The Unveiling of the 22 Remarkable Food Festivals Across the Carolinas

The Unveiling of the 22 Remarkable Food Festivals Across the Carolinas

Charleston and Highlands – Epic Centers of Carolina’s Food Festivities

As spring brings warmth and blossoming flora across North and South Carolina, it also signals the kickoff of the vibrant food festival season. From the southern charm of Charleston up to the beautiful highlands of North Carolina, the states are bustling with a diverse array of food festivals.

Charleston Wine + Food, March 6-10

Charleston Wine + Food is the heavyweight of all food festivals in the Carolinas. Set annually in early March, it attracts culinary experts from across the globe. This year’s event is anticipated to feature eminent beverage professionals and chefs such as Amanda Freitag, Andre Hueston Mack, Ashleigh Shanti, among others. Activities vary from chefs’ dinners to the signature Culinary Village, offering a wide array to cater to different tastes.

Euphoria, September 19-22

The upcoming fall will witness the return of Greenville’s signature food festival, Euphoria. The event celebrates the city’s dynamic restaurant scene while drawing in national culinary talent. Although this year’s talent lineup is yet to be set, expectations are built upon the previous years’ informative classes, wine tastings, and grand tastings.

BayHaven Food and Wine Festival, October

Established by Greg and Subrina Collier of Leah & Louise, Uptown Yolk, and Fernwood, the BayHaven Food and Wine Festival champions the celebration of Black food and beverage. Taking place each year in early October, BayHaven assembles a rich variety of Black chefs, winemakers, mixologists, artists, and musicians in Charlotte.

Feast Wilmington, March 22-24

As Wilmington’s food scene flourishes, its first proper food festival, Feast Wilmington, comes into play. Hosted alongside the Cape Fear River at Live Oak Banks Pavilion, the program encompasses a series of tasting events catering both to locals and tourists alike.

Florence Wine & Food Festival, April 4-6

Organized by legendary southern food enthusiasts, Matt and Ted Lee, Florence Wine & Food Festival is an intimate event offering an array of seated dinners, walk-through tastings, and a unique Sip & Savor wine stroll through downtown Florence.

Highlands Food & Wine, November 7-10

Highlands Food & Wine serves a blend of good eats and mountain luxury each fall. This festival captures guest’s hearts with the multitude of offerings from chefs, winemakers, distillers, and brewers from across the Carolinas and beyond.

Frankie Lemmon Event Series, Year-Round

Frankie Lemmon School’s foundation, which aids children with developmental disabilities, hosts a series of fundraising events throughout the year, featuring renowned personalities like Vivian Howard, Steven Devereaux Greene, Emeril Lagasse, and more. This year’s series promises a range of dinners at exclusive venues across Triangle.

More Festivals Across North and South Carolina

The onslaught of festivals doesn’t halt here. Events such as the Lighthouse Beer & Wine, the NC Rare & Vintage Beer Festival, Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest, Lexington Barbecue Festival, the Got to Be NC Festival, the NC Blueberry Festival and the Collard Festival attract food and wine lovers across North Carolina annually.

In South Carolina, popular events include Fall for Greenville, the SC Strawberry Festival, the SC Peach Festival, the World Famous Blue Crab Festival, the Lowcountry Oyster Festival, the Irmo Okra Strut, the Loris Bog-Off, and the Food & Wine Classic.

From local artisan ingredients to grand celebrity-chef affairs, the Carolinas are brimming with gastronomic celebrations that can cater to everyone’s palate. Whether you’re a food connoisseur, a passionate cook, or a casual foodie, attending these festivals is an unmissable experience.