Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival returns to Dunwoody for 12th year

The Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival is set for Oct. 18 in Dunwoody with free admission, kosher barbecue competition and team registration still open. The move to a new location aims to bring the longtime community event to even more of metro Atlanta.

Why it matters: - The Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival blends a food competition with a community event that brings together people from across metro Atlanta. - The festival offers a way for more residents to experience kosher food and Jewish culture in a casual setting. - The 12th annual event moves to a new Dunwoody location, which could expand its reach.

What happened: - The 12th Annual Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, from noon to 4 p.m. - The festival will be held at 66 Perimeter Center East in Dunwoody, near Perimeter Mall. - Admission is free, and the event is open to everyone. - Team registration is still open for groups that want to compete.

The details: - Teams compete in kosher brisket, beef ribs, chicken and chili. - Judges sample the entries as part of the barbecue competition. - Friends, families, businesses, schools, community organizations, first responders and congregations are invited to form teams. - The festival provides guidance to participating teams on kosher preparation and competition requirements. - The event includes prizes, trophies and bragging rights for winners. - The Atlanta Jewish Life Foundation took over the festival last year. - The foundation focuses on strengthening Jewish life and creating opportunities for connection. - Festival organizers say the event has long served as a gathering place for families, businesses and community organizations from different backgrounds. - Festival information, team registration, sponsorship opportunities and updates are available at the festival website. - The festival also shares updates on Instagram and Facebook.

Between the lines: - The festival is framed as more than a cook-off; it is designed as a low-barrier entry point for people who may be new to kosher food or Jewish community events. - The move to Dunwoody suggests organizers want a wider audience and a fresh setting for a 12-year-old tradition. - Barbecue remains the cultural bridge: familiar enough to draw a broad crowd, but distinct enough to introduce kosher practice in a memorable way.

What's next: - Organizers will continue recruiting teams ahead of the Oct. 18 event. - Attendees can expect barbecue judging, community networking and family-friendly festival activity. - The festival will use its new location to introduce the tradition to more of Atlanta.