Get Ready for the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival

Are you excited about the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival set to be staged in Midtown May 10-13? No? Well, maybe this quick 411 on this culinary delight will wet your appetite.

With an activity roster that ranges from street carts to connoisseur tastings, lectures to formal dinners and more, the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is designed to offer something to appeal to everyone with taste buds.

What is the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival?

The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is the first culinary weekend in the nation dedicated to showcasing the food and beverage traditions of the entire Southern region.

The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, a culinary experience like no other, unites leaders of their craft—barbecue pit masters, award-winning chefs and mixologists, sommeliers, fry cooks and local growers—in the spirit of celebrating the rich food and beverage traditions of the South.

Is there a dress code for the event?

There is no enforced dress code; however, we do ask you dress in keeping with the nature of the event. Shorts and t-shirts are not considered appropriate attire for evening events. Please also note that some events such as the Tasting Tents are outdoors. Please check the weather and dress appropriately. Events not taking place at the Loews Hotel are planned to be within walking distance. Please wear shoes you are comfortable walking in.

Where do I park for the event?

Loews Parking: Loews will offer discounted valet parking and self-parking throughout the festival weekend for Guests staying in the hotel. Valet is $20 per day and self-parking is $10 per day.

General Festival Parking: parking will also be available at select decks throughout the immediate Midtown area – these include: 1075 Peachtree Street, 999 Peachtree Street and 10 Tenth Street.

Tent Parking & Public Transportation: Reducing the Festival’s environmental impact is important to us. We encourage Tasting Tent guests and as many others as possible to take MARTA. Take the Green or Yellow line and depart at the Midtown station, exit on the North side of 10th Street and head North on Peachtree Walk NE. You can visit www.itsmarta.com.

How do I get around during the Festival?

Most events are designed to be within walking distance of the Loews Midtown, our host hotel. We encourage that you take MARTA and public transportation when possible to join us for Festival activities.

Does the Festival benefit any nonprofit organizations?

Certain proceeds from the Festival will be given to the following nonprofit organizations:

Atlanta History Center: www.atlantahistorycenter.com

The James Beard Foundation: www.jamesbeard.org

Les Dames d’Escoffier (LAY-DAM-S DE SCOFF -EE-A): www.ldei.org

Oxford American: www.oxfordamerican.org

Wholesome Wave of Georgia: www.wholesomewavegeorgia.org

What is included in each ticket price for the Festival? The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is a comprehensive weekend experience. Participation is sold through packages (Connoisseur, 3-Day Passes and Day Passes) that can be customized by each purchaser. Each package includes up to three learning experiences (cooking and cocktail demonstrations, tasting seminars and panel discussions) and one Tasting Tent session per day. Participants may also purchase tickets to a la carte dinners and events in the evenings. For those who simply want the Tasting Tents experience, individual tickets to these sessions are also available.

Will tickets be available during the weekend? Yes – to the Tasting Tents

Festival weekend will feature three Tasting Tent sessions. Tasting Tents will feature a number of themed tastings to lead guests through a culinary exploration of the South. The Tasting Tents are located near the Loews Atlanta Hotel. Tickets may be purchased from the Welcome Center at 999 Peachtree Street. See here for more ticket information.

Tickets to single Festival Tasting Tents sessions are as follows:

· Friday, May 11 3:00pm – 6:00pm

· Saturday, May 12 12:30pm – 3:30pm

· Sunday, May 13 1:30pm – 4:30pm

Are there assigned seats for events?

No, there are no assigned seats for seminars and demonstrations. Seating is guaranteed but guests should arrive early to get seats of their choice.

Are children allowed at events?

No one under the age of 21, including children in strollers, will be admitted.

What is the process for receiving tickets once they are purchased? After the purchase of tickets, you will be e-mailed a confirmation. Tickets will not be mailed in advance. Everyone will be provided with a credential that may be picked up on-site beginning Thursday, May 10th

Will an event sell-out?

Yes. There is a set capacity for each event, and tickets are sold on a first-come, first served basis.

Are tickets refundable? Can I switch tickets for another event? All tickets are non-refundable nor can they be exchanged for a different event. All events take place rain or shine.

Can I purchase tickets to events at the door?

Tickets to events sell out, so guests are strongly encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance. If tickets are still available, they may be purchased from our Welcome Center only.