Spring in South Carolina brings many traditions, but for food lovers across the state, one of the most anticipated is the Columbia Food & Wine Festival. Returning April 22–26, 2026, this five-day culinary celebration invites locals and visitors alike to experience the Midlands through thoughtfully curated dinners, tastings, competitions, and immersive food events that highlight the region’s people, culture, and creativity.
Now entering its ninth year, the festival has grown from a single tasting into a multi-day destination experience staged across Columbia — from historic buildings and neighborhood gathering spaces to restaurants and waterfront venues. The 2026 festival will feature more than 100 chefs, mixologists, restaurants, and artisans, each contributing to events designed to foster collaboration, spotlight local talent, and build meaningful connections between chefs, makers, and guests.
“The Columbia Food & Wine Festival is rooted in storytelling, using food and drink as a way to connect people to place, history and one another,” says Ashley Elsey, co-director of the festival. “As the festival continues to grow, our focus remains on creating experiences that feel intentional, inclusive, and reflective of the community we serve.”
One of the most impactful additions this year is the CFWF Hospitality Scholarship, created to support the next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals. The program reflects the festival’s commitment to strengthening the industry behind the scenes — not just celebrating it.
Also debuting in 2026 is Tastemakers, a new patron and giving circle for the festival’s most enthusiastic supporters. Members receive early access to select events, a valuable benefit since many festival experiences sell out quickly.
Tastemakers patrons already received early ticket access beginning February 2 and can still join to purchase before general sales open.
Explore Tastemakers membership: https://colafoodandwine.com/get-involved/tastemakers/
“We design the festival to be an exploration of Columbia — its neighborhoods, its voices and its creative spirit,” says co-director Kelly Glynn. “From intimate dinners to large-scale tastings, every event is meant to feel immersive and memorable, while still staying true to our mission of supporting and uplifting the local hospitality community.” Each year, the festival reinvents its signature events to showcase new venues, themes, and culinary voices. The 2026 schedule is one of the most dynamic yet.
Highlights include:
Kickoff Dinner — April 22
A progressive seated dinner flowing through four levels of venues including Hendrix, Black Dog Pizza, and Dorsia Pasta Co., featuring a collaborative chef lineup.
Cocktail Games — April 23
A high-energy mixology competition at Gather COLA where top mixologists compete for Mixologist of the Year.
High Tea & Tutus — April 24
A ballet-inspired high tea at the Mansion on Blanding paired with a South Carolina Ballet performance.
Smoke on the Water — April 25
A Lake Murray barbecue showcase featuring culinary heavyweights including Rodney Scott and Myron Mixon.
Grand Tasting — April 26
The festival finale held across two Historic Columbia properties with 100+ culinary partners, live music, and chef demonstrations.
View the full 2026 schedule: https://colafoodandwine.com/the-festival/schedule/
All festival events are 21+.
Tastemakers Early Access: Available now
General Public Ticket Sales: Open February 9
Grand Tasting: Sunday, April 26
Festival Dates: April 22–26, 2026
Tickets & details: https://www.colafoodandwine.com
As a nonprofit, the Columbia Food & Wine Festival exists to spotlight and support the culinary community throughout the greater Columbia region. It brings together chefs, farmers, artisans, and food lovers while reinforcing connections between food, culture, and place.
For Upstate readers, it offers the perfect excuse for a spring getaway — one filled with exceptional plates, pours, and experiences you simply can’t replicate at home.
At its heart, the festival is about more than indulgence. It’s about community, collaboration, and cultivating the future of Southern food culture.
And in 2026, that future looks especially bright.
