ALPHARETTA, GA -- Before you head out and load up on dinner during the 26th annual Taste of Alpharetta on Thursday, you may want to take note of the following road closures that are needed to accommodate the event.

The city will implement these closures between 5 a.m. Thursday, May 12 and 5 a.m. Friday, May 13:

More than 60 Alpharetta area restaurants will serve up their specialties during the event, which will be held from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The city of Alpharetta notes any vehicles left on the street after 5 a.m. May 12 will be towed at the owner's expense.

An estimated 50,000 people are expected to attend the festival in the historic district, which encompasses Milton Avenue, Roswell Street, Canton Street, Old Roswell Street and Old Canton Street. In addition to the great food, patrons will enjoy a culinary competition, live music, family friendly fun zone area and more.

This free admission event invites patrons to purchase food and activity tickets: 10 tickets for $5. Tickets are redeemed at participating restaurant booths for a wide selection of tastes that range from $.50 to $3 per sample.

Tickets can also be used in the events family-friendly Fun Zones for a variety of activities ranging from pony rides and rock climbing walls to inflatable's, balloon area and henna tattoos.

Local chefs will compete in the Taste of Alpharetta Culinary Competition in a variety of categories, including Best Appetizer/Salad, Best Fast Casual Entree, Best Fine Dining Entrée, Best Dessert and Best Presentation.

From 5-7 p.m., select competing chefs will conduct cooking demos on the Culinary Competition Stage. The People's Choice Award allows patrons to vote for their favorite restaurant. Culinary Competition awards will be presented at 8:30 p.m. on the main music stage for the top chefs in each category and the People's Choice Award.

Along with free admission, the Taste of Alpharetta offers free shuttles and parking:

Park and walk (no shuttle service): City Hall parking and Milton Center (86 School Drive at Independence High School).

Park and shuttle: Wills Park Equestrian Center (on Wills Rd), Will Park at Wacky World (Old Milton Parkway to the right of the Alpharetta city pool).

For more event information, visit the city's website, the event's Facebook page or Twitter feed.

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Image via Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau