South Carolina Best Food and Drink Festivals 

The Palmetto State is not just famous for its stunning beaches and Southern charm, it's also a haven for food, wine, spirits, and beer enthusiasts. From the historic streets of Charleston to the coastal delights of Myrtle Beach and the vibrant heart of Columbia, there's a festival for every taste bud and libation preference. Let's look at a few.

Charleston Wine & Food Festival: March

The Southeast's most anticipated culinary gathering draws over 30,000 food enthusiasts annually to Marion Square in downtown Charleston. The Charleston Wine & Food Festival features more than 120 different chefs and culinary experts alongside 250 beverage producers from across the Southeast. Local Charleston favorites like FIG, Husk, and Lewis Barbecue serve up signature dishes while master sommeliers guide attendees through tastings of rare and regional wines.

The five-day celebration includes hands-on cooking classes, intimate chef dinners, outdoor grilling demonstrations, and the popular Culinary Village which transforms the park into themed areas for sampling everything from fresh oysters to craft cocktails. Live music fills the air with local jazz bands and acoustic performers providing ambiance throughout the grounds, though specific lineups vary each year. The festival's unique Artisan Market showcases regional makers selling specialty foods, handcrafted kitchen items, and locally made products, while the Grand Finale features a traditional Lowcountry boil under the stars.

Holy Smokes Low Country BBQ Festival: November

The largest barbecue festival in South Carolina draws thousands of smoke and meat enthusiasts to Riverfront Park in North Charleston for a showcase of regional culinary talent. The Holy Smokes Low Country BBQ Festival transforms the waterfront venue into a barbecue lover's paradise featuring dozens of pit masters demonstrating their expertise with whole hog, brisket, ribs, and signature sauces. Festival-goers can sample various styles of Carolina barbecue while enjoying live blues and country music performances throughout the park's scenic grounds.

The family-friendly event includes interactive cooking demonstrations, a dedicated kids' zone with games and activities, and a craft beer garden featuring local South Carolina breweries. Local pit masters compete for top honors in multiple barbecue categories, with judges evaluating everything from smoke ring to tenderness. Beyond the competition, guests can explore artisan vendor booths selling specialty sauces, rubs, grilling equipment and locally-made crafts throughout the sprawling riverfront space.

Myrtle Beach Food Truck Festival: April

A coastal food celebration has emerged as one of South Carolina's premier spring events, drawing over 12,000 attendees to the former Myrtle Beach Mall site. The Myrtle Beach Food Truck Festival features more than 30 local and regional food trucks serving everything from fresh seafood and barbecue to gourmet grilled cheese and international cuisine. Popular vendors like Bangin' Vegan Eats, The Trojan Cow, and Carolina Flava bring their signature dishes while local craft breweries offer seasonal selections and wine vendors provide perfect pairings.

Live music keeps the energy high with performances from regional favorites like The Necessary Band and Gary Alexander. The oceanfront festival includes a dedicated kids' zone with face painting and bounce houses, while adults can enjoy cooking demonstrations from local chefs and participate in eating competitions. Special features include a wing eating contest, a food truck decorating competition, and an evening light show where the trucks illuminate their vehicles in creative displays.

Taste of the Town: October

The prestigious culinary celebration has earned its reputation as Myrtle Beach's most anticipated food festival by consistently delivering exceptional dining experiences. The Taste of the Town brings together more than 40 of the Grand Strand's finest restaurants under one roof at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Local chefs and restaurateurs transform their booths into miniature versions of their establishments, offering sample-sized portions of their signature dishes.

The festival features cooking demonstrations throughout the day, with local chefs sharing their techniques and secret recipes with eager audiences. Live entertainment fills the venue with energy as attendees move from booth to booth, sampling everything from fresh seafood to Carolina barbecue. The coveted "Best of the Best" awards highlight the evening, where restaurants compete for top honors in various categories as voted on by both judges and festival attendees.