The best gatherings make you feel right at home - thoughtfully designed, beautifully layered, instantly welcoming and the irresistible pull toward gathering around a great table. From March 27–29, 2026, that feeling takes center stage at Marietta's Jim R. Miller Park as the Georgia Food + Wine Festival returns for a three-day celebration of cuisine, culture, and community.
More than a festival, this world-class culinary and beverage experience brings together Georgia’s most celebrated chefs, local artisans and farmers alongside renowned wine, beer, and spirits brands from around the globe. Whether you’re a devoted foodie, an adventurous sipper, or simply looking for an unforgettable spring weekend, this is a can’t-miss event.
At the heart of the festival is its continued partnership with Georgia Grown, the title sponsor dedicated to supporting Georgia agribusinesses. Throughout the weekend, guests will see—and taste—that mission come to life at the Georgia Grown Chef Demo Stage and the lively Georgia Grown Member Village, where local products, stories, and flavors take the spotlight. Known for its rich, sweet, and depth of flavor, the festival is also excited to welcome major sponsor Woodford Reserve Double Oaked to the scene.
Chef Nick Leahy, Owner of VICE Kitchen, Vice Steaks, and Smashburgers by Vice is excited to be a part of the Festival's Meat and Greet experience. "It's a fun way to kick off the festival. It's great to see some of the chefs and get to hang out, visit with beverage professionals and catch up, but what I enjoy most is getting to interact with the public, share good food, a good show, and just a good time all around. We have some fun new ideas for this year making the experience even more special," says Leahy.
New for 2026, unlike traditional tasting tents the Chef’s Table Experience offers an intimate, multi-course, chef-driven dining experience featuring Georgia-sourced ingredients, curated wine pairings, and storytelling from acclaimed chefs. Set for March 25 at 6:30pm this limited seating event delivers a refined, sit-down alternative to traditional tasting experiences. “The Chef’s Table Experience is about more than exceptional food and wine,” said Chef Jernard Wells. “It’s about slowing down, engaging the senses, and creating meaningful moments around the table. This experience represents the elevated, immersive direction of the Georgia Food & Wine Festival.”
A Weekend Designed for Every Palate
Fired-Up
Friday, March 27 – Fired-Up (7:30–9:30pm)
Friday night turns up the heat with Fired-Up, an all-inclusive BBQ extravaganza featuring some of the Southeast’s most celebrated pitmasters and grill masters. Guests can expect gourmet grilled, smoked, and roasted bites, unlimited wine, beer, and spirits tastings, live music, and interactive experiences like the Meat & Greet. A highlight of the evening is whole-hog pickin’ from Rodney Scott’s BBQ, delivering bold, unforgettable flavor in a lively festival atmosphere.
The Signature Experience - Saturday Savor
Saturday, March 28 – Saturday Savor (1:00–4:00pm)
Saturday afternoon is the heart of the festival. Savor invites guests to explore a vibrant walk-around tasting featuring hundreds of wines, beers, and spirits, along with culinary offerings from some of Georgia’s best restaurants. A souvenir tasting glass and tasting tokens allow guests to curate their own experience while enjoying live music, shopping, and artisan vendors.
The Georgia Grown and Celebrity Chef Stages offer an up-close look at culinary talent from across the state, with chef demonstrations, insider tips, and limited tasting samples. Two live music stages showcase outstanding local and regional performers, adding to the festival’s energetic ambiance.
Savor also gives back through a Silent Auction benefiting SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center, the festival’s charitable partner. Featuring everything from luxury and beauty items to travel and one-of-a-kind dining and entertainment experiences, the auction allows guests to indulge for a meaningful cause.
For those seeking an elevated experience, the Publix VIP Lounge offers early entry, a crystal souvenir tasting glass, a fully catered lounge, open cocktail bars, live music, and exclusive comforts—all while maintaining full access to the general festival.
A Family-Friendly Finish
Sunday, March 29 – Sunday Funday (12:00–5:00pm)
The festival concludes on a relaxed and joyful note with Sunday/Funday, presented by Atlanta News First. This family-friendly finale features live music, shopping, food trucks, farmers, artisans, and a free Kids Zone, making it an ideal outing for guests of all ages. Adults can enjoy beer, wine, and cocktails available for purchase, while children 12 and under attend free.
Guests looking for a more refined Sunday experience can opt for the Publix VIP Lounge, featuring unlimited tastings, catered fare, and live music in a comfortable, elevated setting.
As a highlight of Sunday/Funday, top local bartenders will compete for a cash prize and "Golden Ticket" to the World Food Championships in the Festival's very own Georgia Best Cocktail Challenge.
A Destination Worth the Trip
Chef Leahy shares, "Atlanta, and Georgia in general, has really transformed as a dining scene since I started cooking. It used to be dominated by "upscale southern", but now there are great restaurants cooking food from all over the world, as well as chefs with their own unique food perspectives. I also love how the industry in Atlanta is supportive of each other, happy for others successes, and uplifting during challenges. It's not that way in every city, but I think that since a lot of us have known each other for a long time, and rose through the ranks together, and started opening our own business, it creates a community and this sense of community permeates throughout the Festival."
Centrally located, Jim R. Miller Park is just minutes from Marietta Square, The Battery Atlanta, and Truist Park, making the Festival an easy addition to a spring getaway. With free parking, events for a variety of budgets, and thoughtfully curated experiences. The festival continues to set the standard for culinary celebrations in the Southeast.
Winter rates are available now for a limited time. Come hungry, come curious, and come ready to toast the flavors, people, and culture that make Georgia such a delicious place to be.
For the most up-to-date festival details, visit www.georgiafoodandwinefestival.com and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
"I come back every year thinking I know what to expect, and I'm always wrong. There's always a new bite, a new sip, a new reason to linger longer. This festival keeps surprising me in the best possible ways," - Emily W.