Cheers Everyone!
Can you believe we are already in September? Let’s get
ready for numerous Oktoberfest celebrations, some cool weather (we pray), and one
of the best annual food celebrations in the nation, Atlanta Food & Wine
Festival! From September 10-13, this Fest will bring the celebrity chefs
from around the nation, including some friends I have either wrote about, worked
with, or co-hosted an event with including Bizarre Foods' Andrew
Zimmern; restaurateur and chef Ford Fry; Food Network’s Chopped
champion Gary Caldwell of Marcus Bar & Grille; James
Beard Award nominee Duane Nutter of Southern National; and
James Beard Award semifinalist Deborah VanTrece to name a
few. The 2026 AF&WF theme is "The City is the Story,” embracing all
the prestige and history of ATL’s culinary scene throughout the years and I’m all
for it!
I hope to see you at one of the events and make sure you say
hello! Below is all the information straight from the source, including a link
to tickets and lineups through the weekend.
Happy forklifting!
ATLANTA FOOD
& WINE FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY INVESCO QQQ MARKS 16TH YEAR WITH FINAL
STAR-STUDDED CHEF LINEUP AND EXPANDED ENTERTAINMENT
Festival
Partners Help Bring The Four-Day Celebration To Life Through Interactive
Activations, Demonstrations, Competitions And Signature Experiences, Sept.
10-13
Atlanta Food & Wine Festival (AFWF) presented by
Invesco QQQ is revealing a closer look at the experiences awaiting guests Sept.
10-13, as the festival marks its 16th year with an impressive chef lineup, a
full weekend of live entertainment and exclusive amenities spanning partner
giveaways and discounted rideshare. Built around the theme "The City is
the Story,” this year’s four day celebration at The Home Depot Backyard, brings
together nearly 100 of Atlanta’s most celebrated chefs, restaurants,
beverage partners and culinary personalities for distinctive tasting
experiences that showcase the flavors and people shaping the city’s
destination-worthy food scene. Tickets are on sale now at atlfoodandwinefestival.com.
Along with a celebrity roster of host talent, including
Atlanta Journal-Constitution food and dining editor Monti Carlo, Bizarre
Foods' Andrew Zimmern, celebrity chef and caterer Shawn
Osbey, restaurateur and chef Ford Fry, Emmy
Award-winning Food Network star Kardea Brow, and “Real
Housewives of Atlanta” star, restaurateur and cookbook author Kelli
Potter, this year’s festival features an extensive lineup of
award-winning chefs appearing throughout the weekend, including James
Beard Award semifinalist Tana Bhamaraniyama of Tyde Tate
Kitchen; award-winning cookbook author Renee Blackman; Food
Network’s 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 the critically
acclaimed NFA Burger; James Beard Award nominee Duane Nutter of
Southern National; Atlanta Magazine “500 Most Powerful Leaders” honoree Gee
Smalls of Virgil's Gullah Kitchen & Bar; national
television’s Hustle Sizzle and Smoke Champion Biff
"MrBBQ" Smith of Mobile Chef of Atlanta; and James Beard
Award semifinalist Deborah VanTrece of VanTrece Hospitality
Group, among many more. The full event calendar follows below, and
the complete talent roster is available at atlfoodandwinefestival.com/talent.
Beyond the culinary stars, returning Presenting
Partner Invesco QQQ leads this year's lineup of festival
partners, helping create memorable experiences that extend well beyond the
plate. Goya Foods returns as Presenting Partner of the Tasting
Tents and Official Hispanic Foods Partner, where guests can visit a dedicated
station featuring Executive Chef Fernando Desa throughout the weekend. Mike's
Amazing brings back its signature Airstream trailer, serving a
different burger each day while celebrating its new role as Presenting Partner
of Stacked: The Burger Social and the festival's Official Mayo & Mustard
Partner. Ticketed guests can also sample Publix cake and watch acclaimed chefs
in action at the Publix Culinary Demonstration Stage, sample
premium wines and spirits from Pernod Ricard, sip Caymus
Vineyards wine from Princess Cruise Lines alongside
their Grilled New York Strip with homestyle mashed potatoes, garnished
with a creamy horseradish sauce while picking up a branded tote
bag, order a Dirty South Coke or an Edgewood Express -- two signature cocktails The
Coca-Cola created for the festival, try Blade and Bow Kentucky
Straight Bourbon Whiskey at their signature Pony Trailer cocktail experience,
and discover the hospitality of Official Host Hotel Omni Atlanta Hotel
at Centennial Park. Together, these partnerships help turn every corner of
the festival into a new opportunity to explore Atlanta's culinary culture.
"The strength of the Atlanta Food & Wine
Festival comes from the incredible partners who share our passion for
showcasing the South's culinary community," said Brett Friedman, founder
and CEO of a21. "Their collaboration helps transform the festival into a
one-of-a-kind experience guests can explore and enjoy in so many different
ways."
2026 Atlanta Food & Wine Festival presented by
Invesco QQQ Host Talent & Event Schedule
THURSDAY, SEPT. 10 | THE ATLANTA STANDARD HOSTED BY
MONTI CARLO
Tasting Tents Presented by Goya Foods
VIP: 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; General Admission: 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Every city has its signature. This is Atlanta's. From
late-night eats and neighborhood legends to rising stars and cultural icons,
The Atlanta Standard celebrates the people, flavors and creativity that make
Atlanta unlike anywhere else. Monti Carlo, the Atlanta
Journal-Constitution's senior dining editor, hosts an evening packed with
chef-driven bites from Deborah VanTrece of VanTrece
Hospitality Group, Simon Warren of Omni Atlanta Hotel at
Centennial Park, Anthony Dudley of MICHELIN-recognized Hattie
B's and many more culinary talents, alongside innovative cocktails, incredible
wines, live music from a saxophonist and plenty of ATL swagger.
Ticket Price: General Admission: $135 | VIP:
$185
FRIDAY, SEPT. 11 | FLAVORS OF ATLANTA HOSTED BY ANDREW
ZIMMERN
Tasting Tents Presented by Goya Foods
VIP: 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; General
Admission: 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Atlanta's flavors run deep. Shaped by generations of
cultures, communities and culinary traditions, Flavors of Atlanta celebrates
the people and places that make the city one of the most dynamic food destinations
in the country. Renowned chef, writer, TV host and culinary explorer Andrew
Zimmern hosts this high-energy walk-around tasting, taking guests on a
trip around the globe through Latin spices, Asian influence, Caribbean flair
and beyond alongside Atlanta's most exciting chefs, restaurants and beverage
partners. Featured chefs include James Beard Award semifinalists Monique
and Paul Feybesse of Tarts de Feybesse and Tana Bhamaraniyama of
Tyde Tate Kitchen, while Caribbean dancers and a live steel pannist
bring island energy to the festive atmosphere.
Ticket Price: General Admission: $155 | VIP:
$205
SATURDAY, SEPT. 12 | THE SOUTHERN SPREAD HOSTED BY
SHAWN OSBEY
Tasting Tents Presented by Goya Foods
VIP: 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; General Admission: 1 p.m.
to 3:30 p.m.
The Southern Spread is where Southern hospitality, bold
flavors and Atlanta's creative spirit come together. From time-honored recipes
to locally sourced ingredients, this lively afternoon gathering celebrates the
chefs and visionaries who keep Southern traditions thriving. Hosted by chef and
visionary caterer Shawn Osbey, guests will gather under the Georgia
sun for an afternoon of comforting classics, innovative interpretations,
expertly paired beverages, live entertainment, and the unmistakable energy
of Atlanta's food community. Featured chefs include Biff
"MrBBQ" Smith of Mobile Chef of Atlanta, Gee Smalls of
Virgil's Gullah Kitchen & Bar, Food Network’s 2024 Chopped Champion Gary
Caldwell of Marcus Bar & Grille, award-winning cookbook author,
chef and caterer Renee Blackman, and Duane Nutter of
Southern National, and many more culinary talents. From Southern staples to
fresh culinary perspectives, this is a celebration of the people, flavors and
traditions that make the South and Atlanta so delicious.
Ticket Price: General Admission: $155 | VIP:
$205
SATURDAY, SEPT. 12 | STACKED: THE BURGER SOCIAL
HOSTED BY FORD FRY presented by MIKE’S AMAZING
VIP: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; General Admission: 7:15
p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Stacked: The Burger Social presented by Mike's Amazing is
a mouthwatering celebration of America's favorite handheld bite. Hosted by
restaurateur and chef Ford Fry, the event brings together chefs,
restaurants and culinary personalities to show off their most creative,
over-the-top and downright delicious burger creations. Participating chefs
include Billy Kramer of the critically acclaimed NFA
Burger, Eleazar Fuerte of Mike's Amazing and many more
standout burger talents, while guests can cast their vote for the Mike's
Amazing People's Choice Burger Award. From perfectly smashed patties and
towering stacks to unexpected toppings and bold flavor combinations, every chef
offers a new contender for your favorite bite of the night. Pair it all with
wine, spirits and other beverages while enjoying the high-energy atmosphere of
one of the festival's most craveable events.
Ticket Price: General Admission: $125 | VIP:
$155
SATURDAY, SEPT. 12 | WHISKEY & FIRE ATLANTA
Guardian Works | 775
Echo St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
VIP: 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; General Admission: 5:45
p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Atlanta Food & Wine Festival presented by Invesco QQQ
welcomes back Whiskey & Fire Atlanta for its second year, a collaboration
between Heritage Fire and Whiskies of the World uniting world-class whiskey
with locally crafted culinary experiences. Wander between open-fire cooking
stations featuring acclaimed chefs, including Black Girls Grilling and Biff
"MrBBQ" Smith of Mobile Chef of Atlanta, savor wood-fired
bites and explore hundreds of whiskies from around the globe.
Ticket Price: General Admission: $129 | Early
Access: $169
SUNDAY, SEPT. 13 | THE HOMECOMING HOSTED BY KARDEA
BROWN
Tasting Tents Presented by Goya Foods
VIP: 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; General Admission: 12 p.m.
to 3:30 p.m.
Close out the festival weekend with one more day of smoky
and savory bites. The Homecoming is a celebration filled with bold flavors,
Sunday Funday vibes and the unmistakable warmth of Atlanta hospitality. Hosted
by Emmy Award-winning Food Network star Kardea Brown, the event
welcomes friends old and new as Atlanta's chefs fire up the grills, pour the
drinks and serve up the bold, comforting dishes that make festival memories,
all set to the spirited sounds of a live marching band. Featured chefs
include Simon Warren of Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park.
Ticket Price: General Admission: $135 | VIP:
$185
SUNDAY, SEPT. 13 |SOUTHERN FRIED: A FRIED CHICKEN
AFFAIR HOSTED BY KELLI POTTER
VIP: 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; General Admission: 5:15
p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Golden, crispy and impossible to resist. Southern Fried
celebrates one of the South's most beloved dishes with a walk-around tasting
featuring classic Southern recipes and bold global interpretations, hosted by
“Real Housewives of Atlanta” cast member, restaurateur and cookbook
author Kelli Potter. Ronald Hsu of Lazy Betty
and Anthony Dudley of Hattie B's are among the chefs serving
up their takes on fried chicken. From Nashville hot and buttermilk-brined
favorites to Korean or Japanese, this flavor-packed event proves that great
fried chicken knows no borders.
Ticket Price: General Admission: $125 | VIP:
$155
Experience more of the festival with multi-day passes
covering all four days of the Tasting Tents presented by Goya Foods (General
Admission: $469 | VIP: $629) or access to all six events at The Home Depot
Backyard (General Admission: $609 | VIP: $819). Additionally, a Sunday Funday
Pass covers both Sunday events at The Home Depot Backyard (General Admission:
$199 | VIP: $269).
Guests can also make the most of festival weekend by
taking advantage of several exclusive offers and giveaways. Ticket holders
receive 15% off rides with HerRide by downloading the app and
using promo code AFWF15, while those traveling to Atlanta can enjoy special
rates at Official Host Hotel Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park.
As the presenting sponsor, Invesco QQQ is passionate
about fueling innovation and excellence, values that align with Atlanta Food
& Wine Festival’s mission. Invesco QQQ is proud to support the culinary
community in Atlanta, which also serves as Invesco QQQ’s headquarters. The
festival is also proud to welcome Event Zero Foundation as its charitable partner. The
festival will support Event Zero Foundation’s mission to inspire and guide
event organizers, businesses, and communities toward sustainable
practices.
The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival presented by Invesco
QQQ will be located at The Home Depot Backyard, 1 Backyard Way, Atlanta, GA
30313. Guests must be 21 and older. For more information, visit atlfoodandwinefestival.com and
follow Atlanta Food & Wine Festival on Instagram.
