For the past eight years, Atlanta foodies have delighted in the annual Taste of Atlanta event, featuring the city’s best restaurants. But you don’t have to drive into town to get your fill of local fare. Cities around Atlanta are also stepping out to offer up their best in varied versions of “Taste” events. Some of these delicious traditions have even been around longer than Taste of Atlanta, like the Taste of Marietta, which is in its 17th year. But no matter how long they’ve been on the block, all of these food festivals serve up fun and showcase the best of local cuisine. Get a taste of communities near you!

Taste of Marietta
Apr. 25, 2010

More than 80 restaurants and 100,000 people are expected to fill up the Marietta Square to participate and attend the 17th year of this Marietta tradition, which allows you to taste a variety of foods from the best restaurant in the city. The food showcased will range from barbecue to sushi and everything in between! Four stages will feature seven bands and the Cooking Stage will have live cooking demonstrations to enjoy. Bubba Burger Kids Alley has a new variety of moonwalks and fun, and the Sports Corner, sponsored by Sports Radio 790 the Zone, will feature Atlanta sports teams, so there is something for everyone to enjoy! The festival will conclude with a sunset concert by Banks & Shane on the main bandstand. Tables are for sale for this concert through the Marietta Welcome Center. Admission is free, but be sure to bring cash for samples and some rides in Kids Alley. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Welcome Center & Visitor’s Bureau to help promote culture and heritage in Marietta. The festival will also benefit MUST Ministries by hosting a canned food drive. Additional parking is available at Marietta Middle School and a trolley service courtesy of Historic Marietta Trolley Company will be available to shuttle to the festival. Come be a part of this growing tradition! Marietta, 770-429-1115, www.tasteofmarietta.com

Taste of Alpharetta
May 13, 2010

Come to Wills Park for an evening of tastes to remember. This incredible festival gives you an opportunity to dine at more than 60 restaurants in one night, all on a new dining row with picnic seating. Appetizers, entrees and desserts from the city’s most renown restaurants will be available to sample. You can try fried green tomatoes, ribs, sushi, basil chicken salad, Reuben sandwiches, garlic knots, ice cream and more.

The Culinary Arts Stage will feature cooking demonstrations and a chef’s competition with awards like “Best Fast Casual Entrée” and “Best Dessert.” Kids can play in the Fun Zone and enjoy Guitar Hero, rock climbing, face painting, balloon art and ponies. Don’t forget to vote for which restaurant you think deserves the “People’s Choice Award.” Admission, parking and shuttles are free, and there are a number of parking locations around the park. Tickets for sampling can be purchased onsite or in advance at Alpharetta City Hall. The best of Alpharetta is being brought to you! Alpharetta, 678-297-6000 x1006, www.alpharetta.ga.us

A Taste of Roswell
2010 date to be announced

Enjoy the ambiance of the Historic District as the Town Square is filled with culinary delights by Roswell Restaurants. Last year's event, held Oct. 17, drew dozens of fabulous Roswell restaurants. 770-640-3253, www.cvb.roswell.ga.us/taste-of-roswell.html

Taste of Sandy Springs
2010 date to be announced

Last year, more than 30 restaurants served up a wide range of cuisine at Sandy Springs Circle, where this annual springtime festival showcases Sandy Springs’ favorite restaurants and eateries to celebrate the culinary arts. A Gourmet Market features culinary inspired fine arts and crafts as well as gourmet food products. The Green Market allows attendees to take home a selection of fresh Georgia grown products. A kid’s activity village has interactive games and art projects that incorporate food and cooking. Admission is $5 with proceeds going to several area charities, including Sandy Springs Mission after school program, Northside Hospital’s MothersFirst Program and Ferst Foundation Literacy Program. Taste tickets can be purchased at the event or in advance. Sandy Springs, 404-262-1800, www.tasteofsandysprings.org

A Taste of John's Creek
2010 date to be announced

More than 40 restaurants participated in the 2009 event in October. www.tasteofjc.com