The Columbia Food and Wine Festival returns April 22–26, 2026, bringing five days of culinary celebration to South Carolina’s capital city. This annual festival showcases the region’s top chefs, mixologists, and culinary artisans through a series of tastings, dinners, and special events. Guests can enjoy everything from intimate chef-led experiences to large-scale tastings, all highlighting local flavors and Southern hospitality. Whether you’re a foodie looking to discover new dishes or simply want to sip and savor in good company, the Columbia Food and Wine Festival offers a delicious way to experience the city’s thriving food and beverage scene. Set against the backdrop of Columbia’s welcoming neighborhoods, historic venues, and thriving downtown, the festival is as much about community as it is about cuisine. Whether you’re raising a glass at a grand tasting, savoring a chef-driven menu at a collaborative dinner, or sampling craft cocktails and artisanal bites, the Columbia Food and Wine Festival offers an authentic taste of the city’s culture. With something for every palate, this six-day celebration is the perfect excuse to plan a spring getaway and experience the best of Columbia’s food, wine, and hospitality. Find the FULL EVENT SCHEDULE here! View the FAQ here! Kickoff Dinner Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 6–9 p.m. The festival opens with a progressive seated dinner at Hendrix, Black Dog Pizza and Dorsia Pasta Co, featuring Hendrix executive chef Frank Bradley alongside Alex Strickland (Dragon Room), Anthea Douglas (Hendrix), Harold Pendleton (War Mouth), Joe Lytle (Black Dog Pizza) and Pierce Bowers (Dorsia Pasta Co). Cocktail Games Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 6–9 p.m. The fan-favorite cocktail competition returns at Gather COLA, where top mixologists compete for the title of CFWF Mixologist of the Year with expertly crafted bites. Bites Around the Block Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 6–9 p.m. Guests sip and stroll along Main Street north of Elmwood Avenue for a progressive tasting featuring Curiosity Coffee Bar, Something Small Catering, The War Mouth, The Vino Garage and more. The Collections, Served: A Curated Dinner Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 5:30–9:30 p.m. An immersive evening combines a guided tour of the Columbia Museum of Art with an art-inspired seated dinner at Hampton Street Vineyard led by Chef Wes Fulmer and Kevin Minnick (Quincy Country Club). High Tea & Tutus Friday, April 24, 2026 | 3–6 p.m. A ballet-inspired high tea at the Mansion on Blanding pairs elevated bites from B.MAC Bakeshop, COA, Nibl Dessert & Cafe and more, along with theatrical design and a special performance by South Carolina Ballet. A Reconstruction Dinner Friday, April 24, 2026 | 6–8 p.m. Hosted at the Museum of the Reconstruction Era at the Woodrow Wilson Family Home, this seated dinner featuring SC Chef Ambassadors explores the intersection of history, place and Southern cuisine through chef-driven storytelling. Viva Las Bourbon! Friday...
