Our food scene is shaped by generations of Southern traditions, immigrant communities, neighborhood institutions, ambitious chefs, late-night cravings, and the people constantly finding new ways to put their own spin on what Atlanta tastes like. This September, the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is bringing all of that together for four days of eating, drinking, cooking, and celebrating the people behind the plate.

Returning September 10–13 for its 16th year, the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival presented by Invesco QQQ takes over The Home Depot Backyard with a theme that feels especially fitting for this city: “The City is the Story.” Across a lineup of tasting experiences, live cooking demonstrations, cocktails, wine, music, and chef-driven experiences, guests will get to experience Atlanta through the flavors and personalities that make it what it is.

And this year, there’s plenty of personality attached to the lineup.

FOUR DAYS. SEVEN VERY DIFFERENT WAYS TO EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH ATLANTA.

The festival kicks off Thursday, September 10 with The Atlanta Standard, hosted by Atlanta Journal-Constitution senior dining editor Monti Carlo. The evening is essentially an ode to Atlanta itself, bringing together neighborhood legends, rising culinary talent, cultural icons, chef-driven bites, cocktails, wine, and live music. General admission begins at $125, with VIP tickets at $175.

Friday shifts the focus outward with Flavors of Atlanta, hosted by chef, writer, television host, and culinary explorer Andrew Zimmern. Expect a walk-around tasting inspired by the many cultures that have helped shape the city’s food identity, from Latin and Asian influences to Caribbean flavors and beyond. General admission is $145 and VIP is $195.

Saturday brings two completely different experiences.

During the afternoon, chef and caterer Shawn Osbey hosts The Southern Spread, a celebration of Southern hospitality, locally sourced ingredients, comforting classics, and fresh interpretations of Southern food. Guests can expect food, expertly paired beverages, live music, and plenty of Atlanta energy. Tickets are $145 for general admission and $195 for VIP.

Then Saturday night gets considerably more indulgent with Stacked: The Burger Social, hosted by chef and restaurateur Ford Fry and presented by Mike’s Amazing. This is exactly what it sounds like: chefs and restaurants competing for your attention with creative burger creations ranging from smashed patties to towering stacks and unexpected toppings. General admission is $109, while VIP is $145.

Sunday is where the festival really leans into its Southern roots.

The Homecoming, hosted by Emmy Award-winning Food Network host Kardea Brown, brings together smoky and savory bites, grills, drinks, and the kind of Sunday Funday energy that makes you want to stay a little longer. General admission is $125 and VIP is $175.

Later that afternoon, Southern Fried: A Fried Chicken Affair, hosted by Real Housewives of Atlanta star, restaurateur, and cookbook author Kelli Potter, gives one of the South’s most beloved dishes the spotlight. Think classic Southern fried chicken alongside global interpretations, including Nashville hot, Korean, and Japanese-inspired versions. General admission is $109, with VIP tickets at $145.

And for those who want to take the weekend beyond The Home Depot Backyard, Whiskey & Fire Atlanta returns Sunday evening at Guardian Works. The experience combines open-fire cooking with hundreds of whiskies from around the world, alongside wood-fired dishes from acclaimed chefs. Tickets start at $119 for general admission and $159 for VIP.

COME FOR THE FOOD, STAY FOR THE EXPERIENCE.

One of the things that makes the festival feel bigger than a typical tasting event is that guests aren’t simply walking around sampling dishes.

The festival’s hosts will have dedicated tasting stations, while chefs participating in the Tasting Tents presented by Goya Foods will also take the Publix Culinary Demonstration Stage for live cooking demonstrations. Longtime Atlanta broadcaster Mara Davis will emcee the culinary demonstrations throughout all four days.

For anyone who wants to make a full weekend of it, multi-day passes are also available. The four-day Tasting Tents pass starts at $429 for general admission and $589 for VIP, while an all-six-event pass at The Home Depot Backyard starts at $559 for general admission and $759 for VIP. There is also a Sunday Funday Pass covering both Sunday events at The Home Depot Backyard, starting at $179.

And there’s something fitting about the festival’s decision to put Atlanta itself at the center of the story.

Food is one of the easiest ways to understand this city. You can taste its history, its growth, its diversity, and its creativity in a single meal. Atlanta’s culinary identity isn’t static, and neither is the city. There is always another neighborhood to discover, another chef putting a new spin on a familiar dish, and another story being told through food.

This September, the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is inviting us to pull up a chair and taste it for ourselves.

The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival presented by Invesco QQQ takes place September 10–13 at The Home Depot Backyard. All guests must be 21 or older. Tickets are currently on sale.

Written by Brittaney Denise