Overview Taste of Atlanta's Grand Tasting Series is a run of one-night, all-inclusive tasting parties, each in a different part of metro Atlanta, where 25-plus local restaurants serve unlimited tastes beside beer, wine and craft cocktails, and all four 2026 nights sold out. In 2026 the series went to the Upper Westside, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta and Midtown. Taste of Atlanta debuted in 2001 as a three-day outdoor food festival, and the April 2026 night marked its 25th anniversary. Founder Dale DeSena built it around the line "Turning Tasters into Diners." On site The nights run 6 to 10 on a Thursday, rain or shine, and once guests are in nothing costs extra. Each one takes over a single building: in 2026, the Curate event space at The Works on the Upper Westside, City Springs in Sandy Springs for Food That Rocks, The Hotel at Avalon in Alpharetta, and the Epicurean Atlanta Hotel in Midtown, where the tasting fills the ninth floor from the ballroom and Culinary Theatre out to the pool and the Sky View rooftop lawn. A live band plays through the evening. Audience Taste of Atlanta calls its guests Tasters and describes them as food lovers and industry professionals. Every night is 21 and over, and tickets are not sold at the door once a night sells out. Talent and Influencers The 25th anniversary night brought 24 restaurants, among them Antico Pizza, Fox Bros Bar-B-Q, Taqueria del Sol, Bistro Niko, Kyma, Pricci and Delilah's Everyday Soul, with Bogey and the Viceroy on stage and a set from the Seed and Feed Marching Abominable. Alpharetta in 2026 drew Superica, South City Kitchen, Oak Steakhouse, Colletta and Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q; the lineup published for the October Midtown night included Boqueria, Hattie B's Hot Chicken, Lewis Barbecue and Das BBQ, with the Atlanta trio The Happy Hour booked to play. Brand presence Partners work in three ways: in the marketing campaigns, media coverage and promotional materials around each night; on site, through their own activations and interactive experiences; and on the signage, banners and digital displays. At the 25th anniversary, the entertainment venue Your 3rd Spot handed every guest complimentary entry and an experience pass. Second Helpings Atlanta, which rescues surplus food, is the charity partner, and North Fulton Community Charities joined it at the Alpharetta night.