As we head into the heat of summer, Georgia food enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to. The State is buzzing with a plethora of culinary events that promise to tantalize your taste buds and offer a unique gastronomic experience. Whether you are a local or a visitor, here are some of our must-attend food-related events happening in and around Atlanta this summer.
1. Stay Out of the Water Market @ Pontoon Brewing (July 6, 2024)
Bring your dogs and the whole family to this FREE Sandy Springs food event at Pontoon Brewing. Shop 30+ local artisans, enjoy food truck grub, try 10+ delicious beers on tap, and groove out to rockin’ music!
2. Concrete Jungle Volunteer Fruit Picks (All summer long)
Join this awesome Atlanta-based nonprofit for a fun volunteer produce pick! From apples to zucchini, volunteers glean fruits and vegetables from backyards, local parks, and large farms to distribute to neighbors in need. If you’re in Atlanta, keep an eye on this calendar for regularly updated events. Athens-area folks, here’s your guide to their volunteer picks near you!
3. The How-To’s of Houseplants (July 17, 2024)
Discover how to use a variety of plants – from tropicals to succulents and more – as flourishing indoor container plants for your home. This Atlanta Botanical Gardens workshop will be lead by horticulturist Derek Pinson at the Gardens.
4. Atlanta Farmer’s Markets (All summer long)
The National Farmer’s Market Directory website has a page dedicated to Atlanta area farmer’s markets. Take a look at their comprehensive listing that you can even search by zip code!
5. PeachFest (July 21, 2024)
Celebrate Georgia’s iconic fruit at PeachFest, held in Downtown Atlanta. This event is a tribute to the peach, featuring creative peach-infused dishes prepared by top chefs from around the region. Enjoy peach-themed cocktails, live music, and a farmers market where you can purchase fresh, locally-grown peaches and other produce.
6. Atlanta Ice Cream Festival (July 27, 2024)
Cool off from the summer heat at the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival in Piedmont Park. This family-friendly event not only offers a wide range of delicious ice cream flavors but also promotes a healthy lifestyle with activities such as yoga, fitness demonstrations, and health screenings. It’s a perfect blend of indulgence and wellness, making it a sweet treat for everyone.
7. Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival (July 28, 2024)
Hosted this year at Westside Motor Lounge, this iconic tasting festival features a *killer* lineup of local chefs and bartenders ready to dish out their best culinary masterpieces with tomatoes grown by Georgia farmers. Attendees will enjoy traversing the festival grounds sampling bites and cocktails, live performances, a live auction, and more!
8. Rain Barrel Workshop (August 3, 2024)
Discover the environmental and economic benefits of adding a water barrel to your property, and construct your own during this hands-on workshop. This paid workshop will be lead by Plant Records Specialist Amy Fields-Taylor at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.
9. Grand Tasting Alpharetta (August 8, 2024)
A tasting event celebrating Alpharetta’s diverse restaurant scene for ONE NIGHT ONLY, Thursday, August 8th, 2024 at The Hotel at Avalon. This one of a kind food festival brings an incredible energy where patrons will sip, savor and celebrate the community’.s vibrant culinary scene at one of the most popular food events around Atlanta.
10. Fermenting Vegetables Workshop (August 25, 2024)
Fermentation is one of the oldest food processing methods still used today. Discover the basic science and techniques behind fermentation and enjoy appetizers during this paid workshop at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens led by fermenter Cheryl Paswater.
11. Summer Shade Festival (August 24-25, 2024)
A thriving two-day, in-town festival in historic Grant Park, organized by and benefiting the Grant Park Conservancy. The event brings together a variety of regional and local artist, food vendors, and music entertainment. Be sure to stop by the Fresh Harvest table if you come by!
12. Aglanta Eats Festival (August 26, 2024)
AgLanta Eats, the hyper-local food festival, returns with tastings prepared by top local chefs utilizing the freshest ingredients from AgLanta growers and metro Atlanta farms. Guests will have full access to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens while enjoying farm-fresh food, a selection of beverages, live music, garden tours and more. Proceeds benefit the AgLanta “Grows-A-Lot” program, in association with Groundwork Atlanta and the Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Resilience, which supports the conversion of vacant and underutilized parcels in low food-access areas to productive urban farms and gardens.
13. Atlanta Street Food Festival & Bazaar (September 2, 2024)
This Westside Park brought to you by Blacks in Technology Foundation is a family-friendly event with something for everyone and one of the most popular food events around Atlanta. Enjoy music, engage in interactive demos, and let the kids have a blast in a dedicated children’s zone, complete with games, activities, and entertainment. It’s a perfect day out for families to create lasting memories. From mouth-watering barbecue and gourmet burgers to vegan delicacies, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample signature dishes and discover new favorites from our diverse food vendors.
Tips for Attending
- Purchase Tickets Early: Many of these events sell out quickly, so it’s wise to buy your tickets in advance.
- Stay Hydrated: Atlanta summers can be hot, so make sure to drink plenty of water, especially if you’re attending outdoor events.
- Bring Cash: While most vendors accept cards, having cash on hand can make transactions quicker and easier.
- Arrive Early: Popular events can get crowded. Arriving early ensures you get the best parking spots and first dibs on the tastiest treats.
Summer food events around Atlanta offer something for every palate. Whether you’re a fan of gourmet cuisine, street food, or just looking to enjoy a fun day out, these festivals, workshops, and events provide the perfect opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant food scene. So, grab your friends and family, and get ready to savor the sights, sounds, and flavors of Atlanta this summer!