Top Food Events You Have To Attend While In Atlanta
This list of events is for all of those who love Atlanta and its incredible food. Whether you drive an hour out just to eat at any random Atlanta restaurant or you are looking for something to do in the city, this list of next year’s most popular events will be your tour guide. From January to September, I have highlighted the most interesting food and drink events, held in various spots around Atlanta, that I think you’d like to try. All you have to do is choose one, clear your calendar and make sure you bring your wallet.
Winter Wine Festival at City Winery
I bet you can guess what happens exactly a month from now. Yes, it will still be cold. Yes, you will be hungover from your New Year’s Eve shenanigans. And yes, you will have purchased your tickets for the Winter Wine Festival on January 18th. This shindig will go down in two sessions and you’ve got to decide which on to go to. Session One starts at 12pm and ends at 4pm. While Session Two starts at 6pm and ends at 10pm. Both will include over 50 types of Wines, Mimosas, Beers and Ciders, along with a live DJ. Souvenirs will be passed out, an event acrylic wine glass, and all the samples you can drink. The tickets are not easy to come by. The prices range from $45 – $60 with a special of $35 for the first 100 guests who purchase tickets early. Keep in mind this is a 21 and up event. So, that means no babies, no children. Also not pets, no outside food or beverages and NO REFUNDS. The event is indoors, so the cold will not bother you too much. And keep in mind the cut-off times: session one at 3:45pm and session two at 9:45pm.
Atlanta Grilled Cheese Festival
Alright, for all of you who swear your mom’s grilled cheese is the BEST, I dare you to attend one of Atlanta’s favorite spring festivals. When? April 18th, 2020. Where? Atlantic Station. Why? Because of grilled cheese sandwiches! Restaurants from East Point to Roswell are coming to challenge each other in the best sandwich face-off ever. Yes, it is a competition. Every participant is asked to vote for the one grilled cheese that definitely could compete with their moms. Ticket prices range from 15 to 30 bucks. General Admission includes three free samples, event koozies and all access to the Adult Game Zone and Bloody Mary Garden; because what goes better with grilled cheese than spiked tomato juice. If you are a true cheese enthusiast, then you should purchase the Cheese Lover package. It includes six free samples, koozie, sunglasses, and 2 free beers or wine. Of course, the game zone and garden are included. And to top, it all off live music will be played all day long!
Atlanta Brunch Festival
On March 7th, make sure you have nothing to do or nothing to eat between breakfast and lunch. Why? Because you are going to the ATL Brunch Festival, duh! Between 4pm and 7pm, only the best restaurants will be handing out samples of their most popular dishes for you to try. Each dish is only $3, given directly to the vendors themselves. What about drinks? Oh, there will be booze! Bloody Mary’s, Mimosas, Beers, Wines all will be there at your leisure. Bottomless Drink Tickets range from $45 – $60, but for the first 500 people, tickets are only $35. If you want early entry, that’ll be $60-$80 or $55 (if you’re lucky). Now, a few things to remember: a) this is a 21 and up event, b) bring a blanket or chair if you’re feeling it, c) this event will happen rain or shine so, be prepared, and d) make sure you have a designated driver. It is encouraged that you bring a friend or two, just be sure that at least one of you is capable of driving. Or better yet, drink as much as you want and then call an Uber! This festival is sure to be one that you’ll remember, no matter how many mimosas you have.
The Veggie Taste
If you haven’t heard of Atlanta’s largest outdoor vegan food festival, then you need to broaden your horizons. Every September, for the past ten years, vendors from all over have brought their homemade, extraordinary, and meat-free meals to the greater Atlanta area. Each menu is centered around “vegan, raw, or plant-based food”. These vegan chefs are helping educate their customers by providing alternative foods for a healthier lifestyle. They even promote grocery stores that specialize in vegan cuisine such as, Outdoor Farmers Markets, Aldis, Korean Markets, and Trader Joe’s. Even if you are new to the scene of Veganism or Vegetarianism or maybe you just want to try something new, The Veggie Taste is the best place to come and experience homemade vegetable-based meals, that both improve your health and reduce harmful impacts on the environment. The event itself is completely free to attend. The catch is you have to purchases Taste Tickets. Vendors are compensated by the tickets they collect. For $15 you can get five taste tickets, 1 ticket = 1 sample. The Veggie Taste will not let you go hungry. They supply a generous amount of food for each sample, so you can have a full vegan experience.
Reviews
“New Orleans has Mardi Gras, New York has the ball drop, Tennessee gets Bonnaroo. Atlanta gets the all-you-can-eat Grilled Cheese Festival.. god I love this place.” – Ethan R., Atlanta Grilled Cheese Festival, facebook.com
“First time visiting the festival. VIP entrance made my day. Bottomless mimosas and endless tasty treats. I had a great solo adventure. Met great people. Enjoyed live band. Check it out next year. I will be there.” – Liz G., Atlanta Brunch Festival, yelp.com
