Columbia Food & Wine Festival

A Celebration of Culinary Excellence
Born in 2018 from a passion to champion Columbia’s culinary scene, the Columbia Food & Wine Festival has grown into a five-day adventure attracting thousands of food enthusiasts to the heart of South Carolina. It began as a collaboration between Free Times and the Five Points Foundation, fueled by a desire to showcase diverse talent and elevate local businesses. Today, CFWF stands as a regional culinary beacon, proudly operating as a nonprofit under the Post and Courier Foundation (501(c)3).

This transition to operating as a nonprofit marks a new chapter in the festival’s history, promising an even brighter future for this much-anticipated annual event.

As a nonprofit entity, CFWF is now uniquely positioned to further invest in the growth and enrichment of the festival.

This strategic move enhances our ability to showcase the remarkable hospitality talent of the Columbia region, ensuring that both locals and visitors can fully experience the vibrant flavors and creativity that our chefs, mixologists, and artisans have to offer.

Moreover, the nonprofit status opens doors to funds earmarked for supporting nonprofit events, thereby amplifying the festival’s ability to reinvest its earnings back into the local hospitality industry and service-focused nonprofit organizations. the Columbia Food and Wine Festival has blossomed into a premier event, thanks to the community’s support and enthusiasm. Today, the festival is hosted by The Post and Courier and managed by Free Times’ events-planning sister company, South Carolina Event Productions (SCEP). While The Post and Courier Foundation oversees the festival’s operation, SCEP expertly coordinates all planning and logistics in close collaboration with Free Times, ensuring every aspect of the event is seamless and memorable.

Join us in celebrating the culinary heart of Columbia.

Explore our Schedule of Events to plan your festival experience, get involved with us through numerous Volunteering Opportunities, and relive the magic with our Galleries of Past Festivals. Each sip, each bite, and each moment at CFWF is a step towards nurturing the hospitality and service community that is at the core of what makes Columbia truly special. 

Be a part of our journey as we continue to elevate the Columbia Food and Wine Festival, making it not just an event, but a cultural touchstone that echoes the spirit and talent of our beloved region.

Join us, support us, and celebrate with us – for the love of food, for the love of community.

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