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Columbia Food and Wine Festival: The South’s Best Kept Culinary Secret
April 10, 2026
Founded in 2018, the Columbia Food & Wine Festival was created to celebrate the Midlands’ growing culinary landscape and elevate the local businesses that define Columbia’s vibrant community. What began as a one-day tasting event has evolved into a five-day culinary experience, made possible through the dedication of partners such as Free Times and the Five Points Foundation, along with a committee of hospitality professionals, tourism leaders, and community advocates.
Since its inception, the festival has welcomed more than 7,000 guests across 26 events and collaborated with over 150 culinary partners throughout the region, from Northeast Columbia to downtown and Lexington. Today, it attracts thousands of food enthusiasts who gather each spring to experience the finest plates and pours Columbia has to offer. The festival has earned recognition across the Southeast as a must-attend event for those passionate about food, drink, and community.
The festival recently announced its new status as a nonprofit organization under the Post and Courier Foundation (501(c)(3)). This milestone strengthens its ability to reinvest in the region’s hospitality industry, including restaurants, chefs, wineries, mixologists, artisans, and the individuals who make Columbia’s food scene shine. The nonprofit structure also allows for support of hospitality and service-focused nonprofit organizations that contribute to the well-being of the broader community.
Food is more than sustenance. It is a story woven through history, culture, and connection. The Columbia Food & Wine Festival highlights the people behind each dish and drink, giving guests the opportunity to meet chefs and culinary artisans while learning about the inspiration and craftsmanship that shape their work. Seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms and producers reflect the strong ties between Columbia’s culinary talent and the land, celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage.
Delivering an exceptional guest experience remains central to the festival’s mission. Each event is thoughtfully curated to engage every sense through hospitality, ambiance, and culinary creativity. Education also plays a key role, with workshops, demonstrations, and tasting sessions designed to deepen appreciation for the culinary arts and inspire continued exploration beyond festival weekend.
The 2026 Columbia Food & Wine Festival will take place April 22 through April 26, offering a dynamic lineup of events that span multiple venues and neighborhoods. The week begins with the Kickoff Dinner at Hendrix, setting an elevated tone for the days ahead. Guests can attend immersive experiences such as The Collections Served at Hampton Street Vineyard, Cocktail Games at Gather COLA, and Bites Around the Block, a strolling tasting event through one of Columbia’s eclectic corridors.
Other highlights include High Tea & Tutus at Mansion on Blanding, A Reconstruction Dinner at the Museum of the Reconstruction Era at the Woodrow Wilson Family Home, and Viva Las Bourbon!, a spirited pairing of whiskey and wagyu. The Cheese Rave: A Curd Collective blends electronic music with curated cheese selections, while Taste the Rainbow at The Big Apple brings bold flavors and vibrant entertainment to brunch.
Saturday features Bunaroo at Finlay Park, where chefs reimagine the humble bun, along with Chef Secrets: An Empanada and Salsa Workshop at Savage Craft. Smoke on the Water at Putnam Harbor offers a lakeside culinary celebration set against Lake Murray. The festival concludes with the Grand Tasting at the Hampton-Preston Mansion and Robert Mills House, uniting chefs, artisans, and guests for a signature finale.
All events are designed for guests 21 and older. With expanded impact, continued innovation, and a deep commitment to the hospitality community, the Columbia Food & Wine Festival remains a defining celebration of the Midlands’ culinary spirit.