Atlanta’s Summer Food Scene: Ice‑Cream Festival, Korean‑Inspired Picnic & Little Tart Jazz Night

When the July heat rolls in, Atlantans can cool off with a spoonful of happiness at the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival in Piedmont Park. The free‑admission affair runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, and pairs indulgent scoops with pop‑up wellness stations offering quick health screenings. Between guided meditation, a sunrise‑style cardio line‑dance and a crowd‑pleasing ice‑cream‑eating contest at 3 p.m., there’s something for the whole family. The day wraps up with a high‑energy cardio line‑dance party as the sun sets.

If you’re craving something a bit more exotic, head over to Smoking Tiger Club’s Korean‑ish Summer Picnic the very next evening. Set in the rustic backyard of Delicious Best Urban Farm (1256 Skyhaven Rd SE), the event kicks off at 7 p.m. on July 26 and promises a menu that reads like a love letter to summer: chilled soondubu salad, grilled watermelon, galbijjim‑inspired sando, and a peach‑and‑black‑sesame cheesecake from Sugar + Air. Drinks flow from Jenny Alicia, featuring lavender espresso martinis, while Minhwa Spirits, Postern Coffee and Liquid Death keep the bar stocked. Live jazz from Creosote Clone sets the vibe, and a DJ set by Jen Kang carries the night into the early hours. Tickets are $73 per person and can be grabbed on Hotplate.com.

For a quieter, after‑hours indulgence, swing by Little Tart Bakeshop in Grant Park on Sunday, July 26, for the “After Dark” jazz series. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the bakery’s back‑room fills with the sultry sounds of the Control Group, while guests nibble on seasonal small plates and sip handcrafted drinks. No cover charge is required; it’s first‑come‑first‑served, so arrive early if you want a good spot. Call 404‑348‑4797 for any questions.