Taste of Atlanta Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Taste of Atlanta, founded by Dale DeSena and widely recognized as the city’s premier food and drink festival, will celebrate its 25th anniversary from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday, April 16, at The Works on the Westside (300 Chattahoochee Row).

Marking this major milestone, the event will honor Atlanta’s chefs, restaurants, and culinary innovators who have defined the city as one of the Southeast’s top food destinations. Participating restaurants will include Bistro Niko, Bold Monk Brewing, Chicheria Mexican Kitchen, DAS BBQ, Delilah’s Everyday Soul, El Super Pan, Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q, Il Giallo, Hattie B’s, Kyma, Mission + Market, Morelli’s Ice Cream, NFA Burger, Nine Mile Station, Pricci, Tandoori Pizza & Wing Co, Three Dollar Cafe, The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, Tiny Lou’s, Woody’s Cheesesteaks, Your Third Spot, and more to be announced.

“Taste of Atlanta has always been about more than food — it’s about community, creativity, and celebrating the people who make this city’s culinary scene so vibrant,” said DeSena. “The 25th anniversary is an extraordinary opportunity to honor the chefs, kitchen teams, restaurants, mixologists, and loyal guests who have made Taste of Atlanta a defining experience for Atlanta’s food lovers.”

According to DeSena, The Works was chosen this year because she believes it offers the “perfect environment for a celebratory gathering with both indoor and outdoor spaces, along with convenient parking for attendees.” She also mentioned that Your Third Spot, a popular entertainment venue featuring more than 1,000 games, food and craft cocktails, is located at the venue and will host the official after-party this year. All event attendees will receive complimentary entry from 9 p.m. to midnight, providing another place for guests to continue connecting and celebrating.

“Taste of Atlanta’s 25th anniversary belongs on a stage that celebrates food, and that’s exactly what The Works does every day,” said Mindy Selig, CEO of Selig Enterprises, owner and developer of The Works. “We’re honored to host this event that’s deeply rooted in the city, as culinary legends and the community come together to celebrate something we all love — gathering around great food.”

Since its debut in 2001, Taste of Atlanta has been more than a festival — it has been a launchpad for culinary talent and a gathering place for food enthusiasts. Over the past quarter-century, the festival has showcased several legendary Atlanta chefs along with emerging talents who have gone on to shape the city’s food scene. From innovative tasting experiences to immersive chef demos, craft cocktails, and live entertainment, Taste of Atlanta has continually evolved while staying true to its mission of turning tasters into diners while celebrating the people, flavors, and creativity that make Atlanta’s food culture extraordinary.

This year’s event promises elevated food and beverage tasting experiences that will be spread inside and outside the venue. Bogey and the Viceroy will perform outside at the camp area and indoors will feature a live DJ and a special appearance by the Seed and Feed Marching Abominables. During the event, culinary icons who have shaped Atlanta’s restaurant scene will be recognized and celebrated for their impact on the city’s dining evolution. Also, classic recipes, iconic dishes, and unforgettable festival moments from past Taste of Atlanta events will be showcased on social media throughout 2026, reminding guests why Taste of Atlanta has become an acclaimed Atlanta tradition.

Event sponsors this year include Coca-Cola, Don Julio, The Works, Society Insurance, Aperol, Grand Mariner, St Julian Winery, Senorita Drinks, Rythm Drinks, Regency Centers, Classic Tents & Events, Prima, Savannah Distributing, 680 The Fan, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Atlanta Intown, Best Self, Georgia Voice, Jezebel Magazine, My Midtown Magazine, Rough Draft, Simply Buckhead, Smooth Jazz 101.1, The Atlantan Magazine, and XTRA.

Taste of Atlanta will partner again this year with Second Helpings Atlanta as the official charity partner. According to event organizers, their team collects surplus prepared food at all of their events and delivers it to those in need throughout Atlanta, ensuring the food does not go to waste. In addition, Taste of Atlanta helps support Second Helpings through financial contributions.

In addition to the 25th Taste of Atlanta anniversary celebration, Taste of Atlanta will offer three other culinary events this year — Food That Rocks Sandy Springs on June 4, Grand Tasting Alpharetta on Aug. 27, and Grand Tasting Midtown on Oct. 15. Each of these events showcases the respective neighborhood’s unique gastronomic scene and supports the local restaurant community.

“Four times each year, the culinary community comes together — chefs, beverage makers, sponsors, media and food lovers — and it feels like a giant table where everyone is welcome. I love watching attendees discover cuisines they’ve never tried before and leave with a list of new favorite restaurants they want to support,” said DeSena.

Tickets for the Taste of Atlanta 25th anniversary tasting party and their other culinary events may be purchased at www.tasteofatlanta.com.