Major Food Events Around Atlanta This Summer

Summer isn’t just about peach season (okay, it’s a lot about peach season). Food festivals, wine dinners, and farmers’ markets are in full swing. Here are restaurant events we’re excited about.

Buckhead Restaurant Week, July 21-26

Buckhead Restaurant Week is happening now, with the city’s restaurants offering prix fixe menus, cocktail specials, and tastings. Major participating restaurants include James Beard finalist Aria, Alma Cocina, Alon’s Bakery + Market, Brush Sushi, Carmel, Gypsy Kitchen, Jinya Ramen Bar, Kyma, Madre Selva, Mission + Market, Nan Thai Buckhead, Nobu Atlanta, Pendolino, Pricci, Snap Thai Fish House, St. Regis, the Southern Gentleman, and Zakia, among many more.

For its 11th year, PeachFest returns to Downtown Atlanta on Sunday, July 27. More than 65 chefs and bartenders will sling peach-centric food and drinks, this year teaming up with Pearson Farm’s Peach Week. Restaurants include Tio Lucho’s, CudaCo. Seafood House (Charleston), etc. (Chicago), Kitty Dare, Southern National, Marcus Bar & Grille, Auburn Angel, Rathbun’s, Sweet Auburn Barbecue, Table at the Lake, Birdcage, Southern Child, TWO urban licks, Stolen Goods ATL, and many more. Tickets are on sale now and begin at $95.

Peach Week Atlanta takes place this week, from July 21 to 26, with peachy dishes featured at more than 20 restaurants around Atlanta. Key menu items include:

Cornbread Panzanella at Miller Union

Charred Peach Gazpacho at Birdcage

Peach and Scallops Risotto at ENZO Steakhouse & Bar

Peach and Chinese Mustard Glazed Spare Ribs at Sweet Auburn BBQ

Peach and Prosciutto Ice Cream at the Pub @EAV

Summer Labneh at Kitty Dare

Panda Fest returns, September 5 to 7

The sold-out Panda Fest returns to Atlanta this September 5 to 7 at Atlantic Station. The mega gathering will include more than 80 Asian food vendors, an outdoor market, K-Pop and Thai dance performances, and a 15-foot inflatable panda. The festival began in New York City and is now growing to multiple cities nationwide. Early Bird tickets go on sale this Friday, July 11, at 10 a.m.

Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, September 11 to 14

Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is returning for its 14th year, and tickets are already on sale for the weekend-long events. The talent lineup is jam-packed with top local and regional chefs. This year’s festival theme is “States of Motion,” exploring how food connects people across regions, generations, and cultures.

Brooklyn’s popular Smorgasburg food festival is looking for vendors

Brooklyn’s popular open-air food festival, Smorgasburg, has selected Atlanta as its new home. And here’s the thing — it’s not a one-time event. Beginning this October, this new food festival will run year-round, every Saturday, in South Downtown at 140 Forsyth Street SW. More than 40 food vendors will be featured weekly, including pop-ups, food trucks, bars, and artists. Originating in New York in 2011, the festival is an incubator space for up-and-coming culinary talent. Vendor applications for the festival are open now.

“Smorgasburg has always been about discovering and championing the most exciting emerging culinary voices,” said Gaston Becherano, a former Brooklyn vendor who is now the co-owner and CEO of Smorgasburg, in a statement. “When we looked at where to expand next, Atlanta stood out immediately — there’s a dynamic and thriving pop-up food scene here that’s deeply rooted in creativity, community, and cultural pride.”

South Atlanta is undergoing major revitalization, with the team behind Sammy’s announcing the opening of a barbecue restaurant in the neighborhood next year. “Atlanta is such a food-loving city, and the experience Smorgasburg will bring to South Downtown is going to be unlike anything else that exists here in Atlanta,” said April Stammel of South Downtown in a statement.

Atlanta restaurants are buzzing with special dinners. Here are some worth checking out.