Taste festivals — community events that bring restaurants and food and drink vendors outdoors to satisfy mass cravings — have become a sure sign of spring in metro Atlanta. Here are seven fests to savor from March to May.
Suwanee American Craft Beer Festival — March 31
Sample over 120 beers, enjoy live music from local artists, and food vendors, such as Mellow Mushroom, Ippolito’s and Doc & Roc Henderson BBQ, at the second annual Suwanee American Craft Beer Festival. New this year, a Home Brew contest, judged by John Roberts of Max Lager’s, Kevin McNerney of Five Seasons, and master beer judge, Phil Farrel. $35 advance/$45 door. Must be 21 to drink and attend. 1-5 p.m., Town Center Park, 330 Town Center Avenue, Suwanee, 678-482-2270, suwaneebeerfest.com
Taste of Forsyth — April 7
The City of Cumming sponsors this tasting event, with over 25 local restaurants from the Cumming and Forsyth County area, such as Deep South BBQ, Castleberry Ale House and Williamson Bros. BBQ. There will be a kid’s zone, and entertainment featuring Peter Hart and his Atlanta Puppet Show and music by Scott Thompson. Free admission and parking. Tastes, $1-$4. 11 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., City of Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming, 770-781-3491, cummingfair.net/index.htmlCumming
Taste of Marietta — April 29
More than 100,000 people are expected to pack the streets around historic Marietta Square for Taste of Marietta. The draw is some 75 restaurants and caterers, plus live music. Sample plenty of barbecue, from the likes of Dave Poe’s, Hottie Hawgs, Rib Ranch and Sam's BBQ 1, and treats such as Hawaiian shaved ice and deep-fried brownies. Free parking and admission. Pay cash for tastes, priced from $.50 to $4.50, and drinks at concession stations. 11 a.m. -7 p.m., Marietta Square, Marietta, tasteofmarietta.com
Taste of East Cobb — May 5
Billed as “music, food and fun,” Taste of East Cobb is an all-volunteer event run by parents and friends of the Walton High School Band. The festival’s new location at The Avenue East Cobb will feature over 30 restaurants, such as Flying Biscuit Cafe, Seed Kitchen & Bar and Shangrila Bistro, and performances by the Walton High School Jazz Bands. Free admission. Pay cash for food samples, $1.00 to $5.00. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 4475 Roswell Road, Marietta, 770-971-9945, tasteofeastcobb.com
Taste of Alpharetta – May 10
Taste of Alpharetta, a city event organized to bolster the downtown dining scene, boasts over 50 restaurants and draws up to 60,000 people. It takes place on a Thursday evening and features a live cooking competition. This year’s restaurants include Alpha Soda, Alpine Bakery and Trattoria and Milton’s Cuisine and Cocktails. Free admission and free parking with park and ride or park and walk options. Tastes, $1-$3. 5-10 p.m., 1825 Old Milton Parkway at Wills Park, Alpharetta, alpharetta.ga.us
Atlanta Food & Wine Festival Tasting Tents — May 10-13
Last year’s inaugural Atlanta Food & Wine Festival in Midtown was a showcase for the star power of the Southern culinary scene. The second year promises to be even bigger and better. In the tasting tents, travel specially curated “trails,” like bourbon, craft beer, farm fresh, seafood, whole pig, and Southern snacks, and rub elbows with acclaimed chefs. $100 ticket allows individual access to Friday, Saturday or Sunday tastings. Tents at 11th and Peachtree Walk, Atlanta, atlfoodandwinefestival.com/tickets/tasting-tents
A Taste of the Highlands — May 19
The annual A Taste of the Highlands in Virginia-Highland raises money for Children’s Health Care of Atlanta. Look for fine-dining favorites, such as 4th & Swift and La Tavola, neighborhood institutions, like Atkins Park and Murphy’s, and drinks from Terrapin Beer Co., Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Firefly Vodka. $40 advance/$50 door covers all food and drink, including alcoholic beverages if you’re over 21. 2-5 p.m., John Howell Park, Virginia Avenue and Barnett Street, Atlanta, tasteofthehighlands.com
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