Vector illustration showing smoked beef brisket on a cutting board next to a glass of bourbon whiskey
The 3rd Annual Bourbon & Brisket Festival at The Battery Atlanta brings together top culinary and distillery offerings. — WACN 21 Illustration

Things to do · Festivals

Bourbon & Brisket Festival returns to The Battery Atlanta for its 3rd annual celebration

The free, family-friendly event features premium whiskey tastings, top-tier local barbecue, and live music, with proceeds benefiting the Tommy Nobis Center.

Listen to this article
3 min

Key Takeaways

  • The 3rd Annual Bourbon & Brisket Festival takes place Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM at The Battery Atlanta.
  • Admission is free, with tasting tickets and VIP packages available for premium bourbon flights.
  • The event supports the Tommy Nobis Center, helping empower people with disabilities through job training and employment.
  • Highlights include live performances, local barbecue smokehouses, and family-friendly activities.

The summer festival season is in full swing in metro Atlanta, and foodies have a major destination this weekend. The 3rd Annual Bourbon & Brisket Festival returns to The Battery Atlanta on Saturday, June 27, 2026, bringing a mouth-watering combination of slow-smoked barbecue, premium spirits, and live entertainment to the plaza.

Running from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the single-day event is free and open to the public. Organizers expect record crowds this year, capitalizing on the high-energy atmosphere surrounding the retail and entertainment district.

Barbecue, Bourbon, and Bites

The festival features a curated lineup of top-tier local barbecue vendors, food trucks, and smokehouses. Visitors will be able to purchase a wide variety of barbecue styles, ranging from classic Georgia pulled pork to Texas-style beef brisket, along with traditional Southern sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and baked beans.

For whiskey enthusiasts, the highlight of the day is the premium bourbon tasting experience. While general admission to the festival grounds is free, attendees can purchase tasting tickets to sample flights of high-end bourbons, ryes, and craft whiskeys from local and national distilleries. Pop-up bars throughout the plaza will also serve signature cocktails, craft beers, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Supporting the Tommy Nobis Center

Beyond the food and drink, the Bourbon & Brisket Festival serves a greater purpose. The event has partnered with the Tommy Nobis Center, a Marietta-based non-profit organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities through employment training, placement, and support services.

Proceeds from VIP package sales, tasting tickets, and vendor registrations will directly benefit the center’s education and vocational programs.

“We are thrilled to bring the community together for a day of great food and music, while supporting such an impactful organization. The Tommy Nobis Center does incredible work across Georgia, and this festival is a celebration of that mission.”

— Sarah Jenkins, Event Coordinator

Entertainment for the Whole Family

Live music will fill the plaza all afternoon, featuring local bands and DJs playing a mix of country, rock, and blues. The festival is designed to be family-friendly, with kids’ activities, games, and access to The Battery’s popular splash pad to help beat the summer heat.

Event DetailsDetails
DateSaturday, June 27, 2026
Time12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
LocationThe Plaza at The Battery Atlanta
AdmissionFree (Tasting tickets sold separately)
BeneficiaryTommy Nobis Center

Parking is available in the red, green, yellow, and purple decks at The Battery Atlanta, with the first three hours free on non-event days. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to secure parking and beat the afternoon rush.


Kira Tomlinson is the Things To Do & Arts Reporter for WACN 21. Contact her at ktomlinson@wacn21.com.