Discover the most exciting food festivals happening in North Carolina and South Carolina, featuring celebrity chefs, tastings, and culinary events. From Charleston Wine + Food to Euphoria, these festivals are a must for food lovers.
Charleston Wine + Food: A Culinary Extravaganza
( Credit to: Carolinas )
Charleston Wine + Food is the 800-pound gorilla of food festivals in the Carolinas. This marquee event draws culinary talent from far and wide, making it a must-attend for food lovers. With a star-studded lineup of celebrity chefs and beverage professionals, including Amanda Freitag, Andre Hueston Mack, and Tiffani Thiessen, this festival is a foodie's dream come true.
( Credit to: Carolinas )
The festival, taking place from March 6-10, offers a variety of events organized around chef's dinners, wine and spirits tastings, and the signature Culinary Village. From savoring delectable dishes to discovering new flavors, Charleston Wine + Food promises a culinary experience like no other. Don't miss out on this extravaganza of flavors and fun!
Euphoria: A Celebration of Food and Drink
( Credit to: Carolinas )
Euphoria, Greenville's signature food festival, is a celebration of the city's vibrant restaurant scene. This four-day event, happening from September 19-22, brings together local talent and national chefs for a culinary experience that is sure to delight your taste buds.
Featuring educational classes, wine tastings, and a grand tasting at the Fluor Field stadium, Euphoria offers a range of events for food and drink enthusiasts. While you wait for the main event in September, you can also enjoy Spring Fest happening from April 18-21, featuring classes, tastings, and a signature Roast and Toast event. Get ready to indulge in the flavors of Greenville at Euphoria!
BayHaven Food and Wine Festival: Celebrating Black Food and Beverage
BayHaven Food and Wine Festival, founded by Charlotte's Greg and Subrina Collier, is quickly becoming one of the nation's premier festivals celebrating Black food and beverage. This four-day event, happening in early October, brings together talented Black chefs, winemakers, mixologists, artists, and musicians for a unique culinary experience.
With a lineup that includes Spring Council, Ashleigh Shanti, and Cleophus Hethington, BayHaven is a family reunion meets chef's dinner. From dinners and classes to tasting events, this festival showcases the rich diversity and talent in the culinary world. Stay tuned for the dates of the 2024 festival and join in the celebration of Black food and beverage at BayHaven!
Feast Wilmington: A Tasting Adventure
Feast Wilmington is the Port City's first proper food festival, and it's set to be a delicious adventure. Developed by mayor Bill Saffo and produced by the folks behind Wilma Magazine and the Wilmington Business Journal, this inaugural event promises to showcase the booming food scene in Wilmington.
Hosted alongside the Cape Fear River at Live Oak Banks Pavilion, Feast Wilmington offers a series of four large tasting events, including a VIP Kickoff, Brunch Elevated, Pier Party, and Craft & Cuisine. With participants like Hi-Wire Brewing, Dram Yard, and Solstice, this festival is a culinary journey you won't want to miss. Get ready to feast in Wilmington!
Florence Wine & Food Festival: A Taste of Southern Excellence
Organized by Southern food legends Matt and Ted Lee, the Florence Wine & Food Festival in Florence, South Carolina, is an intimate event that brings together high-wattage star power. This year, the headlining talent is Vivian Howard, and Food & Wine Magazine's Ray Isle will be leading a special wine tasting.
Featuring seated dinners, walk-around tastings, and a unique Sip & Savor wine stroll through downtown Florence, this festival offers a chance to experience the best of Southern cuisine and hospitality. Mark your calendars for April 4-6 and join in the celebration of food and wine in Florence!
Highlands Food & Wine: A Mountain Retreat for Foodies
Highlands Food & Wine is the perfect fusion of good eats and mountain luxury. Held in Highlands, North Carolina, each fall, this festival brings together chefs, winemakers, distillers, and brewers from across the Carolinas and beyond.
With a lineup that has included renowned chefs like Brady Martin and Masa Hamaya, Highlands Food & Wine promises a culinary experience that is both indulgent and breathtaking. Enjoy delicious treats while surrounded by the beauty of the mountains. Keep an eye on the highlandsfoodandwine.com for updates on the 2024 festival lineup!
More Exciting Food Festivals in the Carolinas
While the above festivals are some of the most exciting culinary events in the Carolinas, there are plenty of other iconic food festivals worth checking out. From beer and wine festivals to celebrations of local ingredients, these events offer a taste of the unique flavors of the Carolinas.
- Lighthouse Beer & Wine (Wilmington, North Carolina)
- NC Rare & Vintage Beer Festival (Durham, North Carolina)
- Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest (Black Mountain, North Carolina)
- Lexington Barbecue Festival (Lexington, North Carolina)
- Got to Be NC Festival (Raleigh, North Carolina)
- NC Blueberry Festival (Burgaw, North Carolina)
- Collard Festival (Ayden, North Carolina)
- Outer Banks Seafood Festival (Nags Head, North Carolina)
- Fall for Greenville (Greenville, South Carolina)
- SC Strawberry Festival (Fort Mill, South Carolina)
- SC Peach Festival (Gaffney, South Carolina)
- World Famous Blue Crab Festival (Little River, South Carolina)
- Lowcountry Oyster Festival (Mount Pleasant, South Carolina)
- Irmo Okra Strut (Irmo, South Carolina)
- Loris Bog-Off (Loris, South Carolina)
- Food & Wine Classic (Charleston, South Carolina)