What’s been dubbed “the Woodstock of Eating” is set to debut in South Downtown in a matter of days, marking a pop-up event on a scale like downtown hasn’t seen since the last Super Bowl. 

Starting Saturday, Oct. 18, recurring open-air food festival Smorgasburg Atlanta will take over a surface parking lot at 140 Forsyth St., situated in between MARTA’s Five Points and Garnett stations, a few blocks southeast of Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Plans call for a roster of more than 40 local vendors to set up shop on the lot every Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The initial list of vendors includes some familiar names (Delilah's Everyday Soul, Pretty Little Tacos, Cafe Bourbon St.) and others less so.  

Expect a curated assortment of pop-up tents, live entertainment, artists, play areas for kids, and food trucks, alongside selections of beer, wine, and seasonal cocktails at Atlanta's "giant weekly food festival."

The renovated parking lot where Smorgasburg Atlanta will be held, as seen in August. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

The parking lot in question between Forsyth and Broad streets, in relation to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and other downtown landmarks. Google Maps

The Smorgasburg concept—the name is a mashup of “smorgasbord” and “Williamsburg,” as in the Brooklyn neighborhood—launched in 2011 in New York City. It’s since proven popular in Los Angeles and Miami. 

“When we looked at where to expand next, Atlanta stood out immediately,” Smorgasburg co-owner and CEO Gaston Becherano said in June, when the concept was announced. “There’s a dynamic and thriving pop-up food scene here that’s deeply rooted in creativity, community, and cultural pride.”

Smorgasburg Atlanta

Smorgasburg’s debut will continue a leasing hot streak for Atlanta Ventures’ 10-block South Downtown redevelopment over the past few months.

The district in March signed leases for taqueria El Tesoro’s third and largest location, followed by local barbecue concept Sammy’s in May, and longtime Castleberry Hill staple Bottle Rocket sushi and bar in June. The latter plans to relocate into retail space in historic Hotel Row, between Tyde Tate Thai Kitchen and Spiller Park Coffee, while the others will be along Broad Street. Delilah’s Everyday Soul also signed on for a Mitchell Street space last year. 

Also on Broad Street, the second location of sports-focused watering hole Brewhouse Café is coming, along with a breakfast and lunch counter from Todd Ginsberg (The General Muir, Fred’s Meat and Bread) and Josh Kim. 

Along with new office tenants, the district also announced this week that Atlanta-based fine leather goods business KMM & Co has signed a lease on Peachtree Street. The sizable, 4,500-square-foot space will double as a retail shop and production facility, with plans to open sometime next year. 

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