary enthusiasts.
In summary, the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival stands as a testament to Atlanta's rich culinary heritage and its forward-looking gastronomic innovations. From its impressive line-up of chefs to its engaging activities, this year's festival is poised to be a significant event on the culinary calendar, making it a must-attend for anyone passionate about food and wine.